Ford issues second recall for Fiesta, Fusion cars whose doors may open while driving

Ford issues second recall for Fiesta, Fusion cars whose doors may open while driving 

December 30, 2023 Bojan Popic ,

Dearborn, MI  – December 30, 2023 – Ford (NYSE:F), which owns the Lincoln brand, is recalling 45,173 cars whose doors may open while driving, upping the risk of injury. 

The following models are affected by this recall: 

  • 2015 Ford Fiesta
  • 2016 Ford Fusion
  • 2016 Lincoln MKZ

This is an expansion of a previous recall over the same defect, which dates back to 2020.  Only vehicles sold in states with “high ambient temperatures” are affected.

Recall summary  

The doors in a car stay shut due to a latching mechanism. Due to a supplier error, this mechanism may partially or completely break apart in the listed vehicles, causing the doors not to close securely or open while driving. 

The full list of the affected states is available here.

Recall risks

An unsecured door may open while driving, augmenting the risk of injury.

Warning signs

The driver or passengers may notice that the doors “bounce off” instead of closing, and it may take several attempts to shut them properly. They may also see the “Door ajar” warning on the dashboard and perceive “increased wind noise.”

Background of the recall

The first recall for the issue was done in March 2020. At that time, the manufacturer believed that only vehicles produced from November 2013 to late April 2015 had the faulty part. However, that turned out to be incorrect, which prompted Ford to issue the present recall.

The recall comes on the back of multiple owner complaints and warranty claims. No injuries or accidents have been reported.

Other Ford recalls

Some of these cars may have been affected by a recall from March 2023, which was caused by leaking front brakes. 

Door latch issues were also the cause of a recent Ford Transit Connect recall, which took place in August 2023, as reported.  

The repair

Dealers will check the door latches and replace them free of charge.

Owners should receive letters with more information between December 4, 2023 and December 8, 2023. 

Is your vehicle a part of this recall?

More than 40,000 cars are affected by this door latch Ford recall. To do a Ford recall check and see if yours is one of them, please use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Bojan PopicFord issues second recall for Fiesta, Fusion cars whose doors may open while driving 
US government upgrades and expands Ford Bronco engine failure investigation

US government upgrades and expands Ford Bronco engine failure investigation 

October 15, 2023 Bojan Popic ,

Washington, D.C. – October 15, 2023 – The U.S. government auto safety regulator has expanded its investigation of Ford (NYSE:F) vehicles that may suffer from engine failure to include 683,000 more cars. The investigation was also upgraded to dig deeper into the issues and determine if a recall is warranted.

The following cars are under scrutiny:

  •  2021 – 2022 Ford Bronco
  •  2021 – 2022 Ford Edge 
  •  2021 – 2022 Ford Explorer
  •  2021 – 2022 Ford F-150
  •  2021 – 2022 Lincoln Aviator
  •  2021 – 2022 Lincoln Nautilus 

Investigation summary  

The regulator, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), opened the preliminary investigation in June 2022, following 32 complaints about Ford Bronco SUVs with 2.7L EcoBoost engines that would suddenly stall and not restart afterwards.

The investigation originally included around 25,000 vehicles.

As part of the process, NHTSA requested information about a broader subset of vehicles equipped with the said engine. The agency then discovered not only a multitude of complaints and engine exchanges but also that the defect potentially affected cars across the so-called “Nano” family which also included cars with the 3.0L EcoBoost engine.

On September 29, 2023, the investigation was upgraded to the so-called engineering analysis and expanded to include a total of 708,000 cars. The upgrade means that NHTSA will dig deeper into the issues to understand if the defect warrants a recall.

What has been found so far?

During the preliminary investigation, the regulator found out the likely culprit was an engine valve that was made from material that could become too fragile if overheated during the manufacturing process. This would cause the valves to break apart during operation and damage the engine.

Risks

A vehicle whose engine cuts out may lose power steering and brake assist, making it harder to maneuver and upping the risk of a crash. Additionally, the car may stall without prior warning and get hit by other motorists.

Other Ford recalls

In July 2023, Fusion Plug-in Hybrids vehicles (PHEV) were recalled because they could stall or catch on fire, as reported.

Some of the F-150 trucks listed here may have been affected by a recall from August 2023 caused by unintentional parking brake activation. 

Ford is also being investigated over allegedly faulty front doors that may not shut properly. 

Is your vehicle part of a recall?

