Truck will shift into offroad modes unexpectedly. Will shift into these modes at highway speeds
2024 Ford Ranger
Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations
Limited comparison data
There is not enough comparable history to draw a useful model-year comparison.
About this comparison →How this year compares
Owner complaints by model year
Compare all Ranger years →Counts vary with age, sales and reporting. They are not failure rates.
What owners reported most
All reported categories
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When problems were reported
Mileage at the reported incident
Limited mileage data: 8 of 79 reports include usable mileage. There isn’t enough coverage to show a useful chart.
NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.
What to inspect
Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.
- Power Train. Review the 30 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Electrical System. Review the 24 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Structure. Review the 9 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Power Train complaints
30 reportsThe contact owns a 2024 Ford Ranger. The contact stated that while reversing, the differential indicator independently moved, and there was an abnormal sound coming from the transmission. The abnormal sound could be heard for a short while, and then the sound dissipated. The contact stated the sound could be heard intermittently…
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The contact owns a 2024 Ford Ranger. The contact stated that while reversing, the differential indicator independently moved, and there was an abnormal sound coming from the transmission. The abnormal sound could be heard for a short while, and then the sound dissipated. The contact stated the sound could be heard intermittently. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, no cause for the failure was found. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 4,200.
while driving between 5-10 MPH on a dry, smooth paved road, the transmission began cycling through 4WD modes and began shifting from normal mode to 4WD Sand mode, i was able to pull over and park, but the transmission continued shifting and fully transitioned to 4WD mode. This is the second time it has occurred, the first time t…
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while driving between 5-10 MPH on a dry, smooth paved road, the transmission began cycling through 4WD modes and began shifting from normal mode to 4WD Sand mode, i was able to pull over and park, but the transmission continued shifting and fully transitioned to 4WD mode. This is the second time it has occurred, the first time the transmission fully switched 4WD and i was barely able to pull off the road to reset it. after first issue, dealership noted the following "3131 confirmed concern. pulled codes with FDRS and found P05D3 in ABS module. Referred to workshop manual and run pinpoint test AH for concern. AH1 yes. AH2 had me reconfigure ABS module with As-Built data rerun self test. No codes returned and system operating correctly at this time." There multiple online forums with owners having the same problem. https://www.ranger6g.com/forum/threads/24-rr-shifted-while-driving.18956/ Truck will be going to dealership for assessment again.
The Drive Mode Control has been malfunctioning and selecting different drive modes while the vehicle is in motion without any physical input from myself, the driver. While driving in the normal two-wheel drive high (2H) at various rates of speed the Drive Mode Control will start clicking and selecting different drive modes, suc…
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The Drive Mode Control has been malfunctioning and selecting different drive modes while the vehicle is in motion without any physical input from myself, the driver. While driving in the normal two-wheel drive high (2H) at various rates of speed the Drive Mode Control will start clicking and selecting different drive modes, such as going to four-wheel drive low (4L) or four-wheel drive high (4H) and a pop-up message in the instrument cluster display showing the change displaying Mud/Ruts, Sand, Slippery modes being selected. This has been continuously occurring randomly at both low and high rates of speed. There are never any objects or materials in contact with the Drive mode Control when this happens, it does it on it's own with an audible clicking noise. This is effectively putting myself, my family and other drivers safety at risk since the truck is making changes to the power train without any input from myself and I have to take my attention off the road to bring the truck back into normal two-wheel drive high (2H) mode. I have contacted both Ford Motor Company directly and my local Ford Dealer Service Center to try to have the vehicle inspected but have not been able to due their delay in being able to diagnose the vehicle. This has been going on for 4+ months and the date provided below is the last occurrence of the issue.
Vehicle has multiple drive modes. Vehicle will attempt to change drive modes while moving without any input from the driver, i.e. using the drive mode control to change drive modes. Results in vehicle attempting to shift into four-wheel-drive or other drive modes while vehicle is in motion, even at highway speeds.
