Recall Alert: Ford Expedition, Explorer, F-150, Navigator, and Aviator Transmission Park System

Who’s Affected by This Recall

This recall covers 741,195 Ford and Lincoln vehicles across five model lines, all equipped with 10R60, 10R80, or 10R80 MHT automatic transmissions with park-by-wire functionality:

• 2020-2021 Ford Explorer — 313,147 vehicles (built Oct 28, 2018 – Nov 9, 2021)
• 2018-2021 Ford Expedition — 246,202 vehicles (built Mar 14, 2017 – Jul 27, 2021)
• 2021 Ford F-150 — 82,570 vehicles (built Jan 8, 2020 – Oct 8, 2021)
• 2018-2021 Lincoln Navigator — 59,079 vehicles (built Mar 16, 2017 – May 24, 2021)
• 2020-2021 Lincoln Aviator — 40,197 vehicles (built Oct 25, 2018 – Aug 25, 2021)

Ford estimates that approximately 1% of the affected vehicles actually have the defect. That means the vast majority of these vehicles will never experience the issue. But because the consequence is a vehicle that can move while parked, the recall is appropriately broad.

VINs have been searchable on NHTSA’s website since June 26, 2026. You can check your VIN right now at nhtsa.gov/recalls or ford.com/support/recalls. Interim owner notification letters are expected to begin mailing August 3, 2026.

What’s Wrong — And Why It Matters

This recall addresses a two-stage issue involving the transmission’s park system. Here’s what can happen, in plain terms:

Stage 1 — While driving: Under certain driving conditions, the transmission may command a downshift that momentarily engages the parking pawl while the vehicle is still moving. The parking pawl is the small mechanical device inside the transmission that locks the output shaft when you shift into Park. If it engages while the vehicle is traveling faster than about 10 miles per hour, that sudden engagement can damage the park system components.

Stage 2 — While parked (only if Stage 1 damage has occurred): If the park system has been damaged by a Stage 1 event AND the electronic parking brake (EPB) is not applied, the vehicle may not be properly held in place while in Park. In that situation, the vehicle could roll — on a slope, in a driveway, in a parking lot.

Ford’s investigation also found that while all affected vehicles have a “roll away detection” feature that automatically applies the emergency parking brake if movement is detected while in Park, the vehicle’s Powertrain Control Module (PCM) may not always be awake after the vehicle has been powered down for a period of time — which means it may not detect the movement in every scenario.

As of the recall filing, Ford reported 24 allegations of property damage and 9 alleged injuries related to this issue.

What Ford Is Doing About It

The official remedy involves three steps:

1. Powertrain Control Module (PCM) software update — the updated software will prevent the transmission from commanding the specific downshifts that can cause the parking pawl to engage while driving.
2. Transmission inspection — technicians will inspect the park system for existing damage from prior parking pawl engagements.
3. Replacement of damaged transmission components — if the inspection reveals damage, those parts will be replaced.

The remedy is not expected to be available until June 2027. That is a long timeline, and we want to be straightforward about it. Ford is still developing and validating the final PCM software calibration. In the meantime:

• Interim owner notification letters begin mailing August 3, 2026.
• Remedy notification letters will be sent in phases during the second quarter of 2027 as the fix becomes available.
• The recall repair will be completely free when it launches — federal law requires it.

What We’re Doing at Jay Malone Ford

Our service team in Hutchinson is tracking this recall closely. Here’s where we stand:

• We’re complying fully with Ford’s stop-sale requirement. Ford has instructed dealers not to demonstrate or deliver any new in-stock vehicles involved in this recall.
• If you experience any park-system issues before the remedy is available, call us. We can set up an appointment to inspect your vehicle and address whatever is going on. You don’t have to wait until mid-2027 to get help if something feels wrong.
• When the remedy launches, we’ll be ready to schedule. The PCM software update and transmission inspection will be performed at no charge. We’ll contact customers on our list as soon as parts and procedures are available.
• Lincoln Navigator and Aviator owners are welcome here too. As an authorized Ford and Lincoln service location, we handle recall service for all Ford Motor Company vehicles.

What You Should Do Right Now

1. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or ford.com/support/recalls. VINs have been searchable since June 26.
2. Start engaging your electronic parking brake every time you park. This is the single most effective precaution you can take while waiting for the remedy. Make it a habit — it takes one second and prevents the rollaway scenario entirely.
3. Watch for your interim letter. Ford’s owner notification letters begin mailing August 3, 2026.
4. If you experience anything unusual with your transmission or park system, call us immediately at (320) 587-4748 or email service@jaymalonemotors.com. Don’t wait for the official remedy if something feels wrong.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is my vehicle safe to drive?

Yes. Ford has not issued a do-not-drive advisory. Ford estimates approximately 1% of the 741,195 affected vehicles actually have the defect, and the rollaway scenario only occurs if the park system has already been damaged AND the electronic parking brake is not engaged. As a precaution, engage your parking brake every time you park until the remedy is completed.

Why is the fix not available until mid-2027?

Ford is still developing and validating the final Powertrain Control Module (PCM) software calibration. The updated software needs to prevent the parking pawl engagement while driving without affecting normal transmission operation. That kind of calibration work takes time to get right. Ford has committed to a phased rollout during the second quarter of 2027.

What does the electronic parking brake (EPB) have to do with this?

The rollaway risk only exists if two things happen: the park system is damaged by a prior parking pawl engagement AND the electronic parking brake is not engaged. Engaging the EPB every time you park effectively eliminates the rollaway risk regardless of whether the park system has been damaged. It is the best protective measure available while waiting for the official fix.

How do I know if my park system has been damaged?

You may not know. The parking pawl engagement during driving can happen briefly and may not always be noticeable. If you have ever felt an unusual thump, jolt, or grinding sensation during a downshift, or if your vehicle has ever moved after being placed in Park, contact us right away. But even without noticeable symptoms, engaging the parking brake is the smart precaution.

What if my vehicle rolls or moves while in Park before the fix is available?

Call us immediately at (320) 587-4748. We can inspect your vehicle and address the issue even before the official recall remedy launches. Do not continue parking the vehicle without the electronic parking brake engaged, and avoid parking on inclines until the vehicle has been inspected.

Will the recall repair be free?

Yes. Federal law requires recall repairs to be performed at no charge, regardless of where the vehicle was purchased, how old it is, or whether the warranty has expired. The repair will include a PCM software update, a transmission park system inspection, and replacement of any damaged components.

I have a Lincoln Navigator or Aviator. Can Jay Malone Ford handle this?

Yes. As an authorized Ford and Lincoln service location, our team handles recall service for all Ford Motor Company vehicles, including Navigator and Aviator. Call us and we’ll take care of it.

I bought my vehicle somewhere else. Will you still do the recall?

Absolutely. Federal law requires any authorized Ford or Lincoln dealer to honor recall repairs for any owner, regardless of where the vehicle was purchased.

Source: NHTSA Campaign Number 26V-402 (Ford safety recall 26S48). Last verified July 29, 2026. For the most current information, see ford.com/support/recalls or nhtsa.gov/recalls.