When learning to drive, one of the first things we’re taught is how to shift the vehicle into different gears (especially if it’s manual transmission): “D” to drive, “R” to reverse, “P” to park, and so on. There’s also usually a warning that if the car is in neutral and you’re on any type of hill, it can roll away. Turns out, that can also happen in vehicles with a detached shift cable. That’s why Ford is recalling 2.9 million of its vehicles that may have that defect. Here’s what to know.
Why are Ford vehicles being recalled?
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 2,925,968 Ford vehicles are being recalled because they may have damaged or missing parts that prevent drivers from shifting into their intended gear. If that happens, there’s the potential that the vehicle will move in a different (and unexpected) direction—including rolling away if the driver puts it in “park”—causing accidents and/or injury.
As of June 3, Ford acknowledged that the company is aware of six reports alleging property damage, and four reports alleging an injury potentially related to the rollaway concern, out of the nearly three million vehicles included in this recall. The company also told the NHTSA that from April 2015 through March 2022, it has identified 1,630 warranty reports and 233 other reports attributed to this problem.
Which vehicles are part of the recall?
The Ford vehicles (and their model years) that may have this defect include the:
- Escape (2013-2019)
- C-Max (2013-2018)
- Fusion (2013-2016)
- Transit Connect (2013-2021 )
- Edge (2015-2018)
What to do if you own one of the recalled vehicles
If you own one of the vehicles listed above, it doesn’t automatically mean yours is potentially dangerous: Of the nearly three million that may have this defect, the NHTSA estimates that it’s present in one percent of the vehicles..
Ford will send letters to the owners of the recalled vehicles by June 27. But if you don’t want to wait to find out whether yours may shift to the wrong gear, you can look it up on the NHTSA website, or call Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford’s number for this recall is 22S43.
If your vehicle is being recalled, you’ll be instructed to take it to your dealership, where they’ll install a new part and add a protective cap over the shift cable bushing, free of charge.
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