The recall covers more than 741,000 vehicles produced between 2018 and 2021, including several Ford and Lincoln models. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), dealers will inspect affected vehicles, update their software and replace damaged transmission components where necessary at no cost to owners.
The action follows an investigation into reports of vehicles moving after being shifted into Park. Ford has also acknowledged allegations of property damage and injuries connected to the defect, although the company has identified a specific technical cause and outlined a repair programme.
Transmission Defect Affects Multiple Ford and Lincoln Models
According to the NHTSA safety recall report, the recall applies to 741,195 vehicles in the United States. The affected models include certain 2021 Ford F-150 pickups, 2020-2021 Ford Explorer and Lincoln Aviator SUVs, and 2018-2021 Ford Expedition and Lincoln Navigator SUVs.
The agency said affected vehicles may temporarily engage the transmission parking pawl while the vehicle is still moving during certain gear shifts. This can damage components within the transmission’s parking system.
If damage occurs, the transmission may no longer be able to keep the vehicle stationary after Park is selected unless the parking brake is applied. The NHTSA said unintended vehicle movement while in Park increases the risk of a crash or injury.
The recall report identifies the cause as a transmission valve body separator plate that may restrict fluid flow to the park valve. This can allow temporary engagement of the parking mechanism while the vehicle remains in motion.
Drivers may receive a wrench warning light in the instrument panel. According to the NHTSA, the electronic parking brake may also apply automatically if the transmission range sensor does not reach the Park position after Park has been selected.
Ford Outlines Inspection and Repair Program
Ford said owners will be notified by mail and instructed to take their vehicles to a Ford or Lincoln dealership. Dealers will update the Powertrain Control Module software to the latest version, inspect the transmission for any damage to the parking system and replace damaged components if required, with all work carried out free of charge.
According to Ford’s submission to the NHTSA, the updated software prevents the transmission from commanding the gear shifts that may trigger temporary engagement of the parking pawl while the vehicle is moving.
The recall follows an investigation that began after the NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation contacted Ford in April 2026 regarding reports of vehicles moving after being shifted into Park or experiencing other parking-related transmission issues. Ford subsequently reviewed warranty claims, diagnostic information and production records before identifying vehicles equipped with the separator plate design linked to the condition.
As of 20 May 2026, Ford had identified 220 company reports in North America involving Explorer and Aviator models and 62 reports involving Expedition and Navigator vehicles that were potentially related to vehicle movement while in Park. The company is aware of 24 allegations of property damage and nine alleged injuries associated with the issue, including two claims involving emotional injuries.
Dealer notifications were scheduled to begin in late June 2026, while interim owner notification letters are expected to be mailed between 3 and 7 August 2026. Remedy notification letters are planned to be issued in phases during the second quarter of 2027, according to the NHTSA recall schedule.
