2021 Ford Explorer: rolls away in park

Filed Nov 9, 2026 · Transmission · NC

While driving, the transmission commanded the parking pawl to engage while the vehicle was in motion. This caused an immediate, violent loss of propulsion in traffic, posing a severe crash risk. Furthermore, because the parking pawl sheared off at speed, the vehicle now poses a critical rollaway risk when shifted into "Park." This perfectly matches the exact safety hazard and mechanical failure described in the federal safety agency Campaign 26V402 (Ford Recall 26S48). ​Town and Country Ford ([XXX]) diagnosed the failure, pulled diagnostic trouble codes P07E4 and P07E6, and found heavy metal shavings in the pan directly resulting from the pawl engaging at speed. An independent 3rd-party inspector also physically examined the vehicle and formally documented the catastrophic internal damage. ​Despite displaying the exact symptoms, codes, and mechanical failure outlined in 26V402, my specific VIN ([XXX]) is currently excluded from the recall. This proves the scope of Ford's current recall is too narrow and is leaving inherently dangerous vehicles on public roads. ​I am now facing a $10,400 out-of-pocket repair for a known federal safety defect simply because my build date falls outside Ford's arbitrary recall window. The fully intact transmission is currently sitting at Town & Country Ford and is available for immediate the federal safety agency engineering inspection to prove the 26V402 defect extends beyond the currently recalled VINs. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Sep 8, 2026 · Transmission · FL

The contact owns a 2021 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving, the vehicle came to a complete stop in the middle of traffic. The vehicle was restarted, and the contact attempted to shift it into drive(D); however, the shifter returned to park(P) independently. The vehicle was towed to a dealer, where it was diagnosed with transmission failure. The dealer stated that the transmission needed to be replaced due to a transmission rollaway issue. The contact referenced the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 26V402000 (Power Train). The contact stated that a yellow light was flashing on the instrument panel, with an abnormal sound coming from the vehicle during the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, and the fault codes listed for the transmission failure were associated with the recall.

Filed Sep 1, 2026 · Acceleration, Engine · CA

I am reporting ongoing safety-related powertrain and drivability concerns involving my 2021 Ford Explorer ST in Fresno, California. The vehicle has experienced recurring transmission and driveline problems, including harsh or delayed shifting, hesitation, abrupt gear engagement, jerking/surging, and inconsistent acceleration. These symptoms are similar to transmission concerns documented by Ford for 2021 Explorers equipped with the 10R60 automatic transmission, including harsh/delayed engagement or shifting and potential issues involving transmission controls, solenoid strategy, and main-control valves. The vehicle has also required CV axle/half-shaft repairs, raising additional concerns regarding driveline reliability. I am also concerned about the known rear differential/rear axle mounting-bolt defect affecting 2021 Explorers. Ford has documented that the rear axle mounting bolt may fracture, allowing the axle housing to move. This can result in severe vibration/noise and possible driveshaft or half-shaft disconnection, potentially causing loss of propulsion. The defect may also contribute to a vehicle rollaway hazard. These combined transmission, CV axle, and rear differential concerns create a significant safety risk. Delayed acceleration or engagement can prevent the vehicle from responding as expected when entering intersections, making left turns, merging onto highways, changing lanes, or avoiding hazards. Abrupt engagement after hesitation can cause unexpected vehicle movement. Failure of a CV axle, half-shaft, or rear axle/differential mounting component could cause sudden loss of propulsion or vehicle control. I am requesting that the federal safety agency investigate whether these recurring transmission and driveline problems represent a broader safety defect involving the 10R60 transmission, CV axles/half-shafts, rear differential mounting system, or related powertrain components.