This investigation may eventually lead to a Ford engine stall recall, potentially affecting more than 700,000 SUVs and trucks. To do a Lincoln or Ford recall check and see if your vehicle might be a part of it, please use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Bojan PopicUS government upgrades and expands Ford Bronco engine failure investigation 
Ford issues third round of Explorer, Lincoln recalls over faulty rearview cameras

Ford issues third round of Explorer, Lincoln recalls over faulty rearview cameras

June 3, 2023 Joseph Estabillo ,

Dearborn, MI – June 3, 2023 – Ford (NYSE:F), which owns the Lincoln brand, is recalling 422,201 SUVs with rearview cameras that may fail, resulting in an increased risk of an accident.

This recall comes on the back of a “minor crash” and is the third one of its kind since 2021.

The following models are affected:

  • 2020 – 2023 Ford Explorer
  • 2020 – 2023 Lincoln Navigator
  • 2020 – 2022 Lincoln Corsair

Recall summary

Owners of the affected vehicles may experience loss of video feed when either going in Reverse or when the 360-degree camera view is selected and the vehicle is being driven at a low speed. 

Recall risks

For more on risks of this recall, please see this recent article about a similar issue by Honda.  

Background of the recall

Ford originally recalled some of the affected vehicles in 2021. That recall had to be expanded in February of this year as the original remedy proved to be insufficient, as reported.

Following the second recall, the manufacturer received 250 warranty claims alleging loss of the video feed in cars that previously received repairs. The defect resulted in at least one minor accident.

Other Ford recalls

In July 2022, a lawsuit was filed against Ford involving the 2021 Ford Expedition and 2021 Lincoln Navigator, alleging that the two models presented an increased risk of fire while being driven or when parked and switched off. 

The Lincoln Navigator and Corsair were also the subjects of a Ford recall announced in January 2023 because of an issue with the seatbelt chime, as reported.

The repair

The remedy for the issue is being developed and will be available free of charge once ready. Ford will also reimburse owners who paid for their own repairs before the recall was issued. 

Owners of the affected vehicles will receive letters with more information by June 30, 2023.  

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

More than 420,000 vehicles are affected by this Ford and Lincoln rearview camera issue. To run a Ford recall check or check for more Ford and Lincoln recalls,  please use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Joseph EstabilloFord issues third round of Explorer, Lincoln recalls over faulty rearview cameras
Ford recalls Lincoln and Fusion cars with brake issues

Ford recalls Lincoln and Fusion cars with brake issues

March 26, 2023 Joseph Estabillo ,

Dearborn, MI – March 26, 2023 – Ford (NYSE:F), which owns the Lincoln brand, is recalling 1.28 million vehicles over a problem with the front brake hose. This augments the risk of a crash and injury. 

The following vehicles are affected:

  • 2013 Lincoln MKZ
  • 2014 Lincoln MKZ
  • 2015 Lincoln MKZ
  • 2016 Lincoln MKZ
  • 2017 Lincoln MKZ
  • 2018 Lincoln MKZ
  • 2013 Ford  Fusion
  • 2014 Ford Fusion
  • 2015 Ford Fusion
  • 2016 Ford Fusion
  • 2017 Ford Fusion
  • 2018 Ford Fusion

There was a related recall in 2020 and this recall is likely the result of an ongoing U.S government investigation.

Recall summary

The brake hose is made of rubber and delivers the brake fluid that ensures that the vehicle will slow down or stop safely when the driver steps on the brake pedal. 

In the affected vehicles, the front brake hose may rupture as a result of certain driving conditions like frequent full suspension and steering movement. This could lead to a brake fluid leak that worsens over time.  

Recall risks

A brake fluid leak reduces the responsiveness of the vehicle’s brakes and forces the driver to increase braking effort. This could lead to a higher risk of a crash. 

Warning signs

Drivers may notice that they need to step on the brake pedal harder than usual. The brake fluid warning icon will also light up on the dashboard.

Background of the recall

Ford first noticed the defect in Edge and Lincoln MKX vehicles which shared the same brake hose material as the vehicles in question in 2018, eventually leading to a recall of these models in August 2020.

Afterwards, Ford received complaints alleging brake hose failure on vehicles that were not included in that recall. This eventually led to the present announcement.

Coincidentally, the U.S. auto-safety regulator, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), has been investigating Ford to see if over 1.7 million of Lincoln and MKZ vehicles needed to be recalled on the back of 50 complaints alleging brake hose rupture.  This recall is likely the result of that investigation. However, for reasons that are unclear, it is not mentioned on the agency’s investigation page, as it is customary in such cases.

