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Ford is recalling more than 741,000 vehicles across the U.S. after a transmission defect that can damage the parking system and increase the risk of a vehicle rolling away was linked to 24 allegations of property damage and nine alleged injuries.
The recall affects 741,195 vehicles, including certain 2018-2021 Ford Expedition and Lincoln Navigator SUVs, 2020-2021 Ford Explorer and Lincoln Aviator SUVs, and 2021 Ford F-150 pickups, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
The agency said the vehicles may experience a transmission problem during certain shifts while in motion that can damage the transmission’s parking mechanism.
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If that happens, the transmission may no longer hold the vehicle in place after it is shifted into “Park” unless the parking brake is applied, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.
Ford said the issue stems from a transmission valve body separator plate that can restrict fluid flow to the park valve, allowing the parking mechanism to briefly engage while the vehicle is still moving. Drivers may notice a wrench warning light, and in some cases the electronic parking brake may automatically engage.
| Ticker | Security | Last | Change | Change % |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| F | FORD MOTOR CO. | 13.91 | -0.12 | -0.89% |
Ford said the reported incidents include two allegations involving emotional injuries.
To address the issue, dealers will update the vehicle’s powertrain control module software, inspect the transmission for damage and replace any damaged components free of charge.
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Ford expects to begin mailing interim notification letters to owners on Aug. 3.
A permanent repair is not expected to be available until April 2027, when the company plans to begin notifying owners that the remedy is available.
The recall is the latest in a string of safety actions that have put Ford under increased scrutiny in recent years.
In 2025, the automaker set a record for the most recalls issued by a single manufacturer in a single year, topping 150 safety recalls — nearly double the previous record of 77 set by General Motors in 2014.
Ford said the increase reflected a more aggressive strategy of identifying and addressing potential safety issues before they result in major incidents or widespread complaints.
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“The increase in recalls reflects our intensive strategy to quickly find and fix hardware and software issues and go the extra mile to help protect customers,” the company said in a 2025 statement. “Ford has more than doubled its team of safety and technical experts in the past two years and significantly increased testing for failure on critical systems in current Ford vehicles such as powertrains, steering and braking.”
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Between 2020 and 2026, nearly every Ford model was recalled at least once, from SUVs and pickups to commercial vans and the Mustang. The lone exception was the Ford GT supercar, which was discontinued after the 2022 model year.
FOX Business has reached out to Ford for comment on the recall and will update this story if a response is received.
Owners with questions can contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332 or the NHTSA Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236.
FOX Business’ Bonny Chu contributed to this report.
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