Ford Motor Company is recalling approximately 1.4 million F-150 pickup trucks due to a gearshift issue that poses safety risks to drivers, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

The recall affects F-150 vehicles equipped with six-speed automatic transmissions that were manufactured between March 12, 2014, and August 18, 2017. The specific number of affected vehicles ranges up to 1.39 million units, according to regulatory filings.

The safety concern centers on the risk of unexpected downshifting while the vehicle is in operation. This sudden change in transmission behavior can lead to a loss of vehicle control, potentially creating dangerous driving conditions for operators and other road users.

The F-150 is one of Ford's most popular and best-selling vehicle models, making this recall significant in scope. The affected timeframe covers more than three years of production, indicating the issue may have persisted across multiple model years.

Ford has not yet provided details about the specific cause of the gearshift malfunction or the proposed fix for affected vehicles. Vehicle owners can expect to receive notification from Ford regarding next steps for addressing the safety issue.