Ford announces recall of nearly 3 million vehicles due to rollaway issues

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW:

• Ford is recalling nearly 3 million vehicles over concerns they could roll away after the driver selects the ‘Park’ position.
• The concern is due to a damaged or missing part that may prevent the vehicle from shifting into the intended gear.
• Owners of the recalled vehicles can service their cars at a Ford or Lincoln dealer, free of charge.

Ford Motor Co announced the recall of more than 2.9 million vehicles over concerns they could roll away. In a filing with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Ford said the vehicle may not shift into the intended gear due to a damaged or missing part.

Ford said in a notice on Wednesday that vehicles included in the recall cover various models:

• 2013-2019 Escape
• 2013-2018 C-Max
• 2013-2016 Fusion
• 2013-2021 Transit Connect
• 2015-2018 Edge 

“A damaged or missing bushing may prevent the vehicle from shifting into the intended gear, and cause the vehicle to move in an unexpected direction,” the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) said in a statement.

“Additionally, the vehicle may roll after the driver selects the ‘Park’ position. Either scenario increases the risk of a crash or injury.”

There were six reports that resulted in property damage and four reports of injuries that could be related to the recall population, the auto manufacturer said.

The NHTSA said this is Ford’s fifth recall over the roll-away issue since 2018.

The No. 2 U.S. automaker continued to hold talks with NHTSA after an April recall for the same issue.

“Although claim rates and projected failures remained low, Ford recommended a safety recall for the remaining vehicles in North America” with the specific shift cable bushing.

Ford has found 1,630 warranty reports and 233 other reports attributed to this issue from April 2015 through March 2022.

Owners of the recalled vehicles can service their cars at a Ford or Lincoln dealer, free of charge. They will replace the under hood shift bushing and add a protective cap.

Ford announced Tuesday it was recalling about 49,000 Mustang Mach-E electric vehicles due to a possibility of overheating that could result in a loss of propulsion power.

On Wednesday, Ford also recalled 53,103 four-door 2021-2022 Bronco vehicles. The company said the passenger-side rear door could be opened from inside of the vehicle when the child safety lock is in the “ON” position.

Source: The Hill