If You Own a Ford, Your Parking System May Not Be OK

Ford is recalling more than 741,000 vehicles in the United States due to a transmission issue that may damage the park system, which could increase the risk of a crash or injury. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said in a report that the recall includes certain Ford F-150, Lincoln Aviator, Ford Explorer, Lincoln Navigator, and Ford Expedition vehicles with model years between 2018 and 2021, per the AP. The report states that impacted vehicles may experience temporary engagement of their transmission parking pawl while the vehicle is in motion when certain shifts are commanded by the transmission, potentially damaging park system components.

If transmission park system damage occurs, the ability of the transmission park feature to hold the vehicle if the parking brake isn't applied may be affected. Unintended movement in "park" increases the risk of a crash or injury, according to the report. The NHTSA said that Ford is aware of 24 allegations of property damage and nine alleged injuries, with two of those being allegations of emotional injuries, related to the issue.

Vehicle owners will be notified by mail and told to take their vehicle to a Ford or Lincoln dealer to have their vehicle's powertrain control module updated to the latest-level software. Dealers will also inspect the vehicle's transmission for park system damage and replace damaged transmission components as needed. There will be no charge for the service. Vehicle owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332 or the NHTSA's Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 for more information.