Massive Recall Affects Hundreds of Thousands
Ford is recalling 272,645 vehicles in the U.S., including 104,113 F-150 Lightning pickups, 88,064 Mustang Mach-E crossovers, and 80,468 Maverick hybrid pickups, after discovering a potential rollaway risk caused by a transmission issue.
The problem stems from the integrated park module, which may fail to fully engage the Park position in certain cases. If the transmission does not lock properly, the vehicle could move unexpectedly, increasing the risk of accidents, particularly if the parking brake is not fully engaged.
What Causes the Problem
According to Ford, the integrated parking module’s pawl can bind against a nearby slider, preventing it from returning to the fully engaged position. Ford emphasized there is no mechanical defect in the components themselves; instead, the problem can be addressed with a software update.
The update targets the Secondary On Board Diagnostic Module C (SOBDMC) and is designed to ensure the transmission correctly registers the Park position. Once installed, the vehicle will display a “P” on the dashboard when properly in Park, and the service icon will no longer appear.
How the Fix Will Be Delivered
Ford plans to release the update both at dealerships and over-the-air (OTA). However, the software is not yet available. The automaker expects it to be rolled out in the near future.
In the meantime, owners are advised to keep the parking brake engaged and ensure it functions correctly. If the pawl binds to the slider, the car may not display “P” on the dashboard, signaling that drivers should double-check that the vehicle is secure.
A Record Year for Ford Recalls
This recall is just one of nearly 150 recalls issued by Ford in 2025, highlighting a busy year for the automaker in terms of vehicle safety and quality control. By comparison, Stellantis has issued 53 recalls, while General Motors follows with 27.
Many of Ford’s 2025 recalls affect electric and hybrid models, reflecting the growing complexity of EV systems and software-driven components. While no physical defect exists in the parking module, software reliability has become crucial to vehicle safety, especially for fully electric pickups like the F-150 Lightning.
What Owners Should Do
Ford owners affected by the recall should:
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Check that the parking brake is engaged before leaving the vehicle.
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Wait for the official software update, which will resolve the Park engagement issue.
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Monitor dashboard alerts, and if the “P” symbol does not appear, treat the vehicle as potentially unsecured.
Despite the inconvenience, Ford assures that the update will fully address the problem, preventing any risk of unintended rollaway events once installed.
The Broader Implications
As EVs and hybrids become more common, software-related recalls may increase in frequency, even when no mechanical faults exist. The F-150 Lightning recall underscores the importance of over-the-air updates and careful monitoring of vehicle software systems to maintain safety.
With millions of vehicles on the road, addressing potential rollaway risks proactively is critical for maintaining consumer confidence in electric and hybrid trucks.
Recommend Reading: Ford Ends the Current F-150 Lightning as It Reworks Its EV Pickup Strategy
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