- Ford recalls more than 741,000 vehicles over faulty transmission rollaway risk.
- Additionally, 36,000 sporty Bronco Raptor models could shed their fender flares.
- Dealers will update software, inspect components, and replace damaged parts.
Ford service bays have a busy summer and fall ahead. The automaker has announced two new recalls in the US, the larger of which covers almost 750,000 SUVs and pickups over a transmission fault that could increase the risk of a vehicle rolling away after it’s been parked.
The timing is a touch awkward, landing just days after Ford was crowned the top mainstream brand in JD Power’s latest Initial Quality Study, an award the company called proof it had become the “gold standard for new vehicle quality.”
The big recall affects 2021 F-150s, 2020-2021 Explorers and Lincoln Aviators, plus 2018-2021 Expeditions and Lincoln Navigators. In total, 741,195 vehicles are involved, making this one of Ford’s larger actions of the year.
Related: Jim Farley Says It Took Ford Four Years To Finally Get Its Quality Issues Under Control
Certain transmission downshifts can briefly engage the parking pawl while the vehicle is still moving due to insufficient fluid flow to the park valve, Ford says. That can damage the transmission’s parking system, leaving it unable to securely hold the vehicle in Park if the electronic parking brake isn’t applied. In that situation, the vehicle could roll away, increasing the risk of a crash. One tell-tale that a rollaway is on the cards is the possible appearance of a wrench-shaped warning light in the instrument cluster.
Ford also says the electronic parking brake is designed to apply automatically if the transmission doesn’t properly reach the Park position. Sounds sensible. Unfortunately, Dearborn engineers determined that the safeguard may not always detect vehicle movement after the powertrain control module goes to sleep.
Software Update Covers Most Models
The fix involves updating the powertrain control module software to prevent the transmission from commanding the problematic shifts. Dealers will also inspect affected transmissions for park system damage and replace any damaged components free of charge. Ford says it’s aware of 24 allegations of property damage and nine alleged injuries related to the issue. So it’s a more urgent issue than some recall over a missing tire label.
Bronco Raptor Sheds Its Flares
There’s also a smaller Ford recall in the news this week involving 36,046 examples of the 2022-2026 Bronco Raptor. In these SUVs, improperly manufactured attachment holes and leftover burrs or fibers can prevent those butch-looking fender flares from fully securing during assembly. As a result, the flares can loosen and eventually detach, creating a road hazard for other drivers.
The trouble traces back to January 13, 2026, when Ford received a warranty claim on a 2026 Bronco Raptor whose front right fender flare came off while driving. The flares are meant to be removable for off-road use, but a botched assembly job can let one detach on its own. As of June 5, Ford counted 409 reports across 352 unique VINs, with no accidents or injuries tied to the problem.
Owners might spot gaps or sagging around the flare, or hear rattling and flapping noises at highway speeds before one parts company with the truck. Dealers will inspect the flares, replace the retaining push pins where needed, repair any loose flares, or install brand-new replacements if one has already gone missing.
