Ford and Lincoln owners have a new recall to take seriously if there is an F-150, Explorer, Expedition, Aviator, or Navigator in the driveway.

The recall covers 741,195 trucks and SUVs in the United States because part of the automatic transmission’s park system may be damaged in a way that could let the vehicle move after it has been shifted into Park. Ford estimates the defect is present in about 1 percent of the recalled vehicles, but the possible outcome is serious enough for a safety campaign.

This is not a complicated story about exotic technology. It is really about one simple expectation: when you put a vehicle in Park, it should stay there.

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Which Ford and Lincoln Models Are Recalled?

According to the NHTSA recall, the recalled vehicles are certain 2021 Ford F-150 pickups, 2020-2021 Ford Explorers, 2020-2021 Lincoln Aviators, 2018-2021 Ford Expeditions, and 2018-2021 Lincoln Navigators. The Explorer is the largest group, with 313,147 vehicles potentially involved. Expedition follows with 246,202 vehicles, then F-150 with 82,570, Navigator with 59,079, and Aviator with 40,197.

The important detail for owners is that these vehicles are not affected simply because of the badge or model year. Ford says the affected population was identified through transmission plant and vehicle assembly records, and the vehicles were not built in VIN order. Your neighbor’s similar Explorer might be included while yours might not be.

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What a Parking Pawl Does

In an automatic transmission, Park is not the same thing as the brake pedal. Park usually relies on a small metal locking piece called a parking pawl. Think of it like a sturdy door latch for the transmission. When you select Park, that pawl is supposed to lock into place and help keep the vehicle from rolling.

In these recalled vehicles, Ford says the transmission valve body separator plate may limit hydraulic flow to the park valve. In simple terms, transmission fluid is supposed to move through precisely controlled passages. If that flow is restricted, the park pawl may briefly try to engage while the vehicle is still moving during certain shifts.

If a metal locking piece tries to catch while the drivetrain is moving, it can damage the park system. The driver may not notice the damage right away. Later, when the vehicle is shifted into Park, the transmission may not hold as securely as expected. If the parking brake is not applied, the vehicle could roll away.

Ford says owners may see a wrench light in the instrument panel. The electronic parking brake may also apply automatically in some situations, but Ford’s investigation found that the powertrain control module may not always be awake after the vehicle has been shut down for a while, which could prevent rollaway detection from responding.

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What Owners Should Do Now

Ford says dealers will update the powertrain control module software, inspect the transmission for park system damage, and replace damaged components if needed. Owners can also use the Ford recall page to check their vehicle. The repair will be performed at no charge. Interim owner letters are expected in early August 2026, with remedy letters planned in phases during the second quarter of 2027.

Until the repair is completed, the practical advice is simple: use the parking brake every time you park, especially on a slope, in a driveway, near people, or near property. Put your foot on the brake, shift into Park, set the parking brake, and then shut the vehicle off.

Ford is aware of 24 allegations of property damage and nine alleged injuries related to this issue. That does not mean every recalled vehicle is unsafe right now, but it does mean the recall deserves attention. Modern vehicles are complicated, but ownership still comes down to basics. A parked vehicle should stay parked, and this is one reminder that a quick VIN check can be as important as an oil change.