The Ford Motor Company is recalling 2.9 million automobiles to fix a transmission problem that may cause vehicles not to shift into the correct gear and cause them to roll away.

The recall includes five vehicle models manufactured as early as 2013, according to a statement Tuesday by the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

“A damaged or missing bushing may prevent the vehicle from shifting into the intended gear, and cause the vehicle to move in an unexpected direction. Additionally, the vehicle may roll after the driver selects the 'Park' position. Either scenario increases the risk of a crash or injury,” it said.

Ford dealers will replace the under hood shift bushing and add a protective cap above the shift cable bushing, free of charge, it added.

A similar transmission issue had caused the death of actor Anton Yelchin in 2016 when his 2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee rolled down his driveway and pinned him against a brick pillar and a security fence, outside his home in Los Angeles.

Fiat Chrysler had filed a recall notice in April 2016 for the 2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee, while more than 100 crashes were reported due to a transmission problem. (Anadolu Agency)