DETROIT — Ford is recalling over 2.9 million vehicles to fix a transmission problem that can increase the risk of inadvertent rollaway crashes.
The recall covers certain 2013 to 2019 Escape, 2013 to 2018 C-Max, 2013 to 2016 Fusion, 2013 to 2021 Transit Connect, and 2015 to 2018 Edge vehicles.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration says in documents posted on its website Wednesday that a bushing that attaches the shifter cable to the transmission can degrade or detach. That can stop the vehicles from shifting into the intended gear. A vehicle thought to have been shifted into park may actually be in a different gear, allowing it to roll away.
Ford says in documents that it knows of four injury reports due to the problem, and another six property damage claims. The company has 1,630 warranty reports and 233 complaints about the problem.
Dealers will replace the bushing and add a protective cap. Owners will be notified by letter starting June 27.
Ford is also recalling over 50,000 four-door 2021-2022 Bronco vehicles with child-safety lock issues. Dealers will inspect the passenger-side rear door for affected child safety locks and latches and replace them, if necessary. Owners will be notified by letter starting July 25.
It's not the first time in recent months that Ford has been forced to issue a recall for safety concerns.
In June, Ford asked the owners of 350,000 vehicles — specifically 2021 Ford Expedition and Lincoln Navigator SUVs — to take their cars in to dealers for a repair. The three related recalls were issued because the engines could catch fire without warning when parked outdoors.
In federal governments posted last month, Ford admitted they did not know why their cars were catching on fire. But the company says fires can happen even while the engines are off. Ford has reports of 16 fires under the hood, 14 in rental company vehicles. One person was burned.
Ford leads the count among manufacturers on recalls with 38 this year alone, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.