2020 Ford Explorer: rolls away in park

Filed Sep 13, 2026 · Transmission · CT

I am concerned this is a known and widespread defect. The 10R60 transmission is the subject of multiple Ford Technical Service Bulletins and an active Ford/the federal safety agency safety recall (26S48 / the federal safety agency 26V‑402) addressing transmission-related park-system and rollaway defects on this same transmission, model, and year. My vehicle was well maintained with routine service, yet the transmission failed internally at approximately 87,000 miles. Given the documented history of failures with this unit, I believe this defect warrants further investigation into transmission reliability and safety on 2020–2021 Ford Explorers equipped with the 10R60, beyond the current recall scope. Repair was quoted by the dealer at approximately $5,000–$8,000. I am filing this complaint so that this failure is documented in the federal safety agency's database and to support identification of any broader safety defect trend.

Filed Sep 13, 2026 · Transmission · CT

I am concerned this is a known and widespread defect. The 10R60 transmission is the subject of multiple Ford Technical Service Bulletins and an active Ford/the federal safety agency safety recall (26S48 / the federal safety agency 26V‑402) addressing transmission-related park-system and rollaway defects on this same transmission, model, and year. My vehicle was well maintained with routine service, yet the transmission failed internally at approximately 87,000 miles. Given the documented history of failures with this unit, I believe this defect warrants further investigation into transmission reliability and safety on 2020–2021 Ford Explorers equipped with the 10R60, beyond the current recall scope. Repair was quoted by the dealer at approximately $5,000–$8,000. I am filing this complaint so that this failure is documented in the federal safety agency's database and to support identification of any broader safety defect trend.

Filed Sep 3, 2026 · Transmission · TX

My 2020 Ford Explorer experienced a catastrophic mechanical failure directly tied to active Safety Recall 26S48 / the federal safety agency Campaign 26V402000. While operating the vehicle, the transmission's internal parking pawl failed/shattered, completely locking the rear wheels mechanism. The vehicle is entirely immobilized and cannot move even an inch, even when the gear selector is manually turned to Neutral or when the Manual Park Release (MPR) tether is fully engaged. [1, 2] The vehicle had to be flatbed-towed using specialized wheel dollies to prevent severe structural and drivetrain destruction because the wheels are locked solid. When attempting to have the vehicle received at an authorized Ford dealership, the dealership refused to accept the vehicle or open a formal repair ticket, claiming that because the final recall remedy parts are delayed until 2027, they "cannot take the vehicle." [1] Ford Motor Company is failing to provide a timely safety remedy or manage its dealership network to accommodate a vehicle that has already suffered a total mechanical failure due to this exact recalled defect. The vehicle is a severe rollaway and structural hazard, completely undriveable, and Ford is denying responsibility or alternative transportation assistance because the parts do not yet exist. I am requesting immediate federal intervention to compel Ford to ground this vehicle, provide a safe loaner, and initiate a manufacturer buyback.

Filed Jul 7, 2026 · Transmission · CO · crash

The vehicle was parked on a slight incline and they were inside the vehicle rolled away and struck a fire hydrant. The vehicle was in park and rolled down the hill and struck multiple stationary objects.

Filed Jul 2, 2026 · Transmission · 84,612 miles · KY

The contact owns a 2020 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 26V402000 (Power Train); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that after his wife had parked the vehicle, the message "Parking Malfunction" was displayed and the vehicle rolled forward. The parking brake was activated to prevent the vehicle from rolling away. The dealer was made aware of the failure but confirmed that parts were not yet available. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 84,612.

Filed Feb 16, 2026 · Engine, Transmission · CA

I own a 2020 Ford Explorer with approximately 85,776 miles. The vehicle has experienced two separate loss-of-propulsion events in traffic. On both occasions, the vehicle suddenly lost power while driving and stalled in the middle of a busy intersection. There was no prior warning of imminent engine failure. After stalling, the vehicle would crank but would not restart. The vehicle was disabled in the intersection for approximately 45 minutes to one hour each time. My family was inside the vehicle during these incidents. The vehicle displayed multiple malfunction warnings including “Shift System Fault” and messages indicating the vehicle was not in Park even when the shifter was in the Park position. The dealership, Hansel Ford of Petaluma, verified the concern and referenced Ford Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) 23-2249 related to internal transmission components, including the valve body and park pawl actuator system. The dealership confirmed that when the vehicle is placed in Park, it may actually remain in Neutral. This creates an additional safety risk of unintended vehicle movement. This issue presents a serious safety hazard due to: •Sudden loss of propulsion in traffic •Vehicle disabled in active intersections •Extended inability to restart •Potential rollaway risk due to Park malfunction The vehicle is currently pending major transmission-related repairs. I am submitting this complaint due to concerns about loss of propulsion and park system malfunction creating a safety risk for occupants and surrounding traffic.

