My advice: if your Ford or Lincoln is included in this rollaway recall, use the parking brake every time and book the dealer repair as soon as your VIN is eligible. This is not the kind of recall I would casually postpone, because the issue involves the vehicle’s ability to stay safely parked after a transmission-related fault.
Car and Driver reports that Ford and Lincoln are recalling 741,195 vehicles, including certain 2018-2021 Ford Expedition and Lincoln Navigator models plus certain 2020-2021 Ford Explorer, Lincoln Aviator and Ford F-150 models. The NHTSA documents describe a transmission valve body separator plate concern that can limit flow to the park valve. Depending on shift commands, the parking pawl may temporarily engage while moving, damage the parking system, and later create rollaway risk.
Quick Takeaways
- Affected vehicles include certain Expedition, Explorer, F-150, Aviator and Navigator models.
- The recall population is listed at 741,195 vehicles.
- Owner letters are expected between August 5 and August 9, 2026.
- The dealer fix includes a PCM software update and inspection or replacement of damaged parking-system parts as needed.
What Owners Should Do Now
Until the vehicle is checked, I would treat the parking brake as mandatory. Shift to Park, set the parking brake, and avoid parking on steep slopes unless necessary. If the vehicle warns you, moves unexpectedly, feels strange when shifting into Park, or shows a transmission-related warning, do not keep testing it in your driveway. Call the dealer and document the symptom.
This matters even more for owners who tow, park on boat ramps, use steep apartment garages, or leave the vehicle running while loading passengers. A large SUV or truck has enough mass to do serious damage if it moves unexpectedly. I would apply the same practical caution I use for towing and power systems in the Ford Ranger PHEV Pro Power Onboard guide: clever hardware is useful only when the failure modes are respected.
Used Buyers Need A Different Checklist
If you are looking at a used 2020 or 2021 F-150, Explorer or Aviator, or a 2018-2021 Expedition or Navigator, this recall should be part of the price conversation. I would ask for the VIN before viewing the vehicle. If the seller refuses, I would move on. If the recall is open, I would either have the seller complete it before delivery or write the repair requirement into the purchase agreement.
Do not rely on model-year labels alone. Recall populations are usually tied to production ranges, components and VINs. Two similar-looking F-150s may not have the same status. The VIN is the answer, not the badge.
Why The Repair Is More Than Software
The planned PCM software update is important, but the inspection step matters too. If the parking system has already been damaged by the fault, software alone may not restore full confidence. I would ask the service advisor whether the parking pawl and related components were inspected and whether anything was replaced. Keep the invoice even if the repair costs you nothing.
For Southeast Asia import buyers, I would be extra careful. Some of these vehicles arrive outside official channels. If a truck was imported used, local Ford or Lincoln support may vary. Before buying, confirm who can perform the recall, whether the software calibration is available locally, and whether transmission parts can be sourced without long downtime.
Where This Recall Changes Daily Habits
My short-term habit change would be simple: park flatter, set the parking brake firmly, keep people away from the vehicle while shifting into Park on a slope, and do not leave children or luggage behind the vehicle during loading. Those are common-sense steps, but they matter more when the suspected failure mode involves unexpected vehicle movement.
For work trucks and family SUVs, I would brief every regular driver. Many households share an Expedition, Explorer, F-150 or Navigator. If only one person knows about the recall, another driver may keep using old habits. Until the repair is done, everyone who parks the vehicle should understand the parking-brake rule and warning-light procedure.
What I Would Ask The Dealer
Ask whether your VIN is included, whether the PCM update is ready, and whether the technician will inspect the parking system for damage. Ask how long the vehicle needs to stay at the dealer and whether towing is recommended if you already saw warnings. If the dealer says parts are delayed, request written confirmation of the interim parking guidance.
My Owner Checklist
- Check the VIN on NHTSA and with a Ford or Lincoln dealer.
- Use the parking brake every time until the recall is resolved.
- Avoid steep parking whenever possible before repair.
- Watch for warning lights or unusual Park engagement behavior.
- Ask the dealer whether damaged parking-system parts were inspected or replaced.
- Keep the completed recall invoice with the service history.
FAQ
Can I wait for the recall letter?
I would not wait passively. Check the VIN now, then call the dealer when the campaign is available for your vehicle.
Does this affect every Ford F-150?
No. The recall covers certain model years and VIN ranges. Use the VIN, not the model name alone.
Should I avoid buying these vehicles used?
Not automatically. I would avoid any example with unclear recall status, warning lights, poor service records, or a seller who will not cooperate with a VIN check.
My Final Recommendation
This Ford and Lincoln recall is serious because parked-vehicle security is basic safety. My recommendation is to use the parking brake, check the VIN, complete the dealer repair, and keep documentation. For used buyers, an unresolved recall is not always a deal-breaker, but it should be resolved before the vehicle becomes your problem.
