DETROIT — Ford Motor Co. is recalling 741,195 vehicles in the United States over a transmission defect that can damage the park system and increase the risk of rollaways, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said on Tuesday.
The recall affects certain 2018-2021 Lincoln Navigator and Ford Expedition models, 2020-2021 Ford Explorer and Lincoln Aviator vehicles, and certain 2021 Ford F-150 pickups equipped with 10R80 transmissions and park-by-wire functionality, NHTSA said in a recall report.
According to the regulator, the defect involves a transmission valve body separator plate that can restrict fluid flow to the park valve. This may allow temporary engagement of the transmission parking pawl while the vehicle is in motion during certain shifts, potentially damaging park system components.
If the park system is damaged, the vehicle may not remain securely in park when the parking brake is not applied, raising the risk of unintended movement, a crash or injury, NHTSA said.
Ford estimates the defect affects about 1% of the recalled vehicles. The company is aware of 24 property damage claims and nine alleged injuries related to the issue, with no confirmed crashes, according to reports citing the filing.
Owners will be notified by mail and directed to take their vehicles to a Ford or Lincoln dealer for a free Powertrain Control Module software update. Dealers will also inspect the transmission for damage and replace any affected components as needed.
Ford advised owners to use the parking brake until the recall remedy is completed.
The recall comes as regulators and automakers continue to address safety issues in popular truck and SUV models. Affected vehicle owners can contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332 or NHTSA's Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236.
This is a developing story. Further details on the recall remedy timeline and additional affected vehicles may emerge.
