Hundreds of cars in Australia have been recalled over fears that drivers could be at risk of death, due to a software issue.
Ford Motor Company Australia has recalled hundreds of 2022 Ranger and Everest models, and the recall was lodged with the Department of Transport and sent out on Thursday.
Owners of 244 of these cars were advised to bring their vehicles in for urgent repairs.
“Under certain circumstances”, the software issue can cause the transmission to immediately switch into park while the car is travelling at low speed.
The recall notice stated that “if the battery level drops below a critical threshold, the transmission may shift into park when the vehicle is travelling at speeds below 6 km/h”.
It added that “this may cause a sudden stop without the rear brake lamps illuminating as intended”.
The notice warned of the dangers when a car brakes suddenly and without warning.
It stated that “a sudden stop whilst driving at low speed, and the rear brake lamps not illuminating as intended, could increase the potential risk of an accident, causing injury or death to vehicle occupants and other road users”.
In August 2023, a recall notice was also sent out for the same software and transmission issue, but that covered 4,841 Ford Ranger and Everest vehicles listed as 2021 to 2023 models.
According to the Daily Mail, all 244 Rangers and Everests listed in the 2026 recall were also advised to go into Ford for repairs under the 2023 recall notice.
The 2026 notice stated that “your vehicle must be rectified even if works were performed under the previous recall”.
Concerned owners of Ranger and Everest have also been advised to contact the Ford Customer Relationship Centre on 133 673 if additional information is needed.
If they wish to have their car checked, owners have also been advised to contact their local Ford dealer.
