Popular Ford Models Called Back Over Rollaway Risk

Ford Motor Co. is recalling vehicles for some of its best-known model names over risks that the cars and trucks could roll away unexpectedly while in “park.”

An extraneous bolt is to blame for the recall, which spans F-150, Explorer, Mustang, Bronco and Lincoln Aviator models. Ford told the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration that the defect poses a serious safety threat.

“A loose bolt inside the transmission could prevent the transmission from achieving park by blocking the park pawl from engaging the park gear, although the gear shifter position may indicate that the vehicle has been shifted to “PARK,” the company said in a defect notice.

“Loss of the ability to secure the park pawl could result in unintended vehicle movement, increasing the risk of a crash or injury,” Ford added.

The recall covers at least 3,700 Ford Explorer sport utility vehicles from model years 2020 through 2022. It also includes some F-150, Mustang, Bronco, and Lincoln Aviators from the 2022 and 2023 model years.

Ford told NHTSA it plans to notify owners of recalled vehicles by early March. The automaker is asking owners to bring their cars to local dealers for transmission inspection and potential replacement.

Other Ford Recalls

Ford is starting 2023 where it left off last year: With a slew of recalls over defects that pose serious safety risks.

The company issued more recalls than any other auto manufacturer last year.

Ford announced a total of 67 separate recalls in 2022, NHTSA data show, far surpassing the 45 recalls by the next closest manufacturer, Volkswagen.

In January, NHTSA disclosed that it is investigating complaints that Ford Explorer window panels are detaching from the sport utility vehicles and flying off into traffic. Ford around the same time announced that it had called back a small group of Bronco 4x4s over malfunctioning airbags. 

How the California Lemon Law Works

California car owners and lessors have some important rights and protections under the state’s lemon law. It is important to understand that you do not need to wait for a recall to get a defective vehicle fixed.

The Lemon Law, which is officially known as the Song Beverly Consumer Warranty Act, forces automakers to perform a full range of repairs on cars while they are under warranty. It also requires the companies to buy back (or replace, in some cases) vehicles that they are unable to or simply decline to fix. 

There is no specific number of repair requests or attempts that must happen before the buyback or replace requirement kicks in. An experienced lemon law attorney can help you understand your rights and take action.

Talk with a California Lemon Law Attorney

If you have been stuck with a defective or malfunctioning vehicle, a California lemon law attorney at Bickel Sannipoli APC can help you fight back.  

Call us at (888) 800-1983 or contact us online to speak with a California lemon law attorney.