The National Highway Traffic Safety Association (NHTSA) found that a bushing in about 2.9 million Ford vehicles’ transmissions can malfunction. Affected vehicles may be in gear instead of in park, which may allow them to roll away.
Documents the NHTSA posted to its website today outline that a bushing that attaches the shifter cable to the transmission can degrade or detach. That can stop the vehicles from shifting into the intended gear.
One possible outcome is that the driver may think the vehicle is in park when it’s in another gear. That could allow the car to roll away when parked.
The recall concerns particular 2013-2019 Escape, 2013-2018 C-Max, 2013-2016 Fusion, 2013-2021 Transit Connect, and 2015-2018 Edge vehicles — nearly 3 million of them.
Damages have resulted, according to documents Ford made available to the NHTSA. The company says it has received four injury reports due to the problem and another six property damage claims. It also said it had received 1,630 warranty reports and 233 complaints about the issue.
Dealers will replace the bushing and add a protective cap. Ford said it would notify affected vehicle owners via letter starting June 27, 2022.
Ford vehicle owners can check for a recall by running their VIN through the recall section of the NHTSA website. Alternatively, owners can call Ford customer service at 866-436-7332.