Other Ford recalls

In January 2023, Ford recalled 2020–2023 101,001 Lincoln Navigator and Corsair SUVs over a problem with the seat belt warning system, as reported.

In February 2023, Ford also issued a recall for 382,759 vehicles including the 2020–2023 Ford Expedition as well as the Lincoln Corsair Aviator over the rear view camera’s failure to display an image when the transmission is shifted to Reverse. This was the second recall involving the issue.  

There are no other recent Ford Fusion recalls.

The repair

Dealers will replace the front brake hoses with new ones made from stronger material free of charge. Anyone who has paid for their own repairs before the recall was announced will be reimbursed. 

Owners of affected vehicles will be notified by April 28, 2023.  

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

More than 1.2 million vehicles are affected by this Ford brake hose recall. To see if your vehicle is among them or to check for more Lincoln  recalls, run a Ford or Lincoln recall check using MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Joseph EstabilloFord recalls Lincoln and Fusion cars with brake issues
Ford recalls Lincoln Navigator and Corsair SUVs over defective seat belt chimes

Ford recalls Lincoln Navigator and Corsair SUVs over defective seat belt chimes

January 21, 2023 Joseph Estabillo ,

Dearborn, MI – January 21, 2023 – Ford (NYSE:F), which owns the Lincoln brand, is recalling 101,001 vehicles over a problem with the seat belt warning system. The issue could prevent the drivers from buckling up, augmenting the risk of an injury in a crash.   

The recall covers the following SUVs:

  • 2020 – 2023 Lincoln Navigator
  • 2020 – 2022 Lincoln Corsair

Recall summary

The seat belt warning system is a safety feature that delivers an audible sound when it detects that the driver is not wearing the seat belt after the engine has been started. Due to a software error, part of the chime may be muted, causing it to play for less than four seconds. 

The part involved in this recall is the audio head unit with multiple part numbers, including PJ7T-18D890-SC, LC5T-18K810-JC and MC5T-18D890-SC.    

Recall risks

A seat belt warning chime that is partially inaudible may do an inadequate job of reminding drivers to put on their seat belts before driving the car. This could lead them to drive without it, presenting an increased risk of injury if a crash occurs.   

Other Ford recalls

In April of last year, there was a Lincoln Navigator recall due to trailer brakes, which may fail to engage when applied, as reported. The recall also included other vehicles.

In July 2022,  Ford was sued by owners of the 2021 Expedition and 2021 Lincoln Navigator SUVs who alleged that the manufacturer waited too long to recall these vehicles over risk of fire. On January 13, 2023, the lawsuit was dismissed, according to court records.

In December 2022, Ford issued a second recall for 521,778 SUVs including the 2021-2023 Ford Bronco Sport and 2020-2023 Ford Escape. This was over reports of a defect with the fuel injectors, leading to fire in the engine bay and an increased risk of injury. 

The repair

Dealers will update the audio control module software on the affected vehicles free of charge. Ford will reimburse owners who paid for their own repair before the recall was issued.

Owners of affected vehicles will be notified between February 6, 2023 and February 10, 2023.  

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

More than 100,000 vehicles are affected by this Ford seat belt chime recall. To see if your vehicle is among them, run a Ford recall check using MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool. You can use the same tool to run a Lincoln recall check.

Joseph EstabilloFord recalls Lincoln Navigator and Corsair SUVs over defective seat belt chimes
Ford issues recall over cloudy rearview camera image

Ford issues recall over cloudy rearview camera image

October 20, 2022 Senamile Nkosi ,

Dearborn, MI – October 20, 2022 – Ford (NYSE:F) is recalling 277,040 vehicles whose rearview camera images may become cloudy, making it hard to see obstacles behind the vehicle and increasing the risk of a crash.

The recall includes the following vehicles:

  • 2017 – 2020 Ford F-250 SD
  • 2017 – 2020 Ford F-350 SD
  • 2017 – 2020 Ford F-450 SD
  • 2017 – 2020 Lincoln Continental 

Recall summary

The subject vehicles have a 360-degree camera system, which allows drivers to get a complete view of their surroundings. Due to a “degradation of the camera’s anti-reflective lens coating” the rearview camera image may become foggy.

The components in question are the rearview cameras, with part numbers HC3T-19G490-DH and GD9T-19G490-BH.

Recall risks

A foggy or cloudy rearview camera image can reduce the driver’s ability to see behind the vehicle..

Warning signs

Over time, the clarity of the rearview camera image may worsen as a result of being exposed to UV radiation.

