Ford puts safety as the top feature on all their vehicles, including the Ford Explorer. Each model is tested and approved before it leaves the factory. Sometimes, defects are found after the vehicle leaves, which may or may not warrant a recall.
Is there a Ford Explorer shifter recall for any year model?
There are no issues or recalls as of September 2020, but a couple of complaints include:
- All year models had issues with shifter stuck in “Park”
- Shift lock solenoid failures
- Shift linkage went bad
Ford took notice of the problems, and some of the parts had lifetime warranties. While reading this article, you will find the topics mentioned will cover how Ford Motor Company worked to resolve the issues, one consumer at a time.
All Year Models had Issues with the Shifter Stuck in ‘Park’
All year models of Ford Explorers had issues with the shifter mechanism, starting with the shifter down to the transmission. There were reports of the shifter getting stuck in the “Park” position. Owners of a few of all the models complained about this problem.
If the problem does not get fixed, the vehicle will not move forward or reverse. With the shift stuck in “Park,” it cannot get shifted to “Neutral” to push.
Ford Motor Companies has accepted the issues with only certain parts under the lifetime warranty for free repairs. There are a few troubleshooting techniques to check. A simple phone call to the dealership can guide you through the checklist and steps to take.
Shift Lock Solenoid Failures
In all the Ford Explorer models, there were some complaints about the vehicle not shifting out of “Park” due to the shift lock solenoid’s failure. The shift would get stuck, and there was no way to shift the vehicle with or without pressing the brake.
If the shift lock solenoid is not overridden, the vehicle will not move.
It was a team effort from the Ford Motor Company and the consumers to make the issue a quick fix.
The shift lock solenoid is in a different location for every vehicle. Around the shifter, a plastic cover comes off to override the stick shift lock solenoid.
Shift Linkage Went Bad
The shifter is not always the problem when the vehicle does not shift out of “Park.” It is rare, but the shift linkage did go bad on a few Ford Explorers. The complainants reported that it bent or came loose.
If the shift linkage gets loose, it will not shift out of “Park,” and the vehicle will not move.
There is a life expectancy for the shift linkage to last. Records show it went bad on a few models. If the vehicle has this problem, it can be a quick fix by sending it to the dealership, but there are no recalls at this time.
Things to Do if There is an Open Recall for Your Ford Explorer Shifter
What do you do if your Ford Explorer has a recall for a shifter problem? Check out the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) website. You will need the VIN, year, make and model to enter. It will let you know if there is an open recall for your vehicle.
