Image Credit: FordFord has announced a major safety recall affecting more than 741,000 vehicles across its Ford and Lincoln brands. The campaign covers a range of popular SUVs and pickup trucks equipped with certain automatic transmissions.Documents filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) show that the issue involves the transmission's parking system. In some cases, damage can occur that may prevent the vehicle from remaining securely in Park.If the problem develops, an affected vehicle could roll away after being parked, increasing the risk of a crash or injury. Ford says warning signs may appear before the parking system is compromised.AdvertisementAdvertisementThe automaker will repair affected vehicles free of charge by updating transmission control software and inspecting the parking system for damage. Owners will be notified by mail once the recall campaign begins.What Caused The Recall?The recall stems from a valve body separator plate inside the transmission that may restrict hydraulic fluid flow to the park valve.Under certain driving conditions, this can allow the parking pawl to briefly engage while the vehicle is still moving. Although the driver may not immediately notice the event, it can damage the parking mechanism over time and reduce its ability to hold the vehicle in Park.Which Vehicles Are Affected?Image Credit: FordThe recall covers certain examples of the following models:AdvertisementAdvertisement2018–2021 Ford Expedition2018–2021 Lincoln Navigator2020–2021 Ford Explorer2020–2021 Lincoln AviatorCertain 2021 Ford F-150 pickupsFord notes that not every vehicle from these model years is included. Owners should check their Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) through Ford or the NHTSA recall database to confirm whether their vehicle is affected.Warning Signs To Watch ForDrivers may receive an instrument cluster warning if the transmission cannot properly confirm that the vehicle has been shifted into Park.The electronic parking brake may also apply automatically if the transmission range sensor does not detect the correct position. The NHTSA documents state that Ford is aware of 24 reports of property damage and nine reported injuries potentially linked to the issue, although two of those injury reports were classified as emotional injuries rather than physical injuries.Free Repairs AvailableImage Credit: HJUdall - Own work, CC0/Wiki Commons.Ford dealers will update the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) software at no cost to owners. The updated calibration is designed to prevent transmission commands that could damage the parking system.AdvertisementAdvertisementDealers will also inspect affected vehicles for damage to the parking mechanism and replace any necessary components free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed between August 5 and August 9, 2026. Until repairs are completed, owners are encouraged to use the parking brake whenever leaving their vehicle parked.If you want more stories like this, follow Guessing Headlights on Yahoo so you don't miss what's coming next.
