OTTAWA: Ford Canada announced on Thursday that it is recalling approximately 33,000 vehicles across the country due to a potential mechanical issue involving the transmission’s “park” feature.
According to a statement shared by the automaker, the problem can manifest while driving when “certain shifts are commanded by the transmission,” which may result in damage to the internal components of the parking system. Ford warned that if this specific damage occurs, the transmission might fail to properly secure the vehicle when shifted into “park.” To prevent any unintended vehicle movement or runaway accidents, Ford is strongly advising all affected customers to always engage their electronic parking brake whenever they park until the necessary recall repairs are made. Ford Canada did not state whether any injuries or accidents have been linked to the defect so far.
The Canadian recall covers specific model years of several popular SUVs and trucks, including:
- 2021 Ford F-150
- 2018–2021 Ford Expedition
- 2018–2021 Lincoln Navigator
- 2020–2021 Ford Explorer
- 2020–2021 Lincoln Aviator
To resolve the issue, Ford and Lincoln dealerships will update the affected vehicles’ powertrain control module software to prevent damage to the system. Dealerships will also inspect the transmission parking lock mechanism and replace any damaged parts completely free of charge to the owner. Impacted customers will receive official notification letters instructing them on how to book an appointment with a local dealer. Owners can also manually check if their Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) is part of the recall by visiting the official Ford or Lincoln support web portals.
This Canadian recall follows a massive safety action just days prior in the United States, where Ford recalled over 741,000 vehicles for the exact same transmission defect. The U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) noted that the issue could increase the risk of rollaway crashes or injuries south of the border.
