Ford is recalling 741,195 trucks and SUVs in the United States over a transmission defect that can leave the parking mechanism unable to hold the vehicle after it has been shifted into P, creating a risk that it rolls away unattended.
The recall spans five nameplates across two brands: the Ford F-150 (2021 model year), Explorer (2020-2021) and Expedition (2018-2021), along with the Lincoln Aviator (2020-2021) and Navigator (2018-2021). The Expedition and Navigator share a body-on-frame platform, as do the Explorer and Aviator, which is why the same transmission fault turns up across both brands’ lineups.
Ford will have dealers apply a free software update to affected vehicles, then inspect the transmission’s parking mechanism and replace any damaged components at no cost to owners. Until repairs are completed, Ford is advising affected owners to always apply the parking brake when leaving the vehicle, since it can no longer be assumed that shifting into P alone will keep the vehicle stationary.
Owners of affected vehicles will be contacted directly by Ford with recall instructions and can also check their vehicle identification number through Ford or NHTSA to confirm whether their vehicle is included.
