Ford recalls 777,000+ US vehicles for safety issues

Ford (F) is recalling 741,195 vehicles in the United States due to a transmission defect that can damage the vehicles' park system and increase the risk of rollaway incidents. The issue affects vehicles equipped with 10R80 transmissions and park-by-wire functionality, where the mechanism that engages park can be compromised.

The models included are select Lincoln Navigator and Lincoln Expedition vehicles from model years 2018 through 2021, Ford (F) Explorer and Lincoln Aviator vehicles from model years 2020 and 2021, and Ford F-150 trucks from model year 2021. Only vehicles with the specified transmission and park-by-wire systems are covered by this action.

The defect can prevent the park system from functioning correctly, raising the possibility that a vehicle may move unintentionally after the driver believes it is securely in park. This creates a heightened safety risk, particularly when vehicles are parked on inclines or in close proximity to people or property.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has recorded 24 allegations of property damage associated with the park-system problem. In addition, there are nine alleged injuries reported in connection with the same issue.

These reports are tied to the broader safety concern that the park-by-wire system may not reliably hold vehicles stationary. The allegations underscore the potential severity of failures in a core safety function such as vehicle parking.

To address the defect, dealers will perform a software update, including updates to the powertrain control module, on the affected vehicles. They will also inspect the transmissions for any damage to park-system components.

If damage is found, dealers will replace the affected transmission components at no cost to owners. Owners of recalled vehicles will receive mailed notifications instructing them to bring their vehicles to a Ford or Lincoln dealer for the remedy.

All repair, inspection, and software update work related to the recall will be performed free of charge, reflecting standard practice for safety recalls involving critical systems.

In a separate recall, Ford is addressing an issue on 36,046 Bronco vehicles from model years 2022 through 2026. On these vehicles, improperly secured fender flares may detach from the body during use.

Dealers will inspect the Bronco fender flares and repair or replace them as needed, also at no cost to owners. This action focuses on exterior body components rather than drivetrain or park-system hardware, but it is part of the same round of safety notices.