2016 AM GENERAL MV-1 Complaints

For approximately 3 years, this vehicle has experienced repeated unintended transmission downshifts at freeway speeds without warning or driver input. The vehicle can suddenly and violently downshift at highway speed, creating a serious risk of loss of control, skidding, rear impact, or crash. This defect appears substantially similar to Ford recall 26S28 / NHTSA campaign 26V237, which covers certain 2015-2017 Ford F-150 vehicles for unexpected downshifts caused by loss of signal between the transmission range sensor and the powertrain control module. Ford reported that this condition can cause the transmission to unexpectedly downshift and create a loss-of-control hazard. (NHTSA?) My vehicle appears to use the same Ford-based engine, transmission, and control architecture family and is exhibiting the same dangerous fault pattern. Diagnostic scans show PCM code P0720 and P0722. Freeze-frame data captured the transmission commanded in 3rd gear with turbine shaft speed present at 1041 rpm, but output shaft speed at 0 rpm. This indicates loss of the output shaft speed signal while driving. The transmission tag reads CK4P-7000-FB. The likely fault area is the output shaft speed sensor circuit, internal transmission lead frame, internal harness, connector, or related transmission signal path. We contacted Mobility Ventures, but they have not meaningfully responded or helped resolve the defect. We also contacted a local Ford dealer, and they stated they do not know how to handle or repair this defect on this vehicle. Based on the same dangerous symptom, same Ford-origin driveline family, and same sensor-signal failure pattern, this vehicle should be evaluated for inclusion in, or equivalent treatment consistent with, Ford recall 26S28 / NHTSA 26V237.