Skip to content

NHTSA Recall 81V008000: Gear position indication (prndl) (power train)

FORD MOTOR COMPANY reported this safety recall to NHTSA on , covering an estimated 21,000,000 vehicles. It affects 4 models including the Ford Ford.

21,000,000
vehicles potentially affected
4
models affected
NHTSA campaign81V008000
ComponentPOWER TRAIN › AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION › GEAR POSITION INDICATION (PRNDL)
Report receivedJanuary 12, 1981
Initiated byNHTSA Office of Defects Investigation

Defect

This is a manufacturer"s notice to advise owners of proper vehicle operation. The parking gear may not be securely engaged after the operator has attempted to shift to park. The vehicle may appear to be in park though actually in reverse. This could allow the vehicle to move unexpectedly.

Safety risk

Not provided.

Remedy

Owners will be provided with a self-sticking label containing important safety precautions as a daily reminder of the serious hazards of unexpected vehicle motion. It should be placed inside the vehicle in an easily seen location.

Notes

Vehicle description: passenger vehicles and light trucks equipped with fmx,c-3, c-4, c-6, or jatco automatic transmissions.system: power train; automatic transmission.consequences of defect: unexpected vehicle movement may result in accident,injury or death, especially to persons in the path of the vehicle.note: drivers should observe these steps: 1) make certain gear lever is engagedin park, 2) set parking brake fully, and 3) shut off ignition.

Vehicles covered by recall 81V008000

Make and modelModel years
Ford Ford1970, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1974, 1975, 1976, 1977, 1978, 1979, 1980
Ford Ford Truck1970, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1974, 1975, 1976, 1977, 1978, 1979, 1980
Lincoln Lincoln1970, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1974, 1975, 1976, 1977, 1978, 1979, 1980
Mercury Mercury1970, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1974, 1975, 1976, 1977, 1978, 1979, 1980

Being listed here means the campaign covers the model year, not that every car was built with the defect or is still unrepaired. Enter your VIN above to check your specific vehicle. Recall repairs are free at authorised dealers. Source: NHTSA, October 2026.