When driving truck especially in rolling traffic truck has hard time downshifting and clunky and lunches as transmition tries to figure what gear to be in. It is an intermittently happening but now evolved to completely dropping out of gear goes into neutral were you can rev engine without truck moving foward. This has only …
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When driving truck especially in rolling traffic truck has hard time downshifting and clunky and lunches as transmition tries to figure what gear to be in. It is an intermittently happening but now evolved to completely dropping out of gear goes into neutral were you can rev engine without truck moving foward. This has only happened twice both time as I was slowing down to make a turn and the trying to Accelerate after turn truck would go limp. Dealer could not replicate issues and could not find any issues advised to return is issue consistent
Transmission on this brand new vehicle with less than 3500 miles is bad. Safety issue as well. Periodically you will go to press accelerator and nothing will happen. The truck will fall out of gear and will not accelerate randomly. I've had this incident occur when trying to get into the highway which is unsafe and I've had this…
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Transmission on this brand new vehicle with less than 3500 miles is bad. Safety issue as well. Periodically you will go to press accelerator and nothing will happen. The truck will fall out of gear and will not accelerate randomly. I've had this incident occur when trying to get into the highway which is unsafe and I've had this happen on standard roadway as well. This is a big safety concern because of vehicle won't go into gear and accelerate then it could cause rear collision from other vehicles on the road. In addition to this if you drive the vehicle, turn it off, and then a few hours later go to drive the vehicle again the transmission slams into gear so hard that the entire truck jumps. This Ford Ranger has huge transmission issues and after looking online many owners of this same vehicle have this problem yet Ford won't do anything about it because the maintenance light doesn't pop up on the dash despite the obvious and dangerous issue happening.
1. The vehicle will sometimes randomly switch between drive modes with no influence from the driver. I believe it could be a faulty drive mode sensor and the vehicle is available to be inspected. 2. Having the vehicle switch drive modes at random could cause an increase in danger while driving. Going from Normal to Baja or othe…
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1. The vehicle will sometimes randomly switch between drive modes with no influence from the driver. I believe it could be a faulty drive mode sensor and the vehicle is available to be inspected. 2. Having the vehicle switch drive modes at random could cause an increase in danger while driving. Going from Normal to Baja or other modes while at highway speeds is very concerning, considering it changes from 2-wheel to 4-wheel drive. 3. No. 4. No, the vehicle will be taken to a Ford dealership soon for the current window recall. 5. No prior warnings. The first couple of times, I thought I may have bumped it, but on multiple occasions I have realized it did it by itself with no influence from the operator. 6. For the additional details below: I put in the most recent incident, but it has occurred multiple times over the past year.
The contact owns a 2024 Ford Ranger. The contact stated that while attempting to leave a parking lot while on an incline, the transmission was shifted into drive(D); however, the vehicle began to slowly reverse. The contact quickly proceeded to depress the brake pedal and shift back to park(P). There was no warning light illumin…
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The contact owns a 2024 Ford Ranger. The contact stated that while attempting to leave a parking lot while on an incline, the transmission was shifted into drive(D); however, the vehicle began to slowly reverse. The contact quickly proceeded to depress the brake pedal and shift back to park(P). There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where it was diagnosed, and the contact was informed that there was no failure found with the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact referenced NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V164000 (POWER TRAIN); as a possible cause for the failure. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 2,000.
When stopped or turning from a stop I will lose acceleration for 3-4 seconds at such time I will almost over accelerate when it does catch which I almost will lose control especially in icy weather. I have no codes have taken to dealership for repairs 4 times they can't find any issues. The issues appeared day 1 asked them to lo…
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When stopped or turning from a stop I will lose acceleration for 3-4 seconds at such time I will almost over accelerate when it does catch which I almost will lose control especially in icy weather. I have no codes have taken to dealership for repairs 4 times they can't find any issues. The issues appeared day 1 asked them to look at it they said it was fine.
Official recalls
1326V268000 · Seats:critical Fasteners
Apr 28, 2026
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2024-2026 Ranger and Bronco vehicles. The front seats may have a loose or dislodged seat frame height-adjust pivot bolt.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: A seat with a dislodged bolt may not properly restrain an occupant in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the pivot links and bolts as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 22, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford’s number for this recall is 26S30. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning April 30, 2026.
26V238000 · Electrical System; Structure:interior Panels:sun Visor
Apr 14, 2026
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2024-2026 Ranger vehicles. The sun visor or headliner wiring harnesses may be improperly positioned or have excessive tape thickness, which can result in damaged wires.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: Damaged wires can create an electrical short and cause a fire in the A-pillar area, increasing the risk of injury or a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the wiring for damage and update the body control module software. Damaged wiring harnesses will be replaced as necessary. All repairs will be performed free of charge. This will be a Phased campaign. Phase 1 will include 2025 model year vehicles. Owners will be notified by mail the week of 5/31/2026. Phase 2 will include 2026 model year vehicles and Phase 3 will include 2024 model year vehicles. Owners will be notified by mail the week of 6/29/2026 for Phase 2 and the week of 7/27/2026 for Phase 3. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed May 5, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the remedy is available, anticipated in October 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26S29. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on April 17, 2026.
Additional source detail variants (2)
Structure:interior Panels:sun Visor
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2024-2026 Ranger vehicles. The sun visor or headliner wiring harnesses may be improperly positioned or have excessive tape thickness, which can result in damaged wires.
