The problem
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018-2021 Navigator, Expedition, 2020-2021 Explorer, Lincoln Aviator, and 2021 F-150 vehicles. The transmission park pawl may engage while the vehicle is in motion, resulting in park system damage.
The risk
Park system damage may result in a vehicle rollaway, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix
Dealers will update the powertrain control module software, and inspect and replace any damaged transmission components as necessary, free of charge. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed July 10, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the remedy is available, anticipated in April 2027. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26S48. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on June 26, 2026.
Recall details
| NHTSA campaign | 26V-402 (26V402000) |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer number | 26S48 |
| Manufacturer | Ford Motor Company |
| Component | Power train › Automatic transmission |
| Report date | June 24, 2026 |
| Vehicles affected | 741,195 |
| Initiated by | Manufacturer |
Vehicles covered
Owner complaints about the transmission & drivetrain
- 2018 Ford Expedition transmission problems 148
- 2019 Ford Expedition transmission problems 222
- 2020 Ford Expedition transmission problems 266
- 2021 Ford Expedition transmission problems 113
- 2020 Ford Explorer transmission problems 499
- 2021 Ford Explorer transmission problems 127
- 2021 Ford F-150 transmission problems 318
- 2020 Lincoln Aviator transmission problems 23
- 2021 Lincoln Aviator transmission problems 4
- 2018 Lincoln Navigator transmission problems 20
- 2019 Lincoln Navigator transmission problems 24
- 2020 Lincoln Navigator transmission problems 18
Frequently asked questions
Is the recall 26V-402 repair free?
Yes. Ford dealers will fix the problem at no cost: Dealers will update the powertrain control module software, and inspect and replace any damaged transmission components as necessary, free of charge. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed July 10, 2026.
How do I know if my car is included?
Not every vehicle of the listed model years is affected — the recall covers 741,195 vehicles built in a certain window. Check your 17-character VIN with our VIN recall check or at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.