Other recent Ford and Lincoln recalls and investigations

Other Ford truck recalls include one in August, when more than 50,000 Ford F-150 trucks were recalled over a risk of stalling and rolling away. There was another F-150 recall in June over missing tire information, as reported.  

Earlier this month, Ford recalled nearly 200,000 SUVs over fire risk caused by a problem with the air conditioner’s motor.

The U.S. government is investigating Ford over brake fluid leaks, which could lead to longer stopping distances, increasing the risk of a crash. The investigation was prompted by 50 complaints about the issue, as well as a crash that allegedly resulted from it.

Repair

To remedy the issue, Ford and Lincoln dealers will replace the rearview camera at no cost to the owners.

Owners were notified about the repair program between September 12, 2022 and September 16, 2022. 

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

More than a quarter of a million vehicles are included in this Ford rearview camera recall. To perform a Ford recall check on your vehicle, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Senamile NkosiFord issues recall over cloudy rearview camera image
Ford recalls SUVs over A/C failure, fire risk

Ford recalls SUVs over A/C failure, fire risk

September 4, 2022 Joseph Estabillo ,

Dearborn, MI – September 4, 2022 – Ford (NYSE:F) has issued a recall for 198,482 SUVs over a faulty motor which powers the cars’ air conditioning. Its failure may lead to a fire, increasing the risk of injury to the car occupants.

The recall covers the following models: 

  • 2015 – 2017 Ford Expedition
  • 2015 – 2017 Lincoln Navigator 

Recall summary

The air conditioning used by cars relies on a blower motor mounted behind the glove box. This motor is responsible for providing ventilation inside the cabin when the windows are closed, by blowing air through the dashboard vents.     

In the affected vehicles, the front blower motor may fail during operation due to unknown reasons.

The component involved in this recall is the blower motor and wheel assembly with part number CL14-19846-AA. 

Recall risks

The defective motor may present an increased risk of fire to the vehicle’s interior. This also increases the danger of a crash or injury.  

Warning signs

The fan may stop working. In addition to that, the driver may perceive a “burning smell” or see smoke coming from the instrument panel vents while the vehicle’s engine is running. 

Other Ford recalls and lawsuits

Ford is facing a lawsuit regarding alleged defects on the Expedition and Lincoln Navigator SUV models. The allegations stem from complaints that the company failed to promptly recall the vehicles involved in the lawsuit.

The 2020-2021 Ford Expedition and Lincoln Navigator were also included in an earlier recall issued in April 2022 due to faulty windshield wipers, as reported.

Repair

Dealers will replace the front blower motor assembly with a new and improved component. The repair will be done free of charge, and Ford will reimburse customers who paid for their own repairs prior to the recall being issued. 

Affected owners will be notified on or around September 16, 2022. 

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

More than 198,000 vehicles are included in this Ford Expedition and Lincoln Navigator blower motor recall. To see if your vehicle is affected, run a Ford or Lincoln recall check using MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.  

Joseph EstabilloFord recalls SUVs over A/C failure, fire risk
US government investigates Ford over brake fluid leaks

US government investigates Ford over brake fluid leaks

September 4, 2022 Bojan Popic ,

Washington, D.C. – September 4, 2022 – The U.S. government’s auto safety regulator is investigating Ford (NYSE:F) over Ford Fusion and Lincoln MKZ cars that may leak brake fluid. This may lead to longer stopping distances, increasing the risk of a crash and injury. 

If the investigation leads to a recall, it could affect an estimated 1.73 million vehicles, including: 

  • 2013 – 2018 Ford Fusion
  • 2013 – 2018 Ford Fusion Hybrid
  • 2013 – 2018 Lincoln MKZ 
  • 2013 – 2018 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid

Investigation summary  

The regulator, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), opened an investigation on August 8, 2022, following 50 complaints about brake fluid leaks and one crash allegedly caused by such a leak. The leaks are caused by the rupture of brake hoses, which transfer and multiply the force applied to the brake pedal to activate the brakes.

The investigation comes on the heels of an August 2020 recall that was conducted for the same issue and included the 2016-2018 Lincoln MKX and 2015-2018 Ford Edge vehicles. The goal of the investigation is to evaluate “the adequacy” of the recall and see if the Fusion and MKZ cars need to be included as well.

Complaints

Complaints indicate that the front brake lines rupture without warning, causing a sudden brake fluid leak. Drivers have reported that the brake pedal became soft, accompanied by a noticeable drop in braking effect. One driver crashed the vehicle while trying to stop because of this failure.

