Ford recall 26V402 covers 741,195 2018-2021 F-150, Aviator, Explorer, Navigator, and Expedition vehicles for park-pawl damage. Free repair once available.
Ford is recalling 741,195 2018-2021 F-150, Explorer, Expedition, Aviator, and Navigator vehicles because the transmission park pawl can engage while the vehicle is moving and damage the park system. That damage can lead to vehicle rollaway and raise crash risk; the dealer repair will be free once Ford makes it available.
Does this recall apply to your specific vehicle?
The official, free per-VIN recall check is run by NHTSA. Enter your VIN and we'll forward you directly — and add you to a free watchlist so you hear about new recalls for your vehicle.
Check my VIN at NHTSARecallNotify doesn't check your VIN — NHTSA's official tool does. We use your email only to alert you to new recalls.
Watch this vehicle for recalls
Add it to your free watchlist and we will alert you as new federal recalls are posted for your year, make and model. New-recall alerts are rolling out now.
You are on the watchlist.
We will email you as new federal recalls are posted for your vehicle.
What's wrong?
The park pawl is the metal lock inside the automatic transmission that holds the vehicle when you shift into Park. On these 2018-2021 Ford F-150, Aviator, Explorer, Navigator, and Expedition vehicles, the powertrain control module also helps manage shift commands and the electronic parking brake. The valve body separator plate routes transmission fluid to the valves that make those commands happen.
The problem starts when that separator plate limits fluid flow to the park valve. When certain shifts are commanded, the park pawl can engage for a moment while the vehicle is still moving. That damages the park system. Once damaged, the vehicle can move after Park is selected, fail to shift into Park, get stuck in Park, or move while the brake is applied.
Owners can see a wrench light in the instrument panel cluster. If the transmission range sensor does not reach Park after Park is commanded, the Electronic Parking Brake automatically applies.
Who's affected?
Covers F-150, Explorer, Expedition, Aviator, and Navigator across the 2018-2021 model years, all tied to automatic-transmission software.
| 2021 Ford F-150 | automatic transmission |
|---|---|
| 2021 Lincoln Aviator | automatic transmission |
| 2020 Lincoln Aviator | automatic transmission |
| 2021 Ford Explorer | automatic transmission |
| 2020 Ford Explorer | automatic transmission |
| 2021 Lincoln Navigator | automatic transmission |
| 2020 Lincoln Navigator | automatic transmission |
| 2019 Lincoln Navigator | automatic transmission |
| 2018 Lincoln Navigator | automatic transmission |
| 2021 Ford Expedition | automatic transmission |
| 2020 Ford Expedition | automatic transmission |
| 2019 Ford Expedition | automatic transmission |
| 2018 Ford Expedition | automatic transmission |
| Units affected | 741,195 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged 295 field incidents to date. |
A matching year and model does not guarantee inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether this recall applies to your specific vehicle.
What's the safety risk?
Park system damage can leave the vehicle short of a secure Park position. If the vehicle rolls away, the risk of a crash increases. A wrench light signals the issue, and the electronic parking brake applies when Park is commanded but not reached. Confirm the vehicle is secure before walking away. Repair will be free at any franchised Ford dealer once available.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2018-2021 Ford F-150, Aviator, Explorer, Navigator, or Expedition is included in this recall.
- Watch for Ford's interim safety letter, then the remedy letter once Ford opens the repair.
- Ask a franchised Ford dealer what to do if the vehicle rolls after shifting to Park, and reference recall number 26V402.
- Set the parking brake every time you park until the repair is complete.
- Schedule the free powertrain-control-module software update and transmission inspection that addresses park-pawl engagement while the vehicle is moving.
What happens at the repair
Ford has not opened the final dealer remedy yet. Once available, a Ford technician will update the powertrain control module software, then inspect the transmission and replace damaged transmission components as needed. The final dealer repair will be free once it opens. Ford's general reimbursement plan is on file for this recall. If you already paid for a related transmission or park system repair, contact Ford customer service and ask what documentation is needed for a reimbursement claim.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| June 24, 2026 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| June 26, 2026 | Dealer notification began |
| June 26, 2026 | Dealer notification ended |
| June 26, 2026 | VIN-searchable in NHTSA's database — Check your VIN to see whether this recall applies to your specific vehicle. |
| August 3, 2026 | Interim owner notification (planned) |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 26V402?
Recall 26V402 covers 741,195 2018-2021 Ford F-150, Aviator, Explorer, Navigator, and Expedition vehicles with a transmission park pawl that can engage while the vehicle is moving. Park system damage can lead to vehicle rollaway and increase crash risk.
What should I do if my 2018-2021 Ford F-150, Aviator, Explorer, Navigator, or Expedition is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific vehicle is included in recall 26V402. If it is, contact a franchised Ford dealer and ask about next steps. Ford expects interim owner letters on August 3, 2026, and remedy letters after the repair opens.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Ford dealers will update the powertrain control module software, inspect the transmission, and replace damaged transmission components as necessary free of charge. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to provide the recall repair at no cost.
Is it safe to drive before the repair is available?
Ford has not issued a do-not-drive order for recall 26V402. The risk is tied to park system damage that can cause rollaway and increase crash risk. Until the remedy opens, use your parking brake, follow Ford's interim notice, and call Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332 with recall number 26S48.
When will Ford notify owners about recall 26V402?
Ford expects to mail interim owner letters on August 3, 2026. Those letters notify owners of the safety risk. Ford expects to send additional letters once the remedy is available, with availability anticipated in April 2027.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/26V402000 |
|---|---|
| Ford customer service | 1-866-436-7332 |
| NHTSA recall # | 26V402 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 26V402000 |
Source documents
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on July 4, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →