CarRecallWatch- Component
- POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:GEAR POSITION INDICATION (PRNDL); POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:LEVER AND LINKAGE:FLOOR SHIFT
- Problem
- Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2001-2008 Ford Escape and Mercury Mariner vehicles manufactured March 31, 2001, to September 1, 2009. The affected vehicles are equipped with either a 2.3L or 3.0L engine and have had their CD4E transmission replaced with remanufactured one that was rebuilt between June 11, 2015 through July 15, 2015. These service repair part transmissions have a shift lever bolt that may not be properly tightened. As a result, the shift control lever could disengage from the transmission without warning.
- Risk
- If the shift lever disengages from the transmission, a driver may be unable to shift gear positions and the indicated shift position may not represent the gear position the vehicle is in. Should a disengagement occur while the vehicle is being driven, when the driver goes to stop and park the vehicle, the gear selection indicator may show that the transmission is in the "PARK" position, but the vehicle transmission may not actually be in the "PARK" gear position. If the vehicle is not in the "PARK" position there is a risk the vehicle will roll away as the driver and other occupants exit the vehicle or anytime thereafter. A vehicle rollaway increases the risk of injury to exiting occupants and bystanders.
- Remedy
- Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the transmissions and either tighten the manual shift lever bolt or replace the manual shift lever assembly. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began on October 23, 2015. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 15S28.
- Notes
- Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
What this recall means for you
On certain 2001-2004 Ford Escape and Mercury Mariner vehicles with a remanufactured CD4E transmission installed, the bolt securing the manual shift lever may not be properly tightened. The shift control lever can then disengage from the transmission without warning. The gear position display may still show PARK even though the transmission is not actually in Park, and the driver may be unable to shift gears.
If the vehicle is not actually in Park when the driver stops and exits, it can roll away, increasing the risk of injury to occupants and bystanders. Owners should be cautious and always confirm the vehicle is in Park by checking that the shifter is firmly engaged before leaving the vehicle.
Ford will notify owners, and authorized dealers will inspect the transmission and either tighten the manual shift lever bolt or replace the shift lever assembly, free of charge. Owners can call Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332 (Ford recall 15S28) and should check their VIN for open recalls.
Check whether this recall is open on your vehicle
Official recall notice
Affected vehicles
| Ford Escape | 20012002200320042005200620072008 |
|---|---|
| Mercury Mariner | 20012002200320042005200620072008 |