Automotive: Ford’s have been rolling away in ‘Park’ for 50+ years

Ford’s have been rolling away even when shifted into Park ever since we can remember, ever since the 1970s.  Back then the steering column mounted shift lever would jump out of Park and the car would roll down the hill until it hit something – usually the neighbor’s car.  Well it continues today, though the cause is slightly different.

Ford Motor Co. is recalling more than a quarter-million Explorer SUVs in the U.S. because they can roll away unexpectedly while shifted into park.

The recall covers certain 2020 through 2022 Explorers with 2.3-liter engines, as well as 3-liter and 3.3-liter hybrids and the 3-liter ST. Also included are 2020 and 2021 Explorer Police hybrids and those with 3.3-liter gas engines.

Documents posted Friday by U.S. safety regulators say that a rear axle mounting bolt can fracture and cause the drive shaft to disconnect. If that happens, the SUVs can roll away even if they are placed in park gear, without the parking brake on.