250K SUVs recalled after reports of rolling away unexpectedly while parked
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Drivers of automatic cars put them in park when they’ve reached their destination. But that can be extremely dangerous if you have a specific Ford model. The company is recalling more than 250,000 vehicles where a faulty part can lead to hazardous results.
Read on to see which models the recall includes and what you can do if you own one.
Here’s the backstory
It has been a tough few weeks for Ford. First, it recalled over 730,000 vehicles in early April due to a brake failure and fire risk. Then, a few weeks later, the company recalled another million cars over mechanical and software problems.
Now, Ford is issuing a recall for 253,000 Explorers produced for the 2020-2022 model years. That is close to 2 million recalled vehicles in a couple of months. Ignoring this recall can have devastating consequences.
The latest recall involves the following vehicles:
- 2020-2021 Ford Explorer Police FHEV
- 2020-2021 Ford Explorer Police 3.3L Gas
- 2020-2022 Ford Explorer 2.3L RWD / 3.0L PHEV / 3.3 L FHEV Retail / 3.0L ST GAS
The problem with these vehicles deals with a bolt that mounts the rear axle to its subframe. Ford explains that the bolt can fracture, which leads to the driveshaft disconnecting from the axle. As a result, the vehicle can roll away while in park if you don’t apply the handbrake or parking brake.
The Safety Recall Report from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) lists the “Estimated percentage with defect” from 252,936 vehicles as 100%.
What you can do about it
The notice indicates that the affected vehicles “are equipped with suspect rear axle bolts and an older version of the Electronic Park Brake Software on retail units.” Thankfully, the software was taken out of production in early April.
If you drive any of the recalled cars, you must take it to a Ford or Lincoln dealer to have the PCM software updated. This will ensure that the Electronic Park Brake engages when activating park.
There is no charge for the repair. The dealer will also inspect the bolt and replace it if necessary. The audible signs that something is wrong include loud grinding, binding, or clunking noises.
Dealers were notified of the issue on April 19, 2022. Notification letters from Ford to owners are expected to start sending on June 06, 2022, and are expected to be completed by June 10, 2022.
The NHTSA introduced an app a while ago that lets all car owners see if theirs has been recalled. Tap or click here for details on the SaferCar app and how to get it.
Keep reading
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Tags: Ford, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, recall, safety
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