Risks

A leaking brake line will affect the performance of the vehicle’s brakes. In addition, if left unchecked, this leak may result in a loss of brake fluid severe enough to render all brakes inoperable. Both situations increase the braking distance, upping the risk of a crash and injury.  

Other Ford and Lincoln recalls 

There was a Ford Edge recall in June this year due to the risk of these cars rolling away because of transmission issues. The recall also included Escape, Fusion and C-Max cars and was conducted for at least the fifth time in the past four years, as reported.

There was a Lincoln recall for Aviator SUVs due to the risk of electrical fire, also as reported.

Is your vehicle part of a recall?

This investigation may eventually lead to a Ford brake recall, possibly affecting over 1.7 million vehicles. To do a Ford recall check and see if your car might be a part of it, bookmark MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Bojan PopicUS government investigates Ford over brake fluid leaks
Ford sued over Lincoln Navigator and Expedition SUVs that may catch fire

Ford sued over Lincoln Navigator and Expedition SUVs that may catch fire

July 24, 2022 Bojan Popic ,

Dearborn, MI – July 24, 2022 – Ford (NYSE:F), which owns the Lincoln brand, is being sued over allegations that it should have known that the vehicles it recently recalled were defective and that it waited too long to launch the said recall.

The allegations are based on reports of fire and consequent damage which plaintiffs experienced even when the vehicle was turned off.

The lawsuit is coming on the back of a recall for the following vehicles:

  • 2021 Ford Expedition
  • 2021 Lincoln Navigator

The events that led to this Ford lawsuit  

Vehicles listed above can catch fire while driving or when parked and turned off. In total, 21 SUVs have burst into flames so far, with one of the events leading to an injury. 

Ford first recalled 39,000 of these models in May 2022. The manufacturer, however, did not reveal the source of the problem or the fix for it. Instead, it advised drivers to “park away from structures.”

Earlier this month, the recall was expanded to 66,221 cars, according to a press release. The cause of the issue is believed to be defective “printed circuit boards” which are “uniquely susceptible” to short-circuiting and fires. The repair for some of the vehicles will involve replacing the vehicles’ electronic circuit control center and only one-third of the recalled vehicles can be repaired now.

The allegations

A total of 22 plaintiffs sued Ford on June 7 in the Michigan Eastern District Court and amended the complaint earlier this month on the back of the recall expansion. They are claiming that Ford’s approach to the recall and the fire issue are inadequate in several ways.

First, Ford “either knew or should have known” of the fire defect before it launched the vehicles but “did nothing” to warn consumers of it. Instead, it waited “months” to launch the recall.

In addition, while the fix for the majority of the cars is not available, the manufacturer made no attempts to provide loaner vehicles or offer reimbursements to the owners who still have to make payments on the purchase. These are now considered unusable by some owners because of the risk of fire. 

Lastly, there is a worry that not all affected vehicles are included in the current recall. This claim is backed up by the case of one of the plaintiffs whose 2021 Ford Expedition XLT burst into flames in front of his home last month. This particular vehicle, however, is not a part of the recalled population, because it was built in December 2021, while the recall only includes cars built between July 27, 2020 and August 31, 2021.

The plaintiffs are alleging that by engaging in the actions described above, Ford violated multiple state and federal consumer protection laws, including the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act.

The asks 

In this Ford engine fire lawsuit, plaintiffs are looking for “restitution,”  including the reimbursement of the purchase price of the vehicles, as well as any damages and other costs associated with the lawsuit. 

They are also asking for a jury trial to help decide their case. 

Recall risks

Vehicle fires carry several risks, as described in this article about a Hyundai fire-related recall.

Is your vehicle part of a recall?

Over 66,000 Ford and Lincoln SUVs are affected by this Ford recall lawsuit. However, this number might increase in the future. To check on other Ford Expedition recalls or Lincoln Navigator recalls, go to MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Bojan PopicFord sued over Lincoln Navigator and Expedition SUVs that may catch fire
Ford recalls SUVs and pickup over risk of fire

Ford recalls SUVs and pickup over risk of fire

July 17, 2022 Bojan Popic ,

Dearborn, MI  – July 17, 2022 – Ford (NYSE:F) is recalling 100,689 hybrids whose gasoline engines may fail, causing them to burst into flames. This increases the risk of a crash and injury.

The recall comes on the heels of 23 owner complaints and includes the following models equipped with a 2.5-liter gasoline engine: 

  • 2020 – 2022 Ford Escape 
  • 2020 – 2022