Filed Oct 13, 2025 · Fuel system, Transmission · MI

On [XXX]., in heavy rush‑hour traffic on [XXX] , my vehicle (~75,417 mi) suddenly lost motive power w/o warning at ~55 mph. It became immobile in a live lane, creating a roadblock and rear‑end crash risk. Drivers swerved/honked. Accelerator had no effect; limited/no power‑steering assist; I coasted to an in‑lane stop (no safe shoulder) and activated hazards. Cluster displayed “SHIFT SYS FAULT—Service Required” and wrench icon. Attempts to restart failed; the vehicle remained disabled ~30min until a tow arrived; police responded. After tow, on a slight incline, the vehicle rolled backward when started and the parking brake was released, though the cluster showed Park—clear rollaway concern. Recovery/diagnosis: Towed first to AutoTech Clinic (advised replacement trans). Then to Bill Brown Ford (Livonia, MI): fractured planetary gear and broken park pawl; recommended full transmission replacement (~$8,500). Repair history (pre‑purchase): I’ve owned the car <6 mos (now ~75k). A Ford dealer later informed me the vehicle previously had major work at Taylor Ford of MI: trans‑cooler plumbing cracks between cooler and trans lines at ~34k, and major internal trans repair at ~46k (“burnt clutch A; full reassembly”). None of this appeared on CARFAX or was disclosed by the selling dealer. Costs/downtime: ~$700 towing/diagnostics to date; trans replacement quoted ~$8,500. Mfr/dealer response: Reported to Ford on 10/13/2025, case [XXX]. Initial response: no assistance; pending. The Ford 10R60 has multiple TSBs for trans issues, but neither the dealer nor CSR cited any, and no assistance has been offered. Maintenance/mods: Vehicle stock; maintained per mfr schedule. Safety concern: Sudden loss of propulsion in traffic + inability to move to safety, combined with a Park indication that allows rollback, present significant crash/rollaway hazards. Please investigate and, if warranted, require a recall. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed May 15, 2025 · Driver assistance, Transmission · NY

* The component that appears to be malfunctioning is the driveshaft and/or related transmission system. I have experienced repeated issues such as abnormal jerking when switching gears, grinding or clunking noises, and jerking through the drivetrain with erratic RPMs before the vehicle regains power. These symptoms are consistent with problems covered in recent recalls for the 2020 Ford Explorer. The vehicle is still in my possession and available for inspection upon request. *The issues have made it feel unsafe to drive the vehicle, especially with children in the car. The unpredictable jerking and loss of power present a serious danger, particularly when accelerating into traffic or driving at highway speeds. I am extremely concerned that a sudden failure could result in loss of control, a rollaway, or even a serious accident. Another concern is the defect involving the driveshaft or half shafts that might disconnect or stop functioning. This disconnection can lead to a loss of drive power or, if the parking brake is not applied, a possible vehicle rollaway. *While I have not yet had the issue diagnosed by a service center, I have filed a lemon law claim, and I’m in the process of addressing the matter formally. The symptoms I’m experiencing appear to match known issues that Ford has already recalled for the 2020–2021 Explorer models. *The manufacturer has not yet inspected the vehicle, and no inspections have been conducted by police or insurance representatives. I am open to having the vehicle inspected by Ford or an authorized party as needed. *There were no warning lamps or messages displayed prior to the issues occurring. The symptoms—jerking, clunking noises, and erratic RPM behavior—began gradually over time, with the first noticeable incident occurring a few months ago. Since then, the issues have become more frequent and severe.

Filed Jul 31, 2023 · Transmission · GA

1. My 2020 Explorer has about 75,000 miles. 2. The car rolled back while in park during the week of 7/24, and the emergency brake stopped the car from rolling. 3. I called Ford Customer Care and my local dealer to see if my model was included in the current transmission recall (23v06900), it is not. 4. On 7/28/23, the car would not go into park. The emergency brake kicked in. The screen shows a message that says "Park not available apply brake before exiting". 5. Car is currently at the dealership in need of a new transmission. Vehicle still will not go into "park". Car remains in place due to the emergency brake, only.

Filed Feb 3, 2023 · Brakes, Transmission · MI

Drivetrain failure. Vehicle rolled forward while turned off, in park, while on a hill. Break did not respond while rolling (passenger who was still in car tried to lean over the seat to depress the break). Driver ran from behind the vehicle, hopped in (while car was moving!), turned car on, applied break and veered the vehicle right to get the car to stop. Vehicle nearly collided with three pedestrians and a nearby parked car. We have brought this car in to a Ford Dealership today. We reported a shuttering that occurred during peak torque while in for service last year - but dealership said they could not replicate.