Ford Motor Company has announced a major safety recall affecting more than 741,000 vehicles across the United States after discovering a transmission-related defect that could allow certain vehicles to roll away even after being shifted into Park. The issue, which involves the transmission’s parking system, has prompted federal safety regulators to warn drivers about an increased risk of crashes and injuries if repairs are not completed.

According to the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the defect can damage critical transmission components, potentially preventing the vehicle from remaining securely parked if the parking brake is not applied. Ford will repair the issue free of charge by updating vehicle software and replacing damaged transmission parts where necessary.

Transmission Defect May Cause Vehicles to Roll Away

The recall centers on a defect involving the transmission’s parking pawl, a mechanical component designed to lock the transmission when the gear selector is placed in Park.

Federal regulators said certain vehicles may experience temporary engagement of the parking pawl while the vehicle is still moving during specific transmission shifts. Over time, this abnormal engagement can damage the transmission park system.

If the damage occurs, the transmission may no longer be able to securely hold the vehicle in Park. As a result, a parked vehicle could unexpectedly roll away if the parking brake is not engaged, significantly increasing the likelihood of crashes, injuries, or property damage.

Safety officials are urging owners to use their parking brake whenever parking the affected vehicles until recall repairs have been completed.

More Than 741,000 Ford and Lincoln Vehicles Affected

The recall affects 741,195 vehicles from Ford and its luxury Lincoln brand.

According to the NHTSA, the affected models include:

• 2018–2021 Ford Expedition
• 2018–2021 Lincoln Navigator
• 2020–2021 Ford Explorer
• 2020–2021 Lincoln Aviator
• 2021 Ford F-150

These vehicles were identified as having transmission software that could allow the damaging condition to occur under certain operating circumstances.

Owners are encouraged to confirm whether their specific vehicle is included by checking their Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) through Ford or the NHTSA recall database.

Ford Aware of Property Damage and Injury Reports

Federal documents indicate that Ford has already received reports linked to the transmission defect.

According to the recall notice, the automaker is aware of 24 allegations of property damage associated with the issue.

The company has also received nine reports of alleged injuries, including two claims involving emotional injuries connected to incidents related to unintended vehicle movement.

While regulators did not specify the severity of the reported injuries, the recall aims to prevent additional incidents before more serious accidents occur.

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Free Repairs Will Include Software Updates and Transmission Inspection

Ford says affected owners will receive notification letters instructing them to schedule appointments with authorized Ford or Lincoln dealerships.

As part of the recall, technicians will:

• Install the latest Powertrain Control Module (PCM) software update
• Inspect the transmission for any park system damage
• Replace damaged transmission components when necessary

All inspections, software updates, and replacement parts will be provided free of charge under the safety recall.

The software update is designed to prevent conditions that could damage the transmission parking system in the future.

Drivers Urged to Apply Parking Brake Until Repairs Are Completed

Although the affected vehicles remain operable, safety experts recommend drivers consistently engage the parking brake every time they park until recall repairs have been completed.

Using the parking brake provides an additional layer of protection should the transmission fail to fully secure the vehicle in Park.

Vehicle owners who experience unexpected movement after shifting into Park, unusual transmission behavior, or warning messages should contact their dealership immediately for inspection.

Separate Bronco Recall Also Announced

In addition to the transmission recall, Ford announced a separate recall involving approximately 36,000 Ford Bronco vehicles.

That recall addresses improperly secured fender flares, which could detach while driving and create road hazards for other motorists.

Dealers will inspect and repair or replace affected fender flares at no cost to owners.

One of Ford’s Largest Safety Recalls of 2026

The transmission recall ranks among Ford’s largest vehicle safety recalls this year and highlights the continued importance of addressing mechanical defects before they lead to serious roadway incidents.

The NHTSA continues to monitor recall compliance while encouraging affected owners to schedule repairs promptly. With hundreds of thousands of vehicles involved, officials stress that completing the free repair as soon as possible is the best way to reduce the risk of unintended vehicle movement and improve overall road safety.

Ford owners seeking additional information can contact Ford customer service or use the NHTSA’s online recall lookup tool to determine whether their vehicle is included in the recall campaign.

FAQ

Why is Ford recalling more than 741,000 vehicles?

Ford is recalling 741,195 vehicles because a transmission defect may damage the park system, potentially allowing vehicles to roll away after being shifted into Park if the parking brake is not applied.

Which Ford vehicles are included in the recall?

The recall includes certain:

• 2018–2021 Ford Expedition
• 2018–2021 Lincoln Navigator
• 2020–2021 Ford Explorer
• 2020–2021 Lincoln Aviator
• 2021 Ford F-150

What is the transmission park system issue?

The issue involves temporary engagement of the transmission parking pawl while the vehicle is moving during certain gear shifts. This can damage internal park system components, reducing the transmission’s ability to hold the vehicle in Park.

What is a transmission parking pawl?

A parking pawl is a mechanical component inside an automatic transmission that locks the transmission when the gear selector is placed in Park, preventing the vehicle from rolling.

What are the risks associated with this defect?

If the transmission park system becomes damaged, the vehicle may roll away after being shifted into Park if the parking brake is not engaged, increasing the risk of crashes, injuries, or property damage.

Has anyone been injured because of the defect?

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), Ford is aware of:

• 24 reports of property damage
• 9 alleged injuries, including two reports involving emotional injuries

How will Ford fix the problem?

Ford dealers will:

• Update the vehicle’s Powertrain Control Module software
• Inspect the transmission for park system damage
• Replace damaged transmission components if necessary

All repairs will be performed free of charge.

Will owners have to pay for repairs?

No. All recall repairs, inspections, software updates, and necessary component replacements will be provided free under the safety recall.

How will owners know if their vehicle is affected?

Ford will notify affected owners by mail. Drivers can also check their vehicle identification number (VIN) on Ford’s recall website or the NHTSA recall lookup tool.

Can I continue driving my recalled Ford vehicle?

Owners should follow Ford’s instructions and schedule the recall repair as soon as possible. Until repairs are completed, drivers are advised to always apply the parking brake whenever parking to reduce the risk of unintended vehicle movement.

Is this Ford’s only recall announced today?

No. Ford also announced a separate recall affecting approximately 36,000 Bronco vehicles due to improperly secured fender flares that could detach and create road hazards.

How do I check if my Ford is under recall?

You can:

• Visit Ford’s official recall website.
• Use the NHTSA VIN lookup tool.
• Contact your local Ford or Lincoln dealership.

What should I do if I experience transmission problems?

If your vehicle unexpectedly moves after being placed in Park, displays transmission warnings, or behaves abnormally, contact a Ford dealer immediately and arrange for an inspection under the recall.

Why is this recall significant?

With more than 741,000 vehicles affected, it is one of Ford’s largest safety recalls of 2026 and highlights the importance of addressing transmission-related defects before they lead to serious crashes or injuries.