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Consumer Reports announced today that there’s a Ford Transit recall. The potential problems lie with 2013-2012 model year Ford Transit Connect vans. Over 192,000 of them are at risk of rolling away, despite the gear shifter showing the van in Park. Let’s check out the details. 

a silver ford transit connect model on display at an auto show
Ford Transit Connect | Scott Olson/Getty Images

The transmission and the shifter cable have a failing connection 

According to Consumer Reports, the issue is caused by a damaged connection from shifter to trans via the bushing. That means that when drivers put the vehicle in Park, the shifter cable isn’t getting the message to the transmission. So drivers could think they are in Park, are able to turn the vehicle off (due to the lack of communication with the transmission), and get out of a Ford Transit Connect that then proceeds to roll away. 

Any typical warnings or alerts that tell drivers that a vehicle is not in Park. A rollaway vehicle is nothing to play around with. There’s quite a high potential for affected Ford Transit Connect models to become hazardous for both people or property.

Consumer Reports writes that Ford “says it is not aware of any crashes or injuries related to the recall. In addition, owners of affected 2013-2021 Ford Transit Connect vans can take them to the dealership. The faulty part will be replaced at no cost to the Ford Transit owners. 

Ford Transit Connect vans recalled in both the U.S. and Canada

In the U.S. the Ford recall affected 192,080 Ford Transit Connect vans. There are 12,629 Ford Transit Connect vans that are affected in Canada. The problem may arise in model years 2013-2021. 

Consumer Reports tells us that there is an issue with a bushing “that connects the shifter to the transmission.” Apparently this bushing is prone to untimel wear. Owners are warned that the bushing may decline over time––ultimately detaching or breaking altogether. 

If the bushing that connects the shifter to the transmission breaks, then the gear shifter can look like it’s it park when it really isn’t. When owners take affected vehicles to their respective Ford dealerships for service, the mechanics will replace the damaged bushing. Then, they are to add a cable that protects the bushing from further wear and tear. 

Ford will contact owners of the affected Ford Transit Connect vans

2020 Ford Transit Connect | Ford Media

Ford will begin contacting the owners of the affected recalls on June 28. However, if owners would like to contact Ford in the meantime, there is a phone number they may call in order to get more information about the Ford recall. The number is 800-392-3673.

Getting info from the NHTSA

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) doesn’t have a specific file for this recall as of this writing. Still, curious owners of Ford Transit Connect vans from model years 2013-2021 can enter the vehicle identification number (VIN) of their Transit van on the NHTSA website to see if it’s among those affected.

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Section Editor - Pickup Trucks

Jordan Almond

Jordan Almond grew up Texan, hauling goosenecks and bumper pulls with her family’s dually. A former competitive equestrian, her experience driving trucks and towing horse trailers has provided a foundation for her pickup coverage and former weekly Toyota Tacoma installation. Jordan now serves as our Trucks, SUVs, & Crossovers Section Editor.

Jordan has a Bachelor’s in Rhetoric and Writing from the University of North Texas, and she wrote short fiction and poetry until joining MotorBiscuit in 2020. A lifelong adventurer, she can be found crafting pieces on RVs, camper vans, and overland conversions, although her library of automotive media covers a wide range of topics. Jordan credits motherhood and family life (chasing two boys) for providing her with more personal insights on new car reviews and informative pieces on consumer favorites.