Image Credit: photo-denver/Shutterstock.Ford has recalled 741,195 vehicles over a defect that could allow them to move despite being shifted into park if the parking brake is not engaged.According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the American automaker faces property damage allegations due to an issue that has affected multiple models.In addition, Ford has received multiple reports of injuries due to the issue with the park mode.AdvertisementAdvertisementFord's recall will address the issue through a software update, but some transmission components may need to be changed in case of damage.Nature of the Issue and Root CauseImage Credit: photo-denver/Shutterstock.As per the NHTSA recall report, five models have been affected by the problem related to the park mode. They are:2021 Ford F-150 (82,570 units)2020-2021 Lincoln Aviator (40,197 units)2020-2021 Ford Explorer (313,147 units)2018-2021 Lincoln Navigator (59,079 units)2018-2021 Ford Expedition (246,202 units)Revealing the exact nature of the defect, the NHTSA stated:"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, potentially damaging park system components."AdvertisementAdvertisementThe source of the issue has been identified. The report added:"The vehicle's transmission valve body separator plate may limit flow to the park valve causing temporary park pawl engagement when certain shifts are commanded."Damaged park system components may then fail to hold the vehicle in park. The report read:"In the event of transmission park system damage, the ability of the transmission park feature to hold the vehicle if the parking brake is not applied may be affected. Unintended movement in Park increases the risk of a crash or injury."The NHTSA brought the issue to Ford's attention on April 6, 2026, after multiple owners reported in questionnaires that their vehicles moved even while in park mode. It stated:AdvertisementAdvertisement"NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) contacted Ford regarding eleven (11) Vehicle Owner Questionnaires (VOQs) on nine (9) vehicles reporting vehicle moves after shifting to Park, unable to shift into Park, vehicle stuck in Park, or vehicle moves with brake applied on 2020 Model Year (MY) Explorer and Aviator vehicles. On April 14, 2026, Ford's Critical Concern Review Group (CCRG) opened an investigation into this concern."The CCRG found that in some cases, the vehicle may roll while in park due to an issue with the Powertrain Control Module (PCM). The report explained:"The CCRG's investigation determined that while all affected vehicles have "roll away detection", which will automatically apply the EPB if vehicle movement is detected while the vehicle is in Park, the vehicle's Powertrain Control Module (PCM) may not be awake in some instances after the vehicle has been powered down after a period of time and unable to detect movement."Ford confirmed that it was aware of "24 allegations of property damage" and "9 alleged injuries" (including two emotional injuries) related to the issue.Remedy Program for Affected CustomersFord customers who own any of the affected vehicles are advised to watch for a wrench light in the instrument panel cluster if the issue occurs.AdvertisementAdvertisement"The vehicle's Electronic Parking Brake will automatically apply in the event the vehicle's transmission range sensor does not reach the park position when Park is commanded," the report stated.Affected customers will be notified by mail and will be instructed to take their vehicle to a Ford or Lincoln dealer. There, the PCM software will be updated.In addition, dealers will inspect the vehicle's transmission for any damage to the park system and replace any damaged components. The customers will not be charged for the service.Regarding the notification schedule, the report stated:"Notification to dealers is expected to occur on June 26, 2026. Mailing of interim owner notification letters is expected to begin August 3, 2026, and is expected to be completed by August 7, 2026. Mailing of remedy owner notification letters is expected to take place in phases throughout the second quarter of 2027. The date VINs are planned to be searchable is June 26, 2026."