Ford is recalling 741,195 vehicles after federal safety regulators warned that a transmission issue could damage park system components and allow some vehicles to roll away if the parking brake is not set.
The recall covers certain Ford F-150, Ford Explorer, Ford Expedition, Lincoln Aviator and Lincoln Navigator vehicles from model years 2018 through 2021, according to a National Highway Traffic Safety Administration report cited by ABC News.
What Regulators Say Can Go Wrong
According to the NHTSA report, affected vehicles may “experience temporary engagement of their transmission parking pawl while the vehicle is in motion when certain shifts are commanded by the transmission.” Regulators said that condition could damage parts of the park system.
If the park system is damaged, a vehicle placed in park could move when the parking brake is not applied. The NHTSA said that could increase the risk of crashes and injuries.
Ford is aware of 24 property damage claims and nine alleged injuries, according to the report. Two of the alleged injuries were described as emotional injuries.
What Owners Should Expect
Vehicle owners will be notified by mail. Dealers will update the vehicle’s Powertrain Control Module and inspect the parking system for damage, according to the recall information. Damaged components will be replaced at no charge.
Owners can contact Ford at 1-866-436-7332 or call the NHTSA Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236. Ford also provides an online recall lookup tool where owners can check whether their vehicle is affected.
Another Ford Safety Action
The recall follows other recent Ford safety actions. In January, Ford recalled about 119,000 vehicles over an engine block heater problem, according to CBS News. Last year, Ford also recalled more than 100,000 F-150 pickups because axle hub bolts could break, Reuters reported.
