In this day and age vehicles are filled with advanced technological equipment to improve comfort, efficiency and overall safety. In addition, to these changes, major automakers sometimes make errors, and the products are shipped to dealerships. If the malfunction presents the possibility of serious harm to many hundreds of thousands of automobile owners, manufacturers would issue a safety recall to take care of the situation.

Now Ford has unveiled one of its most significant recall campaigns in recent history with about 750,000 vehicles in the U.S. In the scope. The recall affects a large number of the company’s top trucks and SUVs across numerous Ford and Lincoln vehicles from 2018-2021. The fault is with an issue that involves a transmission malfunction that can result in a parked vehicle moving on its own. The malfunction poses a real risk for occupants in and out of the vehicles, as well as for any pedestrians or nearby structures.

While Ford has already figured out how to fix the issue, it will take some time for owners to get a complete fix for their vehicle. For now, owners are asked to do something slightly out of the ordinary to secure their parked vehicles, and that’s after it was recalled to address the transmission alongside a other recall covering the Ford Bronco Raptor as complicated vehicles in 2020-2021 require oversight. Here’s all about it and why owners need to take note of it.

1. Nearly 750,000 Ford and Lincoln Vehicles Are Included in the Recall

Ford has issued a big 741,195-vehicle recall that is considered one of the company’s largest in recent history. This action includes a variety of the brand’s most-popular SUVs and trucks the types of vehicles most Americans are likely to own, either for family commutes, long hauls, job duties or a combination of these purposes. While a recall does not guarantee that all recalled models will exhibit this flaw, the possible impact on safety has prompted Ford to warn owners to determine if they are affected now. Finding out whether your vehicle qualifies can be a first step to averting mechanical troubles.

Affected Vehicles in the Recall:

• 2018-2021 Ford Expedition
• 2018-2021 Lincoln Navigator
• 2020-2021 Ford Explorer
• 2020-2021 Lincoln Aviator
• 2021 Ford F-150

The vehicles also have similar transmission designs which means that the same fault may arise within this part in some models with age. Don’t wait to feel a transmission issue before it happens. If your car hasn’t already been affected, you can never be too sure, mechanical failure will not present many if any warning signals. Check to see if you have a relevant vehicle recall and get it fixed quickly.

This recall illustrates how even some popular and commonly believed to be trustworthy automotive platforms can run into unexpected issues on the engineering side of things. Ford decided to bring this to owners to correct the potential defect before there were more issues and in an attempt to raise overall safety. It goes to show that many potential risks are still caught with this type of continued monitoring of overall vehicle quality. It is crucial that any affected vehicle owner first confirms they are indeed eligible for this campaign and then takes care of this repair to maintain safe operations.

2. Understanding the Transmission Defect Behind the Recall

But this is not a minor electrical problem or even something that might affect cosmetic appeal. The issue, information filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) indicates, starts inside the transmission with a valve body separator plate preventing normal transmission fluid flow. The part itself is not big, but a failure is crucial to how the transmission works. Once the fluid stops working, the transmission’s other parts begin to have a problems and the eventual outcome can be dangerous even if the vehicle still runs and appears to be fine.

How the Transmission Issue Develops:

• Restricted transmission fluid flow
• Valve body separator plate defect
• Unexpected parking pawl engagement
• Internal transmission component damage
• Reduced parking system reliability

However if the transmission fluid can’t circulate, it’s possible for the parking pawl to lock unexpectedly while driving, usually in response to certain downshifts. It is this pawl that locks the transmission when a vehicle is put in Park. If it’s engaged incorrectly it can cause internal damage to the transmission that won’t immediately register itself, but once inside the transmission the pawl is likely to be involved. This can make the issue all the more urgent to fix.

If a car is stuck in the ‘Park’ gear, once the locking mechanism has failed, it may not maintain position once shifted to ‘Park’. A vehicle’s owner may feel that they have securely put the car into park, only to find it may begin to roll away when the parking brake isn’t applied. Such movement would put it at risk of impacting nearby vehicles, as well as other cars and pedestrians, leading to potential damage and injuries. Since there aren’t always warning symptoms preceding failure, Ford deemed the problem a critical safety defect and strongly urges any owners of affected models to bring their vehicles in for the recall work.

3. Warning Signs Owners Should Never Ignore

The problem with this Ford transmission recall is the transmission could begin to have internal issues even prior to it having symptoms you’d notice. Often the vehicle could still drive and perform just like normal without you even knowing something could be going wrong, but Ford has put out warning signs you can spot so your repairs can be done before things get worse. Early intervention can often keep you from experiencing greater transmission failure.

Key Warning Signs to Watch:

• Wrench warning light appears
• Unusual transmission shifting behavior
• Inconsistent Park gear response
• Unexpected transmission performance changes
• Apply parking brake manually

The first sign, however, is the most blatant; a wrench icon will illuminate on the vehicle’s dashboard that indicates a problem with the powertrain. You might notice that your transmission behaves differently when selecting the Park position, or perhaps you find that it just doesn’t ” engage” correctly. Whether or not the vehicle still functions as normal, this is not something you should overlook. You’ll need to have any peculiar transmission problems looked at immediately by a mechanic before serious transmission damage occurs.

Many of the affected vehicles are equipped with software that will automatically activate the electronic parking brake when the transmission has not completely engaged into Park. This is meant to add another safeguard against the vehicle moving on its own, but Ford concluded that even with the feature active, there is still a risk of this condition under certain circumstances, specifically in those circumstances when the powertrain control module goes into a sleep mode. If this happens, the vehicle’s system may not register movement of the vehicle, so every owner should continue to engage the parking brake when they park, even when they see no dashboard warning.

4. Reports of Property Damage and Injuries Highlight the Risk

This transmission problem is far more than just a possible engineering flaw; it’s been connected to actual events in real life. The company initiated a nationwide recall based on complaints about vehicles that began to roll away after they were parked. Even though the vehicle numbers are significant, just a few such failures in the real world are enough to cause significant safety problems when the car begins to move with no driver behind the wheel. This recalls will help prevent future safety concerns in the future.

Reported Safety Impact of the Defect:

• Property damage incident reports
• Injuries linked to rollaway events
• Unexpected vehicle movement risk
• Increased danger on inclines
• Nationwide preventive recall action

To date, Ford has documented 24 instances of property damage that the automaker attributed to the transmission issue. The incidents involved vehicles rolling away once parked, and resulting in damage to adjacent vehicles or nearby objects. A rollaway incident can happen swiftly, especially if a vehicle is parked on an incline or in a crowded parking lot. Minor movement can result in extensive repair costs as well as dangerous conditions for drivers and walkers alike.

To date Ford has received a total of nine reports of injuries resulting from the problem, including two instances of emotional injury in which a person’s vehicle rolled away without warning. Imagine sitting behind the wheel and having your parked car start moving forward. Those instances made the choice clear for Ford to move forward with the recall across the country rather than waiting for more cars to roll. Ford wants the owners to be proactive in completing the remedy by filling out the form as instructed, in an effort to minimize a potential for accident and increase public vehicle safety.

5. Ford’s Two-Part Repair Plan for Affected Vehicles

Ford is implementing a two-part repair strategy in response to the transmission problem on vehicles that are part of the recall. The fix involves applying a software patch, followed by an thorough inspection of the transmission, to avoid future issues and pinpoint existing damage. Repairing the recalled transmissions is the only fix associated with this recall, and all services related to it will be provided to customers for free.

Key Steps in the Recall Repair:

• Powertrain software update installation
• Improved transmission monitoring system
• Complete transmission component inspection
• Repair damaged parking mechanism
• Free dealership recall service

The first step in the remedy for your vehicle is to update the vehicle’s Powertrain Control Module (PCM) software. This upgraded software is designed to reduce instances of gear-shift behavior that might lead to an early-engagement of the park pawl, and it will improve the detection of excessive internal forces. If transmission anomalies are detected by the new software, it will then notify the driver, alerting them to have their vehicle examined before extensive damage occurs, and ultimately it can reduce the chances of a transmission failing at a later date. Software upgrades are a critical part of the defect prevention process.

