2018-2022 Ford Safety Recall Affects Over 450,000 Vehicles Due to Transmission Issue
DETROIT — A major safety recall has been issued for certain 2018-2022 Ford vehicles, impacting approximately 456,000 units across North America according to a formal announcement from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. What is the cause of the action? An identified defect in the transmission control module can cause unexpected downshifts into first gear without driver input, increasing risk of collision. Who is affected? Owners of select Ford Bronco, Ford Edge, Ford Explorer, and Lincoln models from the 2018 through 2022 model years. Where and when was the issue detected? The defect came to light following a spike in warranty claims reported to Ford since early 2023, with NHTSA opening a probe earlier this year. Why is this significant? The unintended gear changes, occurring at nearly any speed, bypass standard safety protocols, leading to loss of vehicle control. How will the manufacturer respond? Ford has confirmed dealer repairs will begin in April, with a software update to recalibrate the transmission control module free of charge for affected owners. Officials urge consumers to check their vehicle identification number on the NHTSA website to verify eligibility and schedule service immediately.