Ford and its Lincoln luxury brand have issued a recall for 269 vehicles because they can unexpectedly move forward even in neutral or reverse gear.
Recalled models include some, but not all, examples of the:
The company tells the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) that the vehicles “contain transmission main control valve bodies with out-of-specification machining.” That can prevent them from fully shifting into neutral or reverse, even when the shifter indicates that they have. That can leave them moving forward when you tap the accelerator in neutral or reverse.
Owners might get some warning. Ford says a malfunction indicator light and a wrench symbol may illuminate in the gauge cluster. But you won’t see those if you’re watching what’s behind the vehicle, expecting it to reverse.
Ford says it knows of no accidents but at least five warranty claims related to the problem.
Dealers will replace the transmission main control valve body to fix the issue.
Recall repairs are always free. But millions of us miss recall notices every year and unknowingly drive recalled vehicles. Find out if your car needs any free safety repairs at our easy recall center.