Massive Ford, Lincoln Recall Affects Over 741K F-150s, SUVs Over Roll-Away Risk: What Montana Owners Need to Know

Backing a truck up a gravel driveway that slopes toward the barn is second nature for a lot of Montana drivers. You shift into Park, the engine ticks as it cools, and you walk off without a backward glance.

That small act of trust is exactly what a new Ford and Lincoln recall is calling into question.

What Causes the Ford and Lincoln Roll-Away Transmission Problem?

The issue traces back to a part inside the transmission called the valve body separator plate. Under certain conditions, it can restrict fluid flow to the park valve, according to recall documents filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

When that happens, the parking pawl, the small mechanical piece that locks the transmission in place, can briefly engage while the vehicle is still moving. That unintended engagement can damage the parking system itself.

The next time the vehicle is shifted into Park, it may not hold as securely as it should, which raises the odds of it rolling away on its own.

Which Ford F-150, Explorer, and SUV Models Are Affected?

The recall covers 741,195 vehicles nationwide, and it hits close to home given how many of these models are already on Montana roads. Certain 2018 through 2021 Ford Expedition and Lincoln Navigator SUVs are included, along with some 2020 and 2021 Ford Explorer and Lincoln Aviator vehicles, and certain 2021 Ford F-150 trucks.

The F-150 and Explorer in particular are everyday sights around the state, so it's worth checking your VIN even if nothing feels off with your vehicle right now.

Not every truck or SUV from those model years is affected, which is why NHTSA is pointing owners toward individual VIN verification rather than a blanket year-by-year list.

Dashboard Warning Signs and Symptoms Owners Should Watch For

Ford says drivers may get some warning before things go wrong. A wrench light appearing on the dashboard is one sign the system has detected an issue.

The electronic parking brake may also engage automatically if the transmission fails to reach the Park position as it should.

Neither of those should be brushed off as a fluke, especially for anyone who regularly parks on an incline, a ranch driveway, a trailhead pull-off, or a hillside street in town.

Ford Recall Statistics: Reported Injuries and Property Damage

Ford has reported 24 allegations of property damage connected to this issue, along with nine reported injuries. Two of those nine were described as emotional injuries rather than physical ones.

Set against a recall of more than 741,000 vehicles, those numbers are small, but they're the reason NHTSA and Ford are treating this as more than a routine software patch.

How to Get the Recall Repaired at Montana Ford Dealerships

Ford expects to begin mailing notification letters to owners between August 3 and August 7. Once that letter arrives, a trip to the dealership gets the Powertrain Control Module software updated at no charge, along with an inspection of the parking system and replacement of any damaged components.

This is a phased recall, meaning the permanent fix isn't expected to roll out until sometime next year, so the software update is what owners will get in the near term.

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In the meantime, a VIN check through NHTSA's recall lookup tool takes only a few minutes and confirms whether your specific vehicle is on the list. It's a small step, but for anyone who parks on a slope more often than not, it's one worth taking before the letter even shows up in the mailbox.