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Ford Recalls 741K Vehicles Over Faulty Park Transmission

7/1/2026

Summary

Ford Recall

Ford is recalling 741,195 vehicles because a transmission defect may prevent them from staying in park.
The recall covers Expedition and Navigator SUVs (2018–2021), Explorer and Aviator SUVs (2020–2021), and F-150 pickups (2021) with 10-speed automatic transmissions.
The defect can cause the parking pawl to engage while the vehicle moves, affecting 1% of recalled units.
Dealers will update the control module software and replace damaged park-system parts at no charge.

Summary

Ford Recall Record

Ford recorded over 150 safety recalls in 2025, nearly double GM’s 2014 record of 77.
The surge stems from Ford’s aggressive early-detection and fixing strategy.
Although the recalls strained Ford’s balance sheet, the firm led JD Power’s 2025 Initial Quality Study for mass-market brands.
Ford has more than doubled its safety-and-technical-expert team in two years and expanded testing of powertrains, steering and braking.

Summary

Ford Recall

On June 30 2026, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration announced that Ford is recalling 741,195 vehicles for a transmission defect.
The agency also issued a simultaneous recall of 36,046 Bronco SUVs because their fender flares are improperly secured.
Dealers must apply the software update, inspect, and replace faulty parts at no cost to owners, per NHTSA.

History

Historical Context

In September 1971 Ford launched the Pinto, whose rear-mounted fuel tank prompted complaints that Ralph Nader and the Center for Auto Safety pushed NHTSA to investigate. After NHTSA’s May 8 1978 defect finding, Ford voluntarily recalled 1.5 million Pintos and Mercury Bobcats on June 9 1978, then the largest recall. The 2026 order for Ford to repair a transmission parking-pawl defect in 741,195 vehicles echoes that precedent.

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Ford Recall

Ford is recalling 741,195 vehicles because a transmission defect may prevent them from staying in park.
The recall covers Expedition and Navigator SUVs (2018–2021), Explorer and Aviator SUVs (2020–2021), and F-150 pickups (2021) with 10-speed automatic transmissions.
The defect can cause the parking pawl to engage while the vehicle moves, affecting 1% of recalled units.
Dealers will update the control module software and replace damaged park-system parts at no charge.

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