741,195 Ford and Lincoln vehicles can roll away in park. The repair won't be ready until April 2027.
NHTSA campaign 26V402, added to the official recall summary July 6, 2026, covers five models that all share Ford's 10R80 transmission with park-by-wire: the 2021 F-150, 2020-2021 Explorer, 2018-2021 Expedition, 2020-2021 Lincoln Aviator, and 2018-2021 Lincoln Navigator. Ford's internal recall number is 26S48.
What Fails and How
Ford's 10R80 uses an electronic signal to engage the parking pawl rather than a direct mechanical linkage. Under certain shift sequences while the vehicle is still moving, the park pawl can engage unexpectedly mid-shift.
When that happens, the pawl absorbs stress it wasn't designed to handle. Enough of those unintended engagements can physically damage the pawl or the surrounding mechanism. A damaged park system won't hold the vehicle on a grade if you don't use the emergency brake. That's how the rollaway happens.
One detail matters more for used car buyers than for current owners: the damage accumulates silently. A previous owner doesn't need to have noticed anything unusual. There's no warning light that reliably flags this. The park mechanism could be compromised on a vehicle that looks, drives, and reports completely clean.
Affected Vehicles
Not every vehicle of these model years is covered. Ford identified the affected population through transmission plant and vehicle assembly records. The units don't fall in VIN order, so you can't rule in or out based on trim level or build sequence without checking the specific VIN.
| Model | Years Affected | Units |
|---|---|---|
| Ford Explorer | 2020-2021 | 313,147 |
| Ford Expedition | 2018-2021 | 246,202 |
| Ford F-150 | 2021 | 82,570 |
| Lincoln Navigator | 2018-2021 | 59,079 |
| Lincoln Aviator | 2020-2021 | 40,197 |
| Total | 741,195 |
These aren't obscure models. The 2020-2021 Explorer is one of the most-searched used midsize SUVs in the $25,000-$32,000 price range. Expeditions and Navigators dominate the used full-size category. If you're shopping any of these segments right now, a significant share of available inventory carries this open recall.
The Repair Timeline
Ford will fix affected vehicles by updating the powertrain control module software, then inspecting the park mechanism for existing damage. Any damaged components get replaced. No charge to owners.
The timeline is the problem. Interim owner notification letters go out starting August 3, 2026. Remedy letters are planned in phases throughout Q2 2027. The actual repair parts and software aren't expected to be available until April 2027.
Ford's instruction until then: use the parking brake every time you park. Flat lot, parking structure, sloped driveway, doesn't matter. That workaround eliminates the rollaway risk while the transmission park system remains unrepaired.
What This Means If You're Buying
Used car dealers in most states have no legal obligation to repair open recalls before selling a vehicle. You can buy a 2020 Explorer today, take delivery, and receive Ford's letter in August as the first notice. The seller isn't required to disclose the recall proactively in most states.
The complication unique to this recall: it's a defect that may have already done its damage. Unlike a software recall where the car simply hasn't received a patch, the 10R80 park system can sustain cumulative mechanical wear from prior driving. A pre-purchase inspection on any affected model should specifically address the parking mechanism.
A vehicle with 26V402 open and unrepaired has a documented defect with a known repair timeline you can put a date on: April 2027 for parts availability. That's concrete information. Use it when you're negotiating price on any of the five affected models.
The practical reality if you buy one: always engage the emergency brake until Ford confirms the remedy is available and you've had the repair performed at a dealer. It becomes habit quickly. But it means the parking feature you'd normally rely on has a documented failure mode for at least the next nine months.
How to Check Before You Buy
NHTSA's recall lookup at nhtsa.gov/recalls verifies open campaigns by VIN in seconds. Since this recall population was defined by assembly records and not model year alone, a VIN check is the only reliable way to confirm whether a specific vehicle is covered.
Run the VIN before you make an offer. A seller who objects to that is worth questioning.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if a specific vehicle is included in recall 26V402? Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Ford identified affected vehicles through transmission plant and assembly records, not by model year alone, so VIN-level verification is the only way to confirm. Not every 2021 F-150 or 2020 Explorer is in the recall population. The lookup is free and takes under a minute.
Is it safe to drive a vehicle with the 26V402 recall open? Ford says yes, with one firm condition: use the parking brake every time you park. The rollaway risk arises when the park mechanism has sustained damage and the driver parks on a slope relying on transmission park alone. The emergency brake bypasses the affected system entirely and eliminates the risk until the PCM update and inspection are completed.
Do dealers have to tell you about open recalls before you sign? In most states, no. Federal law requires new-vehicle dealers to resolve open recalls before sale; that requirement doesn't extend to used vehicles. A dealer must answer honestly if you ask directly, but proactive disclosure isn't required in the majority of states. Running your own VIN check before you sign is the only reliable safeguard.
If you're tracking a 2020-2021 Explorer, 2018-2021 Expedition, or 2018-2021 Navigator, use CarScout to watch your candidates and monitor recall status as Ford's interim notices go out this August.