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By Rob Meachem |

Ford issues recall for Explorer SUVs and police vehicles

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FILE – In this Sunday, Oct. 11, 2020 file photo, A row of 2020 Ford Escape sports-utility vehicles sits at a Ford dealership in Denver. A widening global shortage of semiconductors for auto parts is forcing major auto companies to halt or slow vehicle production just as they were recovering from pandemic-related factory shutdowns. Ford had scheduled down time next week at its Louisville, Kentucky, assembly plant, but moved it ahead to this week. The plant makes the Ford Escape and Lincoln Corsair small SUVs. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski, File)

DETROIT- Ford Motor Company announced a recall Friday for over 250,000 Explorer SUVs made between 2020 and 2022 due to a defect that may cause the vehicle to roll away when put in park.

The Explorers affected include the following 2020 through 2022 models with the following engine types:

  • 3.3-liter
  • 3-liter and 3.3-liter hybrids
  • 3-liter ST

Also included are 2020 through 2021 Ford Explorer Police Interceptors with hybrid engines and 3.3-liter gas engines.

At issue is a mounting bolt that can fracture and cause the drive shaft to disconnect from the rear axle.

When the drive shaft is no longer connected to the axle, the wheels can turn freely and the vehicle can begin rolling unexpectedly.

Ford says 235 claims have been made by owners about the defect but no injuries or deaths have been reported.

Dealerships will begin receiving recall notices this month and owners of affected vehicles will be mailed guidelines for getting the defect fixed no later than June 10.