Critical Ford Transmission Recall: Shifter Cable Bushing Defect Poses Safety Risk

The Safety Issue Explained

Ford Motor Company has identified a potentially dangerous defect in the shifter cable bushing mechanism of select vehicles. This crucial component connects the gear shifter to the transmission, ensuring proper gear selection correspondence between the driver's input and the transmission's actual gear position.

The defect occurs when the shifter cable bushing detaches from the transmission assembly. This separation can create a dangerous mismatch between the selected gear position and the transmission's actual gear, potentially leading to:

• Gear position mismatch: The transmission may remain in gear when the driver selects "Park"
• Unintended vehicle movement: The vehicle could roll away despite being shifted to Park
• No safety warnings: The vehicle may not display warning messages or sound chimes when the defect occurs
• Key removal risk: Drivers may remove the ignition key while the transmission isn't properly in Park

Affected Vehicle Models

The recall specifically impacts certain model year Ford Escape and Ford Fusion vehicles. While Ford reports no known accidents or injuries related to this defect, the potential for serious incidents makes this recall particularly urgent.

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Immediate Safety Precautions

Until the recall repair can be performed, Ford strongly recommends these safety measures:

• Always engage the parking brake before exiting the vehicle
• Verify gear position by checking the instrument cluster display
• Test vehicle stability after shifting to Park by releasing the brake pedal before exiting
• Never rely solely on the gear selector position indication
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What Affected Owners Should Do

If you own a potentially affected Ford vehicle, follow these steps immediately:

1. Check recall status: Visit the official NHTSA recall website and enter your VIN
2. Contact Ford directly: Call Ford's recall hotline at 866-436-7332
3. Schedule repair: Contact your local Ford dealership to arrange the free service
4. Practice safe parking: Implement the temporary safety measures until repair completion

Finding Authorized Recall Service

MotorVero makes it easy to locate certified Ford service centers equipped to handle this recall:

Understanding Your Rights

As a vehicle owner affected by this recall, you should know:

• Recall repairs are always performed at no cost to the owner
• Federal law requires manufacturers to address safety defects
• You may be eligible for alternative transportation if repair parts are unavailable
• Document all recall-related communications and expenses
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Additional Ford Recalls to Monitor

Ford owners should also be aware of these related safety recalls:

• Transmission control module software updates
• Brake master cylinder replacement programs
• Fuel delivery system inspections

Why This Recall Matters

This particular recall addresses one of the most critical vehicle safety systems - the ability to properly secure your vehicle when parked. Unlike some recalls that address convenience features or minor annoyances, this defect directly impacts fundamental vehicle safety.

Technical Deep Dive: The Bushing Defect

The problematic bushing is a small but vital component made from composite materials. Its function is to:

• Maintain precise cable tension between shifter and transmission
• Absorb vibration and movement in the cable assembly
• Provide smooth gear selection operation
• Ensure accurate gear position feedback

When this bushing fails, it compromises the entire shift cable system's integrity, leading to the dangerous conditions described in the recall notice.

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Recall Repair Process Timeline

Owners can expect this general timeline for recall completion:

1. Initial recall notice receipt (by mail or email)
2. Dealership appointment scheduling
3. Vehicle inspection and diagnosis
4. Bushing replacement (typically 1-2 hours labor)
5. System verification and test drive

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if my vehicle is affected?

Check your VIN through Ford's recall portal or the NHTSA database. All affected vehicles will receive official notification by mail.

Is it safe to drive my vehicle before the repair?

While the vehicle remains operable, owners should exercise extreme caution when parking and always use the parking brake as instructed.

What if my dealer says parts aren't available?

Ford is required to provide the repair within a reasonable time frame. If parts are backordered, request a written statement from the dealer and follow up with Ford directly.

About MotorVero's Recall Reporting

MotorVero's editorial team maintains strict journalistic independence in reporting vehicle safety issues. We:

• Accept no compensation from automakers for recall coverage
• Verify all recall information with official NHTSA documents
• Provide unbiased analysis of vehicle safety issues
• Maintain complete separation from advertising and sponsored content

For the latest updates on this and other important vehicle recalls, bookmark our recall center and check back regularly.

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