Ford and Volkswagen have each issued recalls because a number of vehicles are at risk of rolling away, but for different reasons.
The recalls affect a total of 61,010 vehicles.
Ford is recalling 36,887 vehicles because the bushing that attaches the shift cable to the transmission may degrade over time and could detach, according to a recall notice on Transport Canada’s website. If that happens, it could allow the transmission to be in a different gear than the one selected by the driver. The problem could also allow the driver to move the shifter to park and remove the ignition key while the transmission gear may not be in park. If the parking brake is not applied, it could result in unintended vehicle movement.
The problem affects Ford Escape and Fusion vehicles from the model years 2013-2016.
Meanwhile, Volkswagen is recalling 24,123 vehicles because the park position switch might malfunction due to a problem with the electrical contacts, Transport Canada says. That could allow drivers to remove the ignition key without the shift lever being in the park position. If the parking brake is not applied, the result could be unintended vehicle movement.
The defect affects Golf and Golf Wagon vehicles from the model years 2015-2018.