Ford is facing another major safety recall involving more than 741,000 Ford and Lincoln vehicles that may not remain securely parked because of a transmission park system defect.
The recall covers 741,195 vehicles in the United States, according to a National Highway Traffic Safety Administration safety recall report submitted by Ford.
The affected vehicles include certain 2018 to 2021 Ford Expedition and Lincoln Navigator SUVs, 2020 to 2021 Ford Explorer and Lincoln Aviator SUVs, and 2021 Ford F-150 pickups built with park-by-wire systems and specific 10-speed transmissions. Ford estimates that about 1% of them may have the defect.
What makes this recall serious
At the center of the recall is a park system problem that could allow a vehicle to move even after the driver believes it is in Park. In everyday terms, that means a parked SUV or truck could potentially roll away if the parking brake is not applied.
NHTSA’s report says affected vehicles may experience a temporary engagement of the transmission parking pawl while the vehicle is still moving during certain transmission shifts.
That can damage park system components. If that damage occurs, the vehicle’s ability to stay held in Park may be reduced, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.
For drivers, the warning sign may be a wrench light on the instrument panel. Ford also says the electronic parking brake may automatically apply if the vehicle does not properly reach Park when commanded.
Which Ford and Lincoln vehicles are affected
The largest share of the recall involves the Ford Explorer, with 313,147 vehicles potentially affected. The Ford Expedition accounts for 246,202 vehicles. The recall also includes 82,570 F-150 pickups, 59,079 Lincoln Navigator SUVs, and 40,197 Lincoln Aviator SUVs.
That makes this recall especially visible because it touches some of Ford’s most common family, work, and luxury vehicles. The F-150 is a staple of American driveways and job sites. The Explorer and Expedition are widely used by families, commuters, and fleet owners. The Navigator and Aviator bring the issue into Lincoln’s premium SUV lineup.
What should owners do now?
A separate Bronco recall adds to Ford’s safety list.
Why this matters beyond the recall number
A recall of this size does more than inconvenience drivers. It can shake confidence because it involves something people expect to be automatic and dependable: putting a vehicle in Park.
Most drivers do not think twice after shifting into Park. They step out, unload groceries, walk children inside, or leave the truck in a driveway.
That trust is exactly why rollaway risks get attention. Even if Ford estimates the defect rate is low, the number of vehicles involved is large enough that the recall carries real safety weight.
For owners, the message is clear. Check the recall status, pay attention to warning lights, use the parking brake, and get the dealer repair as soon as it becomes available. A software update and inspection may feel routine, but in this case, it could prevent a parked vehicle from becoming a moving hazard.
