Ford issues major recall on EVs and hybrids; park mode may fail

On December 19, 2025, Ford and U.S. safety regulators announced a large recall affecting certain Ford electric and hybrid models.

If you own one of the recalled vehicles, learn what you should do.

Why this recall?

Engineers traced Ford’s problem to the integrated park module. They discovered that when drivers move the selector to Park, the module can fail to actually lock the driveline into the park position. That mismatch between what the shifter displays and what the driveline does raises the risk that a vehicle could roll if it’s not secured by the parking brake or other measures.

Ford’s formal filing with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) lays out the defect and the safety rationale for the recall. You can read the filing information here.

Ford’s fix

Ford’s remedy is a software update to the park module. The company will deliver the update free of charge either over-the-air to vehicles that support it or at dealerships for cars that need a dealer visit.

NHTSA’s documents list the recall ID and say VINs will be searchable on the federal site on a posted date. Ford plans to mail owner notifications and then push the fix once the remedy is ready.

If you wince at the idea of a towed vehicle suddenly becoming mobile, note that Ford’s solution is to update the module logic rather than replace major mechanical parts.

Recalled vehicles

Vehicles included in this recall are:

• F-150 Lightning battery-electric pickup trucks
Model years 2022 through 2026 (about 104,113 vehicles)

• Mustang Mach-E electric crossovers
Model years 2024 through 2026 (about 88,064 vehicles)

• Maverick compact pickups
Model years 2025 and 2026 (about 80,468 vehicles)

Immediate steps

Check your vehicle’s VIN right now on Ford’s recall lookup or NHTSA’s VIN tool before you hitch up. If your VIN shows up on this recall, arrange the software update.

Until your Ford is fixed, never rely on the shifter alone when you park the vehicle. Use the parking brake, wheel chocks, and, when practical, block the wheels.

If you’re parked on an incline at a campsite, double down on physical security (blocks/chocks) and don’t leave the recalled vehicle unattended on a slope.

Not the first for 2025

This year has been unusually busy for Ford recalls, many of which affected trucks and SUVs that RVers commonly own or tow. Highlights (or should we call them “lowlights”?) from 2025 include a large recall in August for some F-150s, where rear axle hub bolts could fail and lead to loss of drive capability or a rollaway risk. Dealers were instructed to replace axle assemblies where needed.

In early August, Ford also announced a recall that covered more than 312,000 vehicles because an electronic brake booster module could lose power assist and increase stopping distance. Ford said it would fix the issue with a free software update.

In September, Ford recalled more than a million vehicles worldwide over rearview camera software and display problems that could leave the camera blank or distorted — a potentially dangerous hazard when reversing a tow vehicle or hooking up a trailer.

There were other targeted recalls later in the year, as well. If you own Ford products, it may be a good idea to check your VIN for recall information. If your vehicle is affected by any of these recalls, schedule a fix as soon as possible.

Ask the dealer

When you call the dealer, confirm the recall number and ask if the vehicle supports an over-the-air update or requires a dealer visit.

Ask whether the fix will be applied remotely before your scheduled travel date and, if not, request a loaner or plan to delay towing until the remedy is complete.

Keep the recall paperwork or service authorization with your trip documents in case you need to show proof that the vehicle has been remedied. Ford’s recall pages and the NHTSA report are the authoritative references for those details.

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