Ford Recalls 2018-2021 SUVs and 2021 F-150s for Transmission Defect
Ford is recalling specific 2018-2021 SUVs and 2021 F-150s because the transmission park pawl may engage while moving, risking vehicle rollaway and crashes.
What this means for you
Our assessment, not the agency’s: severity 4/5 (Severe).
The hazard poses a serious risk of illness, injury, or structural failure. Stop using the product immediately and contact the manufacturer for a refund or repair.
Our severity reasoning: The recall involves a structural vehicle defect (transmission park pawl) that may result in vehicle rollaway and increased crash risk, meeting the criteria for a Severe rating.
Plain-English summary
Ford Motor Company is recalling certain 2018-2021 Ford Expedition, 2018-2021 Lincoln Navigator, 2020-2021 Ford Explorer, 2020-2021 Lincoln Aviator, and 2021 Ford F-150 vehicles. The recall addresses a defect where the transmission park pawl may engage while the vehicle is in motion, resulting in park system damage.
This defect may result in a vehicle rollaway, which increases the risk of a crash. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed on July 10, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the remedy is available, which is anticipated in April 2027.
Dealers will update the powertrain control module software and inspect and replace any damaged transmission components as necessary, free of charge. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26S48. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on June 26, 2026.
The recalled product
- Product
- FORD, LINCOLN F-150, AVIATOR, EXPLORER, NAVIGATOR
- Brand
- FORD
- Manufacturer
- Ford Motor Company
- Category
- Vehicle — SUV / Pickup Truck
- Affected units
- 741,195
Is your product affected?
Check your packaging against the codes below. If any of them match, the product is part of this recall.
Model numbers (5)
- F-150
- AVIATOR
- EXPLORER
- NAVIGATOR
- EXPEDITION
Distribution
Distributed nationwide across the United States.
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