Consequence: Damaged wires can create an electrical short and cause a fire in the A-pillar area, increasing the risk of injury or a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the wiring for damage and update the body control module software. Damaged wiring harnesses will be replaced as necessary. All repairs will be performed free of charge. This will be a Phased campaign. Phase 1 will include 2025 model year vehicles. Owners will be notified by mail the week of 5/31/2026. Phase 2 will include 2026 model year vehicles and Phase 3 will include 2024 model year vehicles. Owners will be notified by mail the week of 6/29/2026 for Phase 2 and the week of 7/27/2026 for Phase 3. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed May 5, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the remedy is available, anticipated in October 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26S29. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on April 17, 2026.
Electrical System
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2024-2026 Ranger vehicles. The sun visor or headliner wiring harnesses may be improperly positioned or have excessive tape thickness, which can result in damaged wires.
Consequence: Damaged wires can create an electrical short and cause a fire in the A-pillar area, increasing the risk of injury or a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the wiring for damage and update the body control module software. Damaged wiring harnesses will be replaced as necessary. All repairs will be performed free of charge. This will be a Phased campaign. Phase 1 will include 2025 model year vehicles. Owners will be notified by mail the week of 5/31/2026. Phase 2 will include 2026 model year vehicles and Phase 3 will include 2024 model year vehicles. Owners will be notified by mail the week of 6/29/2026 for Phase 2 and the week of 7/27/2026 for Phase 3. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed May 5, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the remedy is available, anticipated in October 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26S29. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on April 17, 2026.
26V104000 · Electrical System: Integrated Trailer Brake Control; Exterior Lighting:tail Lights
Feb 20, 2026
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2026 F-150, 2022-2026 F-250 SD, F-350 SD, F-450 SD, F-550 SD, Maverick, 2024-2026 Ranger, 2023-2026 F-600 SD, 2022-2027 Lincoln Navigator, Expedition, and 2026 E-Transit vehicles. When towing a trailer, the integrated trailer module (ITRM) may lose communication with the vehicle, possibly causing a loss of brake and turn signal lights, or a loss of brake function. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 108, " Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: Trailer lights or brakes that do not function can reduce the driver’s ability to control the trailer and decrease the trailers visibility to other road users, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: The integrated trailer module software will be updated by a dealer, or through an over-the-air (OTA) update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 25, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26C10. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning March 17, 2026.
Additional source detail variants (2)
Exterior Lighting:tail Lights
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2026 F-150, 2022-2026 F-250 SD, F-350 SD, F-450 SD, F-550 SD, Maverick, 2024-2026 Ranger, 2023-2026 F-600 SD, 2022-2027 Lincoln Navigator, Expedition, and 2026 E-Transit vehicles. When towing a trailer, the integrated trailer module (ITRM) may lose communication with the vehicle, possibly causing a loss of brake and turn signal lights, or a loss of brake function. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 108, " Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
Consequence: Trailer lights or brakes that do not function can reduce the driver’s ability to control the trailer and decrease the trailers visibility to other road users, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: The integrated trailer module software will be updated by a dealer, or through an over-the-air (OTA) update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 25, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26C10. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning March 17, 2026.
Electrical System: Integrated Trailer Brake Control
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2026 F-150, 2022-2026 F-250 SD, F-350 SD, F-450 SD, F-550 SD, Maverick, 2024-2026 Ranger, 2023-2026 F-600 SD, 2022-2027 Lincoln Navigator, Expedition, and 2026 E-Transit vehicles. When towing a trailer, the integrated trailer module (ITRM) may lose communication with the vehicle, possibly causing a loss of brake and turn signal lights, or a loss of brake function. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 108, " Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
Consequence: Trailer lights or brakes that do not function can reduce the driver’s ability to control the trailer and decrease the trailers visibility to other road users, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: The integrated trailer module software will be updated by a dealer, or through an over-the-air (OTA) update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 25, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26C10. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning March 17, 2026.
25V685000 · Equipment:electrical:engine Block Heater
Oct 10, 2025
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2016-2019 Lincoln MKC, 2016-2023 Explorer, 2019-2020 Fusion, 2019-2024 Ranger, 2020-2022 Lincoln Corsair, Escape, 2021-2024 Bronco, Bronco Sport, and 2022-2024 Maverick vehicles. The engine block heater may crack and develop a coolant leak, causing it to short circuit when the block heater is plugged in.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: An electrical short circuit can increase the risk of a fire.
