Recall 25V881 covers 87 2020, 2022, 2023, 2024 Ford Maverick Hybrid and Escape Hybrid vehicles for unexpected neutral shifts. Free HPCM software update at any franchised Ford dealer.
Ford is recalling 87 2020, 2022, 2023, 2024 Maverick Hybrid and Escape Hybrid vehicles because Hybrid Powertrain Control Module software can shift the vehicle into neutral unexpectedly, causing loss of drive power. A Ford dealer will update the software free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The Hybrid Powertrain Control Module, or HPCM, is the software controller that helps manage the hybrid powertrain in 2020, 2022, 2023, 2024 Ford Maverick Hybrid and Escape Hybrid vehicles. It coordinates powertrain commands so the vehicle stays in the selected gear and responds when the driver presses the accelerator.
On affected vehicles, part of the software that monitors the Hybrid Transmission Internal Park Module reads noise from the Park Motor Position Sensor as a fault. That false fault sets a diagnostic trouble code. When that happens, the vehicle can shift into neutral unexpectedly, leaving the driver without drive power even though the shifter was in Drive.
When the event occurs, the gear indicator light flashes "Drive" and the instrument panel shows "Neutral." The vehicle will not respond to accelerator pedal input, and the driver receives a wrench light, warning messages, and an audible chime.
Who's affected?
Covers two hybrid Ford models across the 2020, 2022, 2023, and 2024 model years, all tied to the same HPCM software and automatic transmission control module.
| 2022 Ford Maverick Hybrid | automatic transmission |
|---|---|
| 2023 Ford Maverick Hybrid | automatic transmission |
| 2024 Ford Maverick Hybrid | automatic transmission |
| 2020 Ford Escape Hybrid | automatic transmission |
| Units affected | 87 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged no field incidents to date. |
The year and model narrow the scope, but the VIN decides. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific vehicle is included.
What's the safety risk?
A sudden loss of drive power leaves the vehicle without accelerator response and increases crash risk. If the vehicle shifts to neutral, the Drive indicator flashes, Neutral appears, warning messages sound, or the wrench light comes on, stop in a safe place and call a Ford dealer. Repair is free at any franchised Ford dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2020, 2022, 2023, or 2024 Ford Maverick Hybrid or Escape Hybrid is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Ford dealer to schedule the free HPCM software update that fixes the unexpected shift to neutral and loss of drive power.
- Bring the recall notice if Ford mailed one, and reference recall number 25V881 when you call.
- Drive cautiously until the software update is complete. If the vehicle shifts into neutral or loses drive power, pull over safely and contact the dealer before driving again.
- Call Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332 with questions and ask about Ford recall 24S33.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Ford technician updates the Hybrid Powertrain Control Module software so the vehicle no longer shifts into neutral unexpectedly because of the recalled HPCM programming. The software update and labor are free under the recall. Ford used its general reimbursement plan for this campaign. If you already paid for a related HPCM software repair before the recall notice, ask Ford customer service or the dealer service desk how to submit documentation for reimbursement.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| December 18, 2025 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| January 15, 2026 | Dealer notification began |
| January 15, 2026 | Dealer notification ended |
| January 15, 2026 | VIN-searchable in NHTSA's database — Check your VIN to see whether this recall applies to your specific vehicle. |
| February 12, 2026 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 25V881?
Recall 25V881 covers 87 Ford hybrid vehicles with HPCM software that can shift the vehicle into neutral unexpectedly. The affected vehicles are 2022-2024 Maverick Hybrid trucks and 2020 Escape Hybrid SUVs. Ford dealers will update the HPCM software for free.
What should I do if my 2020 Ford Escape Hybrid or 2022-2024 Ford Maverick Hybrid is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific vehicle is included in recall 25V881. If it is, contact a franchised Ford dealer to schedule the HPCM software update. Reference Ford recall number 24S33 when you call. The repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires manufacturers to repair safety defects at no cost. Ford dealers will update the Hybrid Powertrain Control Module software free of charge at any franchised Ford dealer.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is loss of drive power. The HPCM software can cause the vehicle to shift into neutral unexpectedly, which means the vehicle no longer responds with normal drive power. Ford says that loss of drive power increases crash risk.
When were owners notified about recall 25V881?
Ford mailed owner notification letters on February 12, 2026. If you bought the vehicle used or did not receive a letter, check your VIN to confirm whether your specific Maverick Hybrid or Escape Hybrid is included before calling a Ford dealer.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/25V881000 |
|---|---|
| Ford customer service | 1-866-436-7332 |
| NHTSA recall # | 25V881 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 25V881000 |
Source documents
-
Download Quarterly Report (PDF) - Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Recall Report (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on May 19, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →