Ford Issues Recall for Potential Rollaway Risk: Is Your Vehicle Affected?
A recent recall has been issued by Ford due to a potentially dangerous rollaway risk affecting several of their popular models. While engine fires and other critical issues often dominate recall headlines, the thought of a vehicle rolling away unexpectedly is a serious concern for any driver. Imagine being unable to properly engage the parking gear and your car being at the mercy of gravity – a truly frightening scenario.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has officially announced a recall impacting hundreds of thousands of Ford vehicles due to this very rollaway risk. This article will provide you with comprehensive information on the recall, including the affected models, the nature of the problem, and the steps you can take to ensure your safety and address the issue.
Understanding the Ford Rollaway Recall: Why So Many Vehicles?
The core of the problem lies within the vehicle’s integrated park module. According to the NHTSA’s official report, the issue stems from a potential failure within this module, which could prevent the vehicle from properly locking into the “Park” position when the driver shifts gears. This malfunction can have severe consequences.
Specifically, the NHTSA report states that “the integrated park module may fail to lock into the park position when the driver shifts into park.” When this failure occurs, the vehicle is at risk of rolling away unexpectedly, significantly increasing the potential for accidents and injuries. This poses a significant threat to both the driver and those in the surrounding area.
The NHTSA emphasizes the severity of this issue, stating that affected vehicles “fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 114, ‘Theft Protection and Rollaway Prevention.'” This standard is in place to ensure that vehicles are equipped with reliable systems to prevent unintended movement when parked, highlighting the seriousness of the defect.
Which Ford Vehicles Are Affected by the Rollaway Risk?
The recall impacts a substantial number of Ford vehicles across several popular models. The following models and model years are included in the recall due to the potential rollaway risk:
- 2022 F-150 Lightning BEV
- 2023 F-150 Lightning BEV
- 2024 F-150 Lightning BEV
- 2025 F-150 Lightning BEV
- 2026 F-150 Lightning BEV
- 2024 Mustang Mach-E
- 2025 Mustang Mach-E
- 2026 Mustang Mach-E
- 2025 Maverick
- 2026 Maverick
With nearly 273,000 vehicles potentially affected, it’s crucial to determine if your vehicle is among those at risk. Ford plans to notify owners of affected vehicles through a mailed letter. The initial round of letters is expected to be sent out in early February 2026. A second notification will be sent “once the final remedy is available,” which is also anticipated in February 2026. This two-step approach ensures owners are informed promptly and then again when a permanent solution is ready.
In addition to waiting for the official notification, owners can proactively check their vehicle’s status. Starting January 26, 2026, you can visit the NHTSA website and enter your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) to determine if your vehicle is included in this specific recall. This is a quick and easy way to verify your vehicle’s status and gain peace of mind.
Addressing the Rollaway Risk: Ford’s Solution
Ford has outlined a plan to address the rollaway risk in affected vehicles. The solution involves updating the park module software. This update will be implemented in one of two ways, offering convenience for vehicle owners.
According to Ford, “the park module software will be updated over-the-air (OTA) or by a dealer, free of charge.” The OTA update allows owners to receive the software fix remotely, similar to how smartphones receive updates. This eliminates the need to visit a dealership, saving time and effort. For owners who prefer a traditional approach or whose vehicles are not compatible with OTA updates, the software update will also be available at authorized Ford dealerships at no cost.
It is crucial to prioritize this repair as soon as it becomes available to you. A vehicle that cannot be reliably placed into park poses a significant safety hazard. The potential consequences of a rollaway incident are severe, ranging from property damage to serious personal injury. Furthermore, operating a vehicle with a known safety defect can create a significant liability risk.
For your own safety, as well as the safety of others around you, it’s essential to take this recall seriously. Promptly addressing the issue will minimize the risk of a rollaway incident and ensure your vehicle is operating safely and reliably.
Additional Resources and Contact Information
If you have any further questions or require additional information regarding this recall, Ford has established a dedicated customer service line. You can reach Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. When contacting customer service, it’s helpful to have the recall numbers readily available. Ford’s internal recall number for this issue is 25C69, and the NHTSA recall number is 25V863000. Providing these numbers will help the customer service representative quickly locate the relevant information and assist you effectively.
Source Information
The information presented in this article is based on official data and reports released by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). You can find detailed information about the recall on the NHTSA website.
Source: Vehicle Rollaway Risk/FMVSS 114, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 2025.