Ford Recalls 741,000 Trucks Over Transmission Issue

Wouter Smit · 2026-07-03

If you drive a Ford Explorer, Expedition, or F-150, you'll want to pay close attention. The automaker just announced a massive recall affecting over 741,000 vehicles in the United States. The problem? A transmission defect that could let your car roll away even when it's parked. That's not just inconvenient. It's dangerous. Imagine parking on a slight incline, stepping out, and watching your truck start moving on its own. Sounds like a nightmare, right? Well, for many Ford owners, this is now a real concern. ### What's Going Wrong? The issue centers on a bushing inside the transmission. Over time, this small part can degrade. When it fails, the vehicle might not fully engage Park. You could shift into Park, get out, and the car could still roll. Ford says the defect has been linked to several crashes and injuries. That's why the recall is happening now. The affected models include: - 2020-2022 Ford Explorer - 2020-2022 Ford Expedition - 2020-2022 Ford F-150 If you own one of these, your vehicle is likely part of the recall. But don't panic. Ford will fix the problem for free. ### What Should You Do? First, check if your VIN is included. You can do this on the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration website or Ford's own recall page. Just type in your vehicle identification number and see if there's an open recall. If your car is affected, here's what happens next: - Ford will replace the defective bushing at no cost to you. - The repair takes about an hour at any authorized dealer. - Until then, always set your parking brake. Yes, even on flat ground. This is one of those times where being proactive really matters. Don't wait for something bad to happen. Schedule that service appointment as soon as you get the notice. ### Why This Matters More Than You Think Recalls happen all the time. But this one is different. The transmission defect isn't just a minor annoyance. It's a safety risk that affects how your vehicle behaves when you think it's secure. Think about it: you park, you walk away, and your car decides to take a joyride. That could mean property damage, injuries, or worse. Ford is stepping up, but you need to do your part too. ### Stay Informed This recall is a reminder to check for open recalls regularly. Most people don't, and that's a mistake. A quick VIN check takes 30 seconds and could save you a lot of trouble. For now, if you drive one of these Ford models, use your parking brake every single time. And get that bushing replaced as soon as the parts are available. Your safety is worth the trip to the dealer.