Ford has announced a major safety recall affecting approximately 741,000 vehicles in the United States. The recall is for an issue with the transmission control module that can harm the vehicle’s park system. If this occurs, the transmission may not properly stay in Park and the vehicle may roll away unexpectedly. The problem raises the likelihood of accidents, injuries and property damage. Owners of certain Ford and Lincoln vehicles are urged to check their vehicle’s status immediately and schedule a free repair if their vehicle is part of the recall.
Which Vehicles Are Included in the Ford Recall?
The recall includes select model year 2018 through 2021 vehicles. The affected models are the Ford Explorer, Ford Expedition and Ford F-150, as well as the Lincoln Navigator and Aviator. Not all of these model year vehicles are included in the recall, so owners should check their individual vehicle, not assume their vehicle is included. Ford is working with dealers across the country to reach out to owners and fix the vehicles for free.
Why Is Ford Recalling These Vehicles?
Ford said the transmission control module could fail in a way that damages the park system. This can cause the transmission to not fully engage the Park gear even when the driver moves the shift into that position. If you don’t set the parking brake, the vehicle may move unexpectedly after being parked. Ford is recalling the vehicles to fix the problem before it causes accidents or injuries and to enhance overall vehicle safety.
Find Your VIN: First you will need to find your 17 digit Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) to check your vehicle. In order to check for any open recalls on your vehicle we need your vehicle’s unique number. Your VIN can be found on the lower driver’s side of the dashboard next to the windscreen, inside the driver’s side door jamb or on your vehicle registration and insurance paperwork. Please make sure you enter the VIN exactly as it is shown.
Check the NHTSA Database: After you have your VIN, go to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Recall Lookup tool. Search by your 17-digit VIN number to see if your vehicle is affected by any safety recalls in effect. The database is always being updated with accurate information on open recalls so owners can make decisions about whether immediate action is needed.
Check the Ford Database: You can also search for your vehicle on Ford’s official Recall Support site. Just enter your VIN to see if your vehicle is part of an active recall. If so, the website will break down the repair process and what to expect when scheduling service at an authorised Ford dealership.
What Should You Do If Your Vehicle Is Recalled?
If your vehicle is part of the recall, please contact your local Ford dealership right away to set up an appointment for repairs. Remember repairs are free of charge to you and may include a software update or replacement of affected parts based on your vehicle. Your vehicle may appear to be operating normally but the best way to minimise the risk of an unexpected rollaway and protect you, your passengers and others on the road is to have the recall performed as soon as possible.
Nishant Parasar is an automobile writer covering the latest updates, trends, and developments in the automotive industry. His reporting focuses on cars, bikes, vehicle technology, auto market news, and practical information for everyday drivers.