Ford Motor Co. is recalling 741,195 vehicles to address a transmission defect that could engage the park function while vehicles are moving, creating a dangerous rollaway risk. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration disclosed the safety campaign on Friday, marking one of the automaker's largest recalls this year.

Affected models include Expedition, Navigator, Explorer, Aviator and F-150 trucks from the 2018-2021 model years. The defect occurs when the transmission unexpectedly shifts into park during operation, which can damage the parking system and leave vehicles vulnerable to unintended movement even when parked.

Dealers will reprogram vehicle software and replace any damaged transmission components at no cost to owners. While this recall represents a significant logistical challenge for Ford's service network, the company has faced similar large-scale safety campaigns in recent years as it transitions to electric vehicles and refreshes its lineup.

The recall could impact Ford's reputation and warranty costs heading into the fourth quarter. Automotive safety defects of this magnitude often trigger investor scrutiny of quality control processes, particularly as legacy automakers compete with Tesla and other EV manufacturers for market share.