The next-generation Ford Everest is one of the most technologically advanced sport-utility vehicles in its class.

And sitting at the top of the tree is the Everest Titanium 4x4, which comes standard with a comprehensive active-safety suite, Active Park Assist and a massive, portrait-orientation touchscreen infotainment system.

This top-spec Everest also has a twin-turbocharged diesel engine mated to a 10-speed automatic gearbox.

The latter is controlled by an electronic gear selector, which has a neat trick of being able to put itself into Park when you turn the vehicle off while still in Drive.

Sudden stop

However, a software issue means the e-shifter could suddenly go into Park while going under 6 km/h if the battery level drops below a certain threshold, without activating the rear brake lights. 

The Australian government issued a recall notice on August 2023 for 4,841 next-generation Everest and Ranger units equipped with the e-shifter.

“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,” the government said.

The issue also affects the Everest Titanium 4x4 in the Philippines, which is built in the same Ford Thailand plant as the Australian-market units.

“We are confirming that the service action covers a small number of Ford Everest vehicles in the Philippines,” Ford Philippines said in a statement.

“Affected owners will also be notified so they can bring their vehicles to a Ford dealer for repair,” the company added. “Our dealers are aware and are prepared to complete the necessary repair action.” 

Lower-spec Everests are not included because their 6-speed automatic gearboxes use non-electronic shifters.

Meanwhile, Ford Philippines said none of the Rangers that it has sold locally, including the e-shifter-equipped Ranger Raptor, are affected by the recall.

If you own a next-generation Everest Titanium 4x4, click here to see if your vehicle is included. As with any recall, the repair is for free and can be done at any Ford Philippines dealer.

Takata airbag recall

Speaking of recall notices, Ford Philippines continues to conduct its campaign for owners to replace their potentially faulty Takata airbags.

It covers the 2006 to 2014 Ford Everest, 2004 to 2011 Ford Ranger, and 2005 to 2014 Ford Mustang.

The defect, which affects millions of cars worldwide, can cause the airbags to deploy even without a crash, leading to serious injury or death to front-seat occupants.

The online portal to check if the Takata recall covers your vehicle can be accessed here.

Do you think e-shifters are a convenience or a gimmick?

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