Ford Expanding Explorer SUV Roll-away Recall

Ford Motor Company is recalling 2020-2022 Explorer vehicles equipped with a 2.3L RWD, 3.3L GAS, 3.3L FHEV, or 3.0L ST powertrain, according to documents made public by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration today. The Explorers can roll-away.

The previous powertrain control module (PCM) update completed under recall 22V-255 did not include what is described as “the automatic electronic parking brake feature when the vehicle is shifted to park, as intended.” In addition, the rear axle horizontal mounting bolt may fracture and cause the driveshaft to disconnect.

Production dates of 2 February 2019 through 1 April 2022 apply to the updated safety defect recall. The original recall was launched before all the software calibrations were available for dealers, Ford said in the mandatory NHTSA filing. “There were software calibration level updates missing in the system for some powertrain variants before July 2022, after which all calibration levels were properly released,” according to Ford.

Affected vehicles are equipped with a 2.3-liter RWD, 3.3-liter GAS 3.3-liter FHEV, or 3.0-liter ST powertrain and have had safety recall 22S27 performed before July 2022. Ford vehicles are not produced in VIN order. Information as to the applicability of this recall by contacting a local Ford or Lincoln dealers who can obtain specific information regarding the vehicles from the Ford On-line Automotive Service Information System (OASIS) database.

“It was discovered that there were software calibration level updates missing in the system for some powertrain variants before July 2022, after which all calibration levels were properly released. As of March 2023, Ford is aware of (17) field reports related to this condition [roll-away safety defect] safety defect. On 17 March 2023, Ford’s Field Review Committee reviewed the concern and approved a field action,” Ford said. Ford is not aware of any reports of accidents or injury related to this safety defect.

Dealers will update the PCM software free of charge as required by Federal law. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed in May 2023. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford’s number for this recall is 23S16. Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153) or go to www.nhtsa.gov about NHTSA recalls 22V-255 and 23V-199.