Filed Aug 26, 2026 · Electrical, Steering · CA · crash

the federal safety agency COMPLAINT: VIN [XXX]: Transmission cooler (Part 7869) ruptured, mixing fluid/coolant into corrosive glycol-acid in violation of SSM 52917. Contamination dissolved wiring insulation and delaminated clutch plates, causing systemic short circuits and CAN-bus load-shedding. Boiling fluid released toxic glycol/hydrocarbon vapors through HVAC ducts into the cabin without notice, creating an inhalation hazard. Vehicle available for inspection at South Bay Ford (BAR #XXX; captive 93 days).RISK: On XXX short circuits caused complete power steering assist dropout mid-transit. Steering locked during a turn, causing a crash into gate posts, endangering my minor children inside. Cabin chemical vapor inhalation caused respiratory tract irritation, dizziness, and headaches. Open recall hazards remain for visibility loss (Recall 26S14) and rollaway (Recall 26S48 parts backordered to 2027).CONFIRMATION: Contamination, a -1,212-mile odometer fraud discrepancy, and bricked electrical starting systems confirmed by dealer records XXX. Admitted unauthorized repairs to mask trouble codes and evade SSM 52917 confirmed in writing by Service Director [XXX] XXX, violating CA Bus & Prof Code 9884.9.HISTORY: Tracked under Ford RAV buyback #XXX, Corporate Escalation #[XXX], and CA Bureau of Automotive Repair Investigator [XXX] (Case #XXX). Total statutory loss is $54,628.75.SYMPTOMS: Transmission drops began XXX (42,319 miles). Dealer cleared codes and coerced 500 extra miles. XXX alerts included "Powertrain Malfunction" loops. Telematics registered false "Vehicle is On" loops. On XXX, dealer blocked diagnostics via a manufactured battery charge demand exactly 24 hours before federal Recall 26S48 launched. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Jul 27, 2026 · Transmission, Visibility · 78,000 miles · PA

The contact owns a 2021 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that on several occasions, the vehicle unexpectedly rolled forward while the vehicle was in park(P). Due to the failure, the contact was forced to engage the parking brake to prevent the vehicle from rolling forward while in park(P). The contact received notifications of the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 26V117000 (Visibility) and 26V402000(Power Train); however, the parts to do the recall repair were not available. The dealer was notified of the recalls and confirmed that parts were not available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repairs. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 78,000.

Filed Apr 15, 2023 · Transmission · IL

Car rolled down driveway while in park three separate times. Could have killed someone.

Filed Jul 11, 2022 · Body · DC

2021 ford explorer. Consumer writes in regard to issue with the rear subframe. The consumer stated the vehicle was manufactured with an incorrect subrame. The consumer believed the single bolts will eventually break due to stress. The vehicle had a recall to reprogram the PCM to automatically apply the parking break. The consumer was concerned the recall would not stop the vehicle from rolling away.

Filed Jun 17, 2022 · Transmission · 10,000 miles · MA

The contact owns a 2021 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while the transmission was either in park(P) or drive(D), the vehicle independently rolled away without warning. The contact stated that he forcefully depressed the brake pedal in an effort to stop the vehicle. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and transferred him to the federal safety agency. Upon investigation, the contact discovered the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 22V255000 (Power Train) which he linked to the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 10,000.

Filed Jun 17, 2022 · Transmission · VA

Feedback on Manufacturer Recall Number 22S27, the federal safety agency Recall 22V255 Allowing Ford to reprogram the powertrain control unit (ECU) on this vehicle so that the vehicle applies the emergency brake whenever the vehicle is placed in park in order to prevent the vehicle from rolling away if/when this one bolt breaks on the rear differential is NOT sufficient. The 2020 MY Ford Explorer ST/Plantium models have two bolts attaching the rear differential to the rear subframe. The equivalent 2020-2022 Lincoln Aviator also has two bolts on this part. The issue is that Ford ran out of the correct rear subframe parts and substituted a part for a lower powered powertrain, or this was a cost cutting measure gone bad. Cross referencing Ford's own parts numbers with the VIN shows the incorrect rear subframe installed at the factory. the federal safety agency should require Ford to properly and securely attach the rear differential to the rear subframe of the vehicle to prevent this issue. Allowing a workaround, use of parking brake to prevent rollaway, is not ok. Additionally, the equivalent police interceptor is obtaining the correct rear subframe as part of the manufacture defect resolution. Why wouldn't the others receive the same fix?