For the fifth time, Ford has issued another gear shift mechanism recall, and this one is big. Over three million vehicles are in this recall. It’s for potential shifting unit damage or missing parts. The problem has resulted in some Ford cars rolling away when placed in Park. 

Which vehicles did Ford recall?

The list of vehicles involved is long. It includes 2013 to 2019 Escape, 2013 to 2018 C-Max, 2013 to 2016 Fusion, 2013 to 2021 Transit Connect vans, and 2015 to 2018 Edge. The recall includes both U.S. and Canadian models. 

The problem is that a shift cable bushing can be missing or damaged. As such, the vehicle may not shift into the gear chosen by the driver. And/or when placed in the Park position it may roll away.

Why has Ford had four previous recalls for this?

The first recall over this issue happened in 2018 and involved 1.4 million vehicles according to Reuters. In April 2022, it issued its fourth recall over certain models. At the same time, it was having ongoing contact with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration about other Ford products not included in that recall. 

“Although claim rates and projected failures remained low, Ford recommended a safety recall for the remaining vehicles in North America,” Ford said in a statement. Between 2015 and 2018, Ford said that 1,630 vehicles with the problem were fixed under warranty. 

The fix involves replacing a shift bushing and adding a protection shield to it. The Dearborn automaker is also making the bushing from a different grade material. 

With 38 recalls Ford leads the industry

This makes Ford recalls the most in the industry this year with 38. Over 6.6 million cars and trucks have been recalled in those campaigns. Just this week there have been three recalls, so far. 

The first of this week’s recalls involve almost 50,000 Mustang Mach-E EVs. This one is for an overheating cable in the electrical system that causes a potential loss of power or starting issues. The company will correct the problem with a software over-the-air update.

Today it issued another recall

Then earlier today, the automaker issued a recall for 53,000 2021 and 2022 Broncos over child safety lock issues. The passenger-side rear door safety lock in the “On” position could allow the door to be opened from the inside. Dealers will inspect Bronco child-safety locks and replace any that are malfunctioning. Ford says there have been no crashes or injuries reported for either the Bronco or Mustang Mach-E recalls. 

Ford’s 38 recalls in 2022 top the list for carmakers. The next highest recalls issued is Mercedes with 19. So Ford has twice as many recalls as Mercedes. Those automakers with the lowest are Kia with 11, Tesla with 12, and Stellantis with 13.