A number of Ford’s commercial vehicles, including the E-350, F-650 SD and F-750 SD, have been recalled and need to be repaired because of a transmission issue that could prevent them from being safely shifted into park.
Ford’s recall notice reveals that a casting defect in the transmission upper valve body casting could result in the main control poppet valve getting stuck in the open position. If this occurs, the flow of lubricant to the rear extension housing bushing could be restricted, potentially leading to excessive heat generation in the bushing and erosion of the rear seal. Transmission fluid could leak and vibration could result in a loss of torque retention on the abutment plate bolts.
What this all means is that the park actuator may be unable to engage the park pawl into the park gear. This could result in unintended movement if the parking brake is not applied and increase the risk of an accident.
Read: Ford Yet Again Tops Recall Charts For First Half Of 2023
A total of 5,795 vehicles are involved in the recall. These consist of 2024 Ford E-350 models manufactured between December 6, 2022 and August 3, 2023, impacting a total of 2,525 vehicles. The recall also impacts 2,575 examples of the 2024 Ford F-650 built between December 12, 2022 and August 4, 2023, a well as 695 examples of the 2024 Ford F-750 built between the same dates.
The NHTSA’s recall notice states that owners may be alerted to the issue by the presence of leaking transmission fluid or they may hear a loud noise or feel a vibration while driving. As of August 22 this year, Ford had received 95 warranty and field reports related to the transmission issue but it is not aware of any accidents or injuries caused by it.
The automaker will notify owners between October 30 and November 3 and instruct them to take their vehicle to a local Ford or Lincoln dealer. If necessary, the entire transmission will be replaced.
