Ford Issues Massive Recall Over Parking Gear Flaw Affecting Over 740,000 Vehicles

Ford Motor Company has announced a recall affecting approximately 741,000 vehicles due to a defect that could prevent the transmission from staying in park. The issue, which involves a faulty bushing on the shift cable, may allow the gear selector to indicate “Park” when the transmission is not actually locked.

This raises the risk of unintended vehicle movement, potentially leading to accidents or injuries.

The recall covers a broad range of models from the 2013 through 2019 model years, including popular sedans, SUVs, and trucks. Affected vehicles include the Ford Escape, Explorer, F-150, and Lincoln MKZ, among others. Ford says the problem stems from a missing or damaged shift cable bushing, which can degrade over time due to heat and wear.

Drivers may notice the gear shift feels loose or does not click into place properly.

Ford will notify owners starting next month and will replace the defective bushing at no cost. In the meantime, the company advises drivers to always engage the parking brake before exiting the vehicle, even if the gear shift indicates Park. Owners can check if their vehicle is included by visiting the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s website or contacting their local Ford dealer.

This marks one of the largest recalls Ford has issued this year.