Ford and Lincoln Recall 741,195 Trucks and SUVs Due to Rollaway Risk

Key Takeaways

• Ford and Lincoln are recalling 741,195 trucks and SUVs due to a potential rollaway risk.
• The recall affects certain 2018–2021 Lincoln Navigator and Ford Expedition models, as well as some 2020–2021 Ford Explorer, Lincoln Aviator, and Ford F-150 models.
• The issue stems from a faulty parking pawl that may engage while the car is moving, allowing a future rollaway.
• A valve body separator plate in the transmission may limit flow to the park valve, causing the parking pawl to temporarily engage while the car is moving.
• Ford will notify affected owners and instruct them to bring their car to a dealership for a software update and inspection of the parking system.

What is the Cause of the Recall?

In my experience, a faulty parking pawl can be a serious safety concern, and in this case, it’s the primary cause of the recall. According to the recall documents, a valve body separator plate in the transmission may limit flow to the park valve, which can cause the parking pawl to temporarily engage while the car is moving.

This can lead to accidental braking, which can damage the parking system and potentially result in the parking brake not working correctly. It’s essential for affected owners to have their vehicle’s Powertrain Control Module (PCM) software updated to prevent this issue.

Which Vehicles are Affected by the Recall?

The recall affects certain 2018–2021 Lincoln Navigator and Ford Expedition models, as well as some 2020–2021 Ford Explorer, Lincoln Aviator, and Ford F-150 models. This is a significant recall, with 741,195 vehicles affected across the two brands.

It’s essential for owners of these vehicles to check if their car is included in the recall by visiting the NHTSA website or contacting their local dealership.

What are the Symptoms of the Faulty Parking Pawl?

If the issue with the parking pawl does occur, a warning light will appear on the instrument panel, and the electronic parking brake will be applied automatically if the car’s transmission range sensor does not reach the park position when shifted into Park.

In some cases, the faulty parking pawl may cause accidental braking, which can damage the parking system. It’s crucial for owners to be aware of these symptoms and take action if they experience any issues with their vehicle.

How Will Ford Address the Recall?

Ford will notify affected owners by mail and instruct them to bring their car to a dealership to have the vehicle’s Powertrain Control Module (PCM) software updated. The dealer technicians will also inspect and replace any damaged parking systems as needed.

Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed between August 5 and August 9. It’s essential for owners to follow the instructions provided by Ford to ensure their vehicle is repaired correctly.

What Should Owners Do Next?

If you’re an owner of an affected vehicle, it’s essential to check if your car is included in the recall by visiting the NHTSA website or contacting your local dealership. You should also be aware of the symptoms of the faulty parking pawl and take action if you experience any issues with your vehicle.

Once you’ve confirmed that your vehicle is affected, follow the instructions provided by Ford to have your car repaired. This will ensure your safety on the road and prevent any potential accidents.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How many vehicles are affected by the recall?

A: 741,195 vehicles are affected by the recall, including certain 2018–2021 Lincoln Navigator and Ford Expedition models, as well as some 2020–2021 Ford Explorer, Lincoln Aviator, and Ford F-150 models.

Q: What is the cause of the recall?

A: The recall is caused by a faulty parking pawl that may engage while the car is moving, allowing a future rollaway.

Q: How will Ford address the recall?

A: Ford will notify affected owners by mail and instruct them to bring their car to a dealership to have the vehicle’s Powertrain Control Module (PCM) software updated. The dealer technicians will also inspect and replace any damaged parking systems as needed.