by Ford recalls more than 741,000 vehicles due to risk of unintended movement
Ford service centers will have a busy summer and fall. The automaker announced two new recalls in the US, the largest of which covers nearly 750,000 SUVs and pickup trucks due to a transmission defect that could increase the risk of the vehicle moving on its own after parking.
This comes somewhat untimely, just days after Ford was named the best mass-market brand in the latest JD Power Initial Quality Study. The company called the award proof that it had become the “gold standard of new car quality.”
Which models are affected by the recall?
The large recall involves the 2021 Ford F-150, the 2020-2021 Ford Explorer and Lincoln Aviator, and the 2018-2021 Ford Expedition and Lincoln Navigator. In total, this concerns 741,195 vehicles, making it one of Ford’s largest recalls this year.
Cause of the defect
According to Ford, certain gear shifts can temporarily activate the parking mechanism while the vehicle is still moving, due to insufficient fluid flow to the parking valve. This can damage the transmission’s parking system, preventing it from reliably holding the vehicle in the “Park” position if the electronic parking brake is not engaged. In such a situation, the vehicle could move unintentionally, increasing the risk of a crash. A sign of a possible problem is the appearance of a wrench-shaped warning light on the dashboard.
Ford also notes that the electronic parking brake should automatically engage if the transmission does not reach the “Park” position. However, the company’s engineers determined that this safeguard may not always detect vehicle movement after the powertrain control module goes into sleep mode.
How is the problem being fixed?
The remedy involves updating the powertrain control module software to prevent problematic gear shifts. Dealers will also inspect affected transmissions for damage to the parking system and replace damaged components free of charge. Ford reports 24 cases of property damage and nine possible injuries related to this issue.
Ford Bronco Raptor recall over fender flares
A smaller recall was also announced this week, affecting 36,046 Ford Bronco Raptor vehicles from the 2022-2026 model years. In these SUVs, improperly manufactured mounting holes and residual burrs or fibers may prevent the wheel arch flares from being securely fastened during assembly. As a result, these components can loosen and detach over time, creating a road hazard for other drivers.
The issue dates back to January 13, 2026, when Ford received a warranty claim for a 2026 Bronco Raptor whose front right wheel arch flare fell off while driving. These components are designed to be removed off-road, but poor assembly quality can cause them to detach on their own. As of June 5, Ford had counted 409 reports of the problem related to 352 unique VINs, with no accidents or injuries.
Owners may notice gaps or sagging around the flares or hear knocking and wind noise at high speeds before a component falls off. Dealers will inspect the flares, replace retaining pins if necessary, repair loosened components, or install new ones if any are missing.
These two recalls, though different in scale, demonstrate that even after quality recognition, the manufacturer faces technical challenges. The first recall, related to the transmission, is more serious due to the risk of accidents and injuries, while the second, though less critical, can still pose a danger to other road users due to components falling off. Importantly, Ford already has solutions for both problems, and owners of affected vehicles should contact dealers for free repairs. This also serves as a reminder that even the best brands can have flaws, and timely response to them is key for safety.
