If you own a recent Ford Explorer, Expedition or F-150, or a Lincoln Navigator or Aviator, check your VIN and watch for a recall letter — and apply the parking brake every time you park until the free fix is available.
What Is Being Recalled?
Ford Motor Company is recalling 741,195 vehicles in the United States because a defect in the transmission's park system can, over time, keep the vehicle from fully holding in Park. If the transmission does not hold and the parking brake is not applied, the vehicle can roll away — increasing the risk of a crash or injury. The recall was announced through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) in late June 2026 and carries NHTSA campaign number 26V402000 (Ford reference 26S48).The recall covers certain 2020-2021 Ford Explorer, 2018-2021 Ford Expedition, 2021 Ford F-150, 2018-2021 Lincoln Navigator, and 2020-2021 Lincoln Aviator vehicles, all equipped with a 10-speed automatic transmission. Dealers will update the powertrain control module software and inspect the transmission, replacing any damaged park-system components at no charge. Because the permanent remedy is still being finalized, Ford is handling this recall in two stages — an interim warning letter now, and a second letter once the fix is ready.
Why the Vehicle Can Roll Away
Ford describes the defect as a transmission park-system problem, not a parking-brake failure. In the affected transmissions, a valve body separator plate can restrict hydraulic flow to the park valve. That can cause the park pawl — the mechanical piece that locks the transmission when you shift into Park — to partially engage while the vehicle is still moving during certain commanded shifts. Repeated partial engagement can damage the park-system components over time, and once those parts are worn, the transmission may not reliably hold the vehicle in Park.The practical risk is a roll-away: a driver shifts to Park, believes the vehicle is secure, and steps out without setting the parking brake, but the transmission fails to hold and the vehicle moves on its own. Ford has said it is aware of 24 reports of property damage and 9 alleged injuries potentially related to the condition, with no fatalities reported. Those reports are allegations under investigation, not confirmed findings of a defect in any specific vehicle.
Which Vehicles Are Affected?
The recall population is limited to specific model years of five vehicle lines that share the same 10-speed automatic transmission:- 2020–2021 Ford Explorer
- 2018–2021 Ford Expedition
- 2021 Ford F-150
- 2018–2021 Lincoln Navigator
- 2020–2021 Lincoln Aviator
Not every vehicle in these model-year ranges is included. The only reliable way to confirm whether a specific vehicle is part of the recall is to enter its 17-character VIN on the official NHTSA recall lookup or Ford's owner site. Ford's F-150 is the only pickup in the group; the other four are SUVs, which is why headlines describe the recall as covering "SUVs and trucks."
What Owners Should Do
This is a phased recall because the permanent repair is still in development. Ford is expected to begin mailing an interim notification letter to owners beginning around August 3, 2026, warning them of the safety risk. A second letter will follow once the remedy is finalized — Ford has indicated the permanent fix is expected in 2027 — instructing owners to schedule the free repair at an authorized Ford or Lincoln dealer.Until the repair is available, the most important precaution is simple: always fully apply the parking brake when you park, on any surface. There is nothing to buy, register for, or file — the remedy is free and is tied to your VIN, so you do not need a receipt or proof of purchase. This is a safety recall, not a class action settlement; there is no claim form and no cash payment. You can check whether your vehicle is included at any time by entering your VIN on the NHTSA recall lookup using campaign number 26V402000.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Ford and Lincoln vehicles are recalled?
The recall covers 741,195 U.S. vehicles: certain 2020-2021 Ford Explorer, 2018-2021 Ford Expedition, 2021 Ford F-150, 2018-2021 Lincoln Navigator, and 2020-2021 Lincoln Aviator models equipped with a 10-speed automatic transmission. Not every vehicle in these ranges is affected — check your 17-character VIN on the official NHTSA recall lookup to confirm. NHTSA campaign number 26V402000; Ford reference 26S48.
What is the problem that can cause a roll-away?
According to Ford, a transmission valve body separator plate can restrict hydraulic flow to the park valve, which can cause the park pawl to partially engage while the vehicle is still moving during certain shifts. Over time that can damage the park-system components, so the transmission may not fully hold the vehicle in Park. If the parking brake is not applied, the vehicle can roll away.
How much does the repair cost, and what should I do now?
Nothing — the repair is free. Dealers will update the powertrain control module software and inspect the transmission, replacing any damaged park-system components at no charge. Because the permanent remedy is still being finalized, Ford is sending an interim notification letter to owners beginning around August 3, 2026, with a second letter to follow once the remedy is available (expected in 2027). As a precaution, always fully apply the parking brake when you park.
Do I need a receipt or documentation for the Ford recall repair?
No. This is a free safety-recall repair tied to your VIN — no receipt, proof of purchase, or out-of-pocket paperwork is required. You only need to have your vehicle identified by its VIN at an authorized Ford or Lincoln dealer.
Sources
- NHTSA — Recalls Lookup (campaign 26V402000)
- NBC News — Ford Recalls 741,000 U.S. Vehicles Over Park-System Issue
- Cars.com — Ford Recalls More Than 741,000 Trucks and SUVs Over Roll-Away Risk
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