Ford Motor Company has issued a major vehicle recall, affecting more than 550,000 vehicles across the United States. The recall is related to a defective gear shifter cable that may cause vehicles to roll away unexpectedly, even if drivers believe they are in park.
According to a report filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the faulty part can result in gear disengagement without the driver knowing. This alarming issue poses a serious safety risk to drivers, passengers, and pedestrians.
Why the Recall Was Issued
The root cause of the issue lies in the bushing that connects the shifter cable to the transmission. Over time, this bushing can degrade or detach, leading to a disconnection between the shifter and the transmission. As a result, the vehicle may appear to be in “park” but is actually in another gear — such as “neutral” — making it susceptible to rolling away without warning.
Ford acknowledged that this manufacturing defect has already resulted in at least one crash and multiple customer complaints, though no injuries or fatalities have been reported as of now.
Affected Models and Production Years
Ford has released a detailed list of the impacted vehicle models, which include some of the most popular SUVs and pickups in the American market. Here’s a breakdown of the recalled vehicles:
- Ford Escape – Model years 2015 through 2019
- Ford Fusion – Model years 2013 through 2018
- Ford Edge – Model years 2013 through 2018
- Ford Transit Connect – Model years 2013 through 2021
- Ford Maverick – Model years 2022 through 2023
The Ford Escape and Fusion make up the majority of affected units, accounting for nearly two-thirds of the total recall.
You can check if your vehicle is part of this recall by visiting the NHTSA VIN lookup tool.
Ford’s Official Response and Action Plan
Ford has stated that it will notify all affected customers by mail, with notifications beginning later this month. Owners are advised not to rely solely on the gear position indicator and to engage the parking brake whenever parking the vehicle until the issue is resolved.
The company will provide a free fix for the faulty bushing, including replacing it with a more durable material and adding a protective cap to prevent future degradation.
A Ford spokesperson said in a statement:
“We are committed to ensuring the safety of our customers. Once the replacement parts are available, dealers will repair the vehicles at no cost to the owners.”
What Should You Do If Your Vehicle Is Affected?
If your Ford vehicle is among those recalled, here are the recommended steps:
- Check your VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) using the NHTSA recall tool or on Ford’s official recall page.
- If your vehicle is affected, contact your local dealership immediately.
- Use the parking brake every time you park the vehicle until repairs are complete.
- Wait for your official recall notice or schedule a service appointment proactively.
Ford expects that replacement parts will be available by the end of the month, allowing owners to resolve the issue without major delay.
How Common Are Gear Shifter Recalls?
This is not the first time Ford has faced issues related to gear shifters. In 2018, the company issued a recall for similar issues in the Ford Fusion and Escape, which also involved detached shifter cables. Several other automakers, including Fiat Chrysler and Hyundai, have issued recalls for rollaway risks in recent years.
This growing trend has prompted calls for stricter safety testing and longer-term durability checks for transmission components.
Possible Consequences of Ignoring the Recall
Failing to address this issue can lead to unintended vehicle movement, which could result in property damage, injuries, or accidents. While Ford has said the risk is low, they are taking precautions to avoid worst-case scenarios.
Drivers are also reminded that not responding to a recall could affect insurance claims, especially if an incident occurs that is linked to the known issue.
Consumer Reactions and Market Impact
Initial reactions from Ford owners have ranged from concern to frustration. Social media users expressed anger at the delayed response, while others are praising the company’s transparency.
The recall may also impact Ford’s brand trust in the short term, especially as the auto giant pushes forward with EV innovations and next-gen hybrid models.
Despite the setback, Ford’s stock remained relatively stable this week, though industry analysts warn that a series of recalls like this could erode customer confidence over time.
Final Thoughts
This massive recall of more than 550,000 vehicles is a serious reminder of how important it is for automakers to ensure long-term reliability. For consumers, it highlights the need to stay informed, check recall notices regularly, and take quick action when notified.
If you own one of the models listed above, don’t wait. Visit the NHTSA or Ford recall page to check your VIN and schedule service as soon as possible.
For ongoing updates, visit Ford’s Newsroom or subscribe to recall alerts through the NHTSA.
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