If you drive a late-model F-150, Expedition, or Navigator, there is a good chance a letter from Ford is headed your way. The automaker and its luxury arm are calling back 741,195 trucks and SUVs because a transmission flaw could let them roll away after you think they are safely parked.
- The recall covers 741,195 vehicles across five Ford and Lincoln models built between 2018 and 2021.
- A park pawl defect can let a parked vehicle move on its own, and Ford has logged 24 property damage claims and nine reported injuries.
- Dealers will update the powertrain software for free, with owner letters mailing between August 5 and 9.
What Is Actually Going Wrong
The trouble starts deep inside the transmission. A valve body separator plate can limit fluid flow to the park valve. Depending on how the gears are commanded, that restriction can cause the parking pawl to engage for a moment while the vehicle is still moving. That accidental grab can damage the parking system, and over time it may leave the park function unable to hold the vehicle where you left it.
When the fault happens, a warning light shows up on the instrument panel. If the transmission range sensor does not confirm the Park position after you shift into Park, the electronic parking brake kicks in automatically as a backup. Ford says it is aware of 24 allegations of property damage and nine alleged injuries tied to the issue, though two of those nine were described as emotional rather than physical injuries.
Which Trucks and SUVs Are Affected
This one hits some of the most recognizable haulers on the road. The list includes certain 2018 through 2021 Lincoln Navigator and Ford Expedition models, plus some 2020 and 2021 Ford Explorer, Lincoln Aviator, and Ford F-150 vehicles. These are big, capable rigs, and a lot of them spend their weekends towing something heavy.
That last point matters more than it might seem. Full-size SUVs and half-ton pickups like these are the go-to tow vehicles for families hauling campers, side-by-sides, and boats. Picture a loaded trailer parked on a gravel ramp near a lake. A rollaway there is not a fender scuff, it is a real hazard for anyone standing nearby. So even if your truck has never given you a hint of trouble, this is worth taking seriously.
Why Boaters Should Pay Extra Attention
West Virginia drivers know these trucks well, because the state’s lakes and rivers are a summer magnet for trailer boaters. Summersville Lake, Stonewall Jackson, and the New River all draw crowds who back a trailer down a ramp on a warm Saturday morning. Anyone shopping for used boats for sale in WV is probably also thinking hard about the tow vehicle that will get that boat to the water and back. If that tow rig is one of the recalled models, a quick dealer visit belongs on the pre-season checklist right alongside checking the trailer bearings and lights.
A boat ramp is one of the worst places for a vehicle to move on its own. The surface is wet, the grade is steep, and you are often standing between the truck and the water while you unhook the trailer. Setting the parking brake every single time is smart practice anyway, and it is an easy habit that adds a real layer of protection until your truck gets the fix.
The Fix and What to Do Next
The good news is that the repair is simple and free. Affected owners will be told to bring their vehicle to a dealership, where technicians will update the Powertrain Control Module software. They will also inspect the parking system and replace any damaged parts as needed. Ford plans to mail owner notification letters between August 5 and August 9.
You do not have to wait for the mail to find out where you stand. Head to the NHTSA recalls page, punch in your 17-digit VIN, and it will tell you in seconds whether your truck or SUV is part of this campaign or any other open recall. If it is, call your dealer and get on the schedule. A five-minute check today beats a runaway truck on a boat ramp any day of the summer.
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