The second stage involves thorough visual inspection of the transmission and the parking mechanism. Following completion of the software update, dealers check the transmission for evidence of mechanical damage caused by the flaw, repair or replace damaged parts as necessary per Ford’s official service instructions. This is necessary because software cannot fix a mechanically damaged component.

6. Why Owners Must Continue Taking Precautions Until the Permanent Fix Arrives

The temporary fix Ford described doesn’t fix the issue entirely, however, a permanent remedy will take time to develop. The recall plan says that owners of vehicles in question will first be notified about the issue and the interim safety precautions to take. Since the required solution will require the same, it will take owners time before their vehicle will be repaired, making sure that they do take precautions a very vital act. Making precautions such as this can lower the odds of your vehicle shifting unintentionally.

Important Safety Measures for Owners:

• Await official recall notifications
• Permanent repair available later
• Always apply parking brake
• Follow temporary safety guidance
• Schedule repairs when available

It makes sense why there is an extended timeline on this. When you’re looking at preparing a recall of this size, that involves 100,000+ vehicles across the country you have a few steps to take before you can even start taking in customers. Ford says it has to test and approve repair methods, source and approve replacement parts, train technicians at its various dealership locations and verify enough parts are in stock for every affected vehicle. These things need to be done to make sure every customer gets an equally reliable repair but while it take a little longer, Ford claims customer safety is its #1 concern throughout this recall campaign.

While the fix is in development, we highly recommend engaging your parking brake each and every time you exit your vehicle even when it seems to correctly shift into Park! By using the parking brake, you have an extra safety net against accidental rolling. It’s quick and easy to do, and can make a huge difference. Get in the habit and always use it whether you are parking at work, shopping, or when you get home for the evening.

7. How Owners Can Check Whether Their Vehicle Is Affected

The Ford and Lincoln recall applies to various vehicle models and production year, therefore owners should check their vehicles against the actual recall to ensure it falls within its specifications instead of depending solely on the make of their vehicles, as some Ford models of the same production year might differ due to some factory settings that will place them out of reach for the said Ford and Lincoln recall. For those who would like to check theirs, all you need is to visit the websites or contact a dealer and check your model of vehicle. This is one way to get to know the latest recalls and prevent them from passing you by, it’s always to your own good.

Steps to Verify Recall Eligibility:

• Locate the vehicle VIN
• Check the NHTSA recall database
• Contact Ford customer support
• Reference recall number 26S48
• Schedule inspection when available

The Ford and Lincoln recall applies to various vehicle models and production year, therefore owners should check their vehicles against the actual recall to ensure it falls within its specifications instead of depending solely on the make of their vehicles, as some Ford models of the same production year might differ due to some factory settings that will place them out of reach for the said Ford and Lincoln recall. For those who would like to check theirs, all you need is to visit the websites or contact a dealer and check your model of vehicle. This is one way to get to know the latest recalls and prevent them from passing you by, it’s always to your own good.

Alternatively, Ford Customer Service can also help you verify the VIN and determine if your transmission is part of this recall campaign. It has been identified with recall number 26S48. When repair procedures are finalized, make an appointment with your local Ford dealership for a thorough inspection. Staying informed ensures you don’t get left behind in receiving a safe and updated transmission.

8. A Separate Bronco Raptor Recall Adds to Ford’s Safety Actions

Besides the massive transmission recall, the automaker is separately recalling specific 2022-2026 Ford Bronco Raptor vehicles over some exterior body pieces the recall isn’t about the car’s drivetrain and thus separate from the transmission recall. The recalls are unconnected, however, each showing the manufacturer’s initiative to catch and rectify manufacturing defects prior to they develop into major safety risks to prevent further risk for all motorists.

Key Details of the Bronco Raptor Recall:

• Fender flare attachment issue
• Improper retaining clip installation
• Possible component loosening over time
• Risk of flare detachment
• Exterior safety inspection required

The recall relates to fender flares on off-road models of the Bronco Raptor, which also serve as an appearance enhancement for the vehicle’s body. In their analysis, Ford learned that some of the retention holes could have been stamped with burrs, which create unwanted plastic material in place. That material can interfere with the clips used to fasten the flares to the body, preventing them from locking tightly. With vibration and use over time, those fasteners could allow the fender flares to loosen.

Warning signs may include noticeable gaps where the fender flare connects to the body of the vehicle, sag where the flare circles the wheel well, or annoying rattling or flapping noises, especially when traveling on the highway. A loose fender flare could come loose and pose a danger to other cars on the road if left unchecked. While not quite as mechanical as the transmission issue that has impacted hundreds of thousands of cars, loose fender flares are certainly worth attention from an safety perspective.

9. Ford’s Growing Recall History Reflects a Stronger Focus on Safety

Ford’s latest transmission recall is part of the company’s broader effort to strengthen vehicle safety through continuous monitoring and corrective action. In recent years, the manufacturer has announced recalls covering a wide range of vehicles, including SUVs, pickup trucks, commercial vans, and performance models. While frequent recalls may raise questions among customers, they also demonstrate that manufacturers continue evaluating vehicle performance long after production. Identifying and correcting defects remains an important part of long-term quality and safety management. This ongoing process helps improve reliability for current and future owners.

Ford’s Ongoing Safety Initiatives:

• Expanded vehicle safety monitoring
• Increased technical inspection efforts
• Earlier defect identification process
• Continuous quality improvement strategy
• Long-term customer safety commitment

In 2025, Ford issued more than 150 safety recalls within a single year, setting an industry record. According to the company, the increase reflected a more proactive approach to identifying potential issues rather than a reduction in product quality. Ford expanded its team of safety specialists, increased engineering evaluations, and strengthened testing for both mechanical systems and vehicle software. These efforts were intended to detect problems earlier and reduce the likelihood of more serious failures developing over time. The strategy focuses on improving customer safety through faster corrective action.

The timing of this transmission recall is notable because it followed Ford’s recognition as the highest-ranked mainstream automotive brand in J.D. Power’s Initial Quality Study. Although these developments may appear contradictory, they evaluate different aspects of vehicle ownership. Initial quality measures issues experienced during the first months of ownership, while recalls address defects discovered later through engineering investigations, testing, or customer feedback. Together, these events highlight the challenges manufacturers face in balancing innovation, product reliability, and long-term vehicle safety in an increasingly advanced automotive industry.

10. What This Recall Means for Ford Owners Going Forward

Modern vehicles rely on advanced electronics, software, sensors, and automated safety systems alongside traditional mechanical components. While these technologies improve safety, comfort, and performance, they also make diagnosing and repairing defects more complex. As a result, recalls have become an important part of maintaining vehicle safety throughout a vehicle’s lifespan. Staying informed about manufacturer updates is now as essential as regular vehicle maintenance. Responsible ownership includes responding promptly to safety campaigns when they arise.

Best Practices for Vehicle Owners:

• Monitor official recall updates
• Schedule repairs without delay
• Apply parking brake consistently
• Watch for warning indicators
• Maintain regular vehicle inspections

For owners of the affected Ford and Lincoln models, the most important step is to follow the guidance provided by the manufacturer. Checking recall eligibility, monitoring for warning signs, scheduling repairs when available, and using the parking brake every time the vehicle is parked can significantly reduce the risk associated with the transmission defect. Although the permanent repair is expected later, these precautions help improve safety during the waiting period. Small preventive actions can make a meaningful difference in everyday driving. Staying proactive remains the best approach until repairs are completed.

This recall also highlights that responsible vehicle ownership extends beyond routine maintenance such as oil changes and tire rotations. Paying attention to recall notices, responding quickly to manufacturer communications, and completing safety-related repairs are equally important for long-term reliability. No automaker is completely free from engineering challenges, but identifying issues, notifying customers, and providing corrective repairs are key parts of maintaining public trust. Until every affected vehicle receives the permanent remedy, awareness and consistent preventive habits remain the most effective ways to reduce potential risks on the road.