Ford Motor Company is issuing a safety recall for select 2011-’13 Ford F-150 vehicles with six-speed automatic transmission shift issues. The vehicles in question may experience an intermittent loss of the transmission output speed sensor signal to the powertrain control module, potentially resulting in a temporary, unintended downshift into first gear, according to Ford. Depending on vehicle speed, a downshift to first gear without warning could result in a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.

Ford is aware of five reports of accidents, including one report of whiplash potentially related to this condition, according to the company.

This action affects approximately 1.48 million vehicles in North America, including approximately 1.26 million in the U.S., and approximately 221,000 in Canada.

Affected 2011-13 F-150 vehicles were built at Dearborn Assembly Plant, from April 28, 2010, to Oct. 28, 2013, and at the Kansas City Assembly Plant from May 18, 2010 to Nov. 18, 2013.

Dealers will update the powertrain control module software in the affected vehicles. The Ford reference number for this recall is 19S07.