Two automakers are recalling millions of vehicles over transmission issues that can increase the risk of a rollaway accident.
If you own one of the recalled vehicles named below, contact the manufacturer as soon as possible.
Ford Recalls Over 2 Million Vehicles Over Accident Risk
The first recall comes from Ford, which alone is recalling 2.9 million vehicles. The firm learned that the bushing used to attach the shifting cable to the transmission can expose degradation or become loose. If that occurs, the transmission will no longer function as intended, preventing the driver from shifting into the desired gear. As a result, the vehicle might roll away if the transmission is shifted into Park.
Recalled vehicles include the 2013 through 2019 Escape, the 2013 through 2018 C-Max, the 2013 through 2016 Fusion, the 2013 through 2021 Transit Connect, and the 2015 through 2018 Edge vehicles.
The company registered 1,630 warranty reports, 233 complaints, four injury reports, and six property damage claims associated with this problem.
Impacted car owners will receive a recall alert in the mail starting June 27.
Dodge, Jeep Vehicles Recalled Over Similar Accident Risks
Dodge and Jeep vehicles are also at risk of rollaway accidents, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) announced.
Stellantis, the parent company of both car makers, is recalling 270,000 SUVs after learning that some of the 2018 through 2020 Dodge Durangos and Jeep Grand Cherokees come with antilock braking modules that had a defective sensor that might tell the vehicle computer that the brake pedal is being pressed even when it is not. If this occurs and the vehicle computer does not block the transmission from shifting out of park unless there is pressure on the brake pedal, the SUV can roll away unexpectedly.
While the firm learned of the problem after some customers reported their brake lights were on when no one was in the vehicle, they are not aware of any accidents related to the issue.
So far, the firm does not have a proper solution to this problem. While a remedy is under development, impacted car owners should wait for a notice in the mail, which should arrive in late July.
If you are not sure your contact information has been properly updated with your automaker, you can look for open recalls at the NHTSA recall center website.
