DETROIT (WWJ/AP) Ford is recalling more than 741,000 trucks and SUVs nationwide over a transmission issue that may ultimately cause the vehicle to not stay properly parked, increasing the risk of crash or injury.
The recall includes Ford F-150, Lincoln Aviator, Ford Explorer, Lincoln Navigator and Ford Expedition vehicles with model years between 2018 and 2021.
A National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration (NHTSA) report says affected vehicles may have a temporary engagement of their transmission parking pawl while in motion, when certain shifts are commanded by the transmission. This can damage park system components.
The damage could result in the vehicle failing to stay parked if the driver relies solely on putting it in its “park position.” This could increase the risk of crash or injury, according to the report.
According to the NHTSA, Ford knows of 24 allegations of property damage and seven physical injuries related to the issue.
Ford says it will notify owners by mail and tell them to take their vehicle to a Ford or Lincoln dealer to have the Powertrain Control mode updated to the latest software. Dealers will inspect the vehicle’s transmission for park system damage and replace damaged transmission components, all at no cost to the owner.
Vehicle owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332 or the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 for more information.
