Some of country’s most popular vehicles have been recalled due to fears a fault could lead to a risk of dangerous, or even fatal, accidents.

The federal government’s transport department has issued the recall for 2022 Ford Rangers and Everests.

“Due to a software issue, under certain circumstances if the battery level drops below a critical threshold, the transmission may shift into park when the vehicle is travelling at speeds below 6km/h,” the recall notice published late last week states.

“This may cause a sudden stop without the rear brake lamps illuminating as intended.

“[That] could increase the potential risk of an accident, causing injury or death to vehicle occupants and other road users.”

The recall applies to almost 250 of the family and tradie favourite four-wheel-drives in Australia.

It also applies even if the vehicle was one of nearly 5000 2021-2023 models that were subject to a similar recall in 2023.

The Ford Ranger is Australia’s most popular car, while the 2022 Everest was previously named Drive’s best large off-road SUV.

Ford is contacting the owners of affected vehicles to arrange for the potential fault to be remedied at no charge.

Affected vehicle identification numbers can be found here. More information is also available from the company on 133 673.