Ford Calls Back Trucks, SUVs for Parking Problem

Ford is recalling another 750,000 vehicles, this time over serious parking system defects in pickup trucks and sport utility vehicles.

The vehicles could simply roll away, Ford recently told federal regulators. The company said it has received at least 24 reports of car damage and nine reports of injuries related to the issue.

A problem in the transmission valves could cause the vehicles’ parking pawls to incorrectly engage while driving, according to Ford. That, in turn, could lead to wear and tear that later causes the parking brakes to stop working.

“Unintended movement in park increases the risk of a crash or injury,” Ford said in a recall notice, filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

The recall marks a sad new chapter for Ford, which has utterly failed to ensure that its vehicles are actually safe to drive. The automaker has issued more safety recalls nationwide than any other car manufacturer in each of the last four years.

This time around, the recall covers certain 2018–2021 Lincoln Navigator and Ford Expedition models, as well as some 2020–2021 Ford Explorer, Lincoln Aviator and Ford F-150 models. 

Ford plans to notify owners of recalled vehicles by August 9. Owners also can check the NHTSA website to see if their vehicles are included in the recall.

“Owners will be notified by mail and instructed to take their vehicle to a Ford or Lincoln dealer to have their vehicle’s Powertrain Control Module (PCM) updated to the latest level software,” Ford said. “Dealers will also inspect the vehicle’s transmission for park system damage and replace damaged transmission components as needed. There will be no charge for this service.”

Ford Drivers: Know Your Lemon Law Rights

This is far from the only safety issue for Ford drivers. 

The automaker earlier this year recalled roughly 5,000 Bronco SUVs because of a different rollaway problem, for instance. Ford said the vehicles may have had their transmissions misaligned during previous repairs.

The company more recently called back more than 250,000 Focus sedans, warning that they could stall without warning. The cars had previously been recalled over the same problem, but were incorrectly labeled as having received a software update.

The good news for California Ford drivers is that you have some important rights and protections when it comes to malfunctioning and defective cars. You do not need to wait around for Ford to issue a recall in order to get your car fixed, with the company picking up the tab.

The California lemon law requires carmakers to perform various repairs on vehicles while they are under warranty. It also forces them to buy back covered vehicles that they are not able or refuse to fix. That includes compensating the owner for the car’s purchase price, along with financing fees, rental car costs, and other related expenses.

Talk with a Los Angeles Lemon Law Attorney

If you have been stuck with a defective or malfunctioning vehicle, a Los Angeles lemon law attorney at Bickel Sannipoli APC can help you fight back.  

Call us at (888) 800-1983 or contact us online to speak with a Los Angeles lemon law attorney.