Remedy: Owners are advised not to plug in their block heater until the vehicle is remedied. Dealers will replace the block heater, free of charge. Owners will also have a alternative option to replace engine block heater element with a threaded blanking plug, and remove the block heater electrical cord. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed December 3, 2025. Additional letters will be sent once the final remedy is available, anticipated September 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25SA4. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on October 15, 2025.
25V597000 · Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:fuel Pump
Sep 11, 2025
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2024 Bronco and Ranger vehicles. The bolts securing the high pressure fuel pump may not be tightened properly, which can result in a fuel leak.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the high pressure fuel pump mounting bolts, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 25, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S90.
25V541000 · Air Bags:side/window:curtain
Aug 22, 2025
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2024-2026 Ranger vehicles. The side curtain air bags may contact the B-Pillar inner reinforcements and tear during deployment. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 226, "Ejection Mitigation."
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: Air bags that deploy improperly during a crash increase the risk of injury.
Remedy: Dealers will install protective shields, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 26, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25C41.
25V310000 · Suspension:front:control Arm:upper Ball Joint
May 9, 2025
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2024-2025 Bronco and Ranger vehicles. The front upper control arm ball joint fastener may be missing or tightened improperly, allowing the front upper control arm to detach from the knuckle assembly.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: A detached control arm can cause a loss of vehicle steering and control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and tighten, or replace the ball joint fastener as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 23, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S45.
25V315000 · Back Over Prevention:software
May 9, 2025
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2024 Bronco, F-150, 2021-2024 Edge, 2022-2025 Escape, F-250, F-350, F-450, F-550, F-600, 2022-2024 Expedition, 2022-2025 Transit, 2021-2023 Mach-E, 2024 Ranger, Mustang, 2021-2023 Lincoln Nautilus, 2022-2024 Navigator, and 2023-2024 Corsair vehicles. A software error may cause the rearview camera image to delay, freeze, or not display when the vehicle is in reverse.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: A frozen or missing rearview camera image can reduce the driver's view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: The accessory protocol interface module (APIM) software will be updated by a dealer or through an over-the-air update, free of charge. This will be a phased campaign, with the remedy becoming available in different phases based on model and model years. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed on June 26, 2025. Additional letters will be mailed once the final remedy is available on each phase. Owner notification letters were sent on October 8, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S49.
25V237000 · Visibility:power Window Devices And Controls
Apr 11, 2025
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2024 Ranger and 2024 Lincoln Nautilus vehicles previously repaired incorrectly under recall number 24V-597. When closing the windows with the global closing feature, the windows may not automatically reverse after detecting an object. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 118, "Power-Operated Window Systems."
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: A closing window may exert excessive force and pinch a driver or passenger before retracting, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: Dealers will update the driver door module (DDM) and the passenger door module (PDM) software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 15, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25C10.
25V164000 · Power Train:automatic Transmission:fluid/lubricant:valves/valve Body
Mar 14, 2025
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2024-2025 F-150, Bronco, 2024 Ranger, 2025 Mustang, Explorer, and Aviator vehicles. The transmission valve body may have been machined incorrectly, which can cause reverse gear failure, or unexpected forward movement in reverse or neutral gear.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: Unexpected vehicle movement increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the transmission main control valve body, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 11, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S19.
24V848000 · Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:hoses, Lines/piping, And Fittings
Nov 8, 2024
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2024 Ranger vehicles. The fuel vapor line bracket may have insufficient clearance to the fuel vapor line, which can result in fuel vapor line damage that can lead to a fuel vapor leak.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: A fuel vapor leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect for a fuel vapor line bracket and install a tie strap to secure the fuel vapor line to the bracket, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 20, 2024. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 24S71.
24V770000 · Suspension:front:control Arm:upper Ball Joint
Oct 16, 2024
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2024 Ranger, and 2024-2025 Bronco vehicles. The front upper control arm ball joint nut may not have been installed or tightened properly, allowing the front upper control arm to detach from the knuckle assembly.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: A detached control arm can cause a loss of vehicle steering and control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and verify that the ball joint fastener is tightened properly. If a fastener is loose or missing, the dealer will replace the ball joint and knuckle assembly as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on November 20, 2024. Owners may contact Ford Customer Service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 24S64.
24V597000 · Visibility:power Window Devices And Controls
Aug 9, 2024
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2024 Ranger and 2024 Lincoln Nautilus vehicles. When closing the windows with the global closing feature, the windows may not automatically reverse after detecting an object. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 118, "Power-Operated Window Systems."
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: A closing window may exert excessive force by pinching a driver or passenger before retracting, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: Dealers will update the driver door module (DDM) and the passenger door module (PDM) software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 13, 2024. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 24C24.
Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗
NHTSA investigations
0No exact-year investigations in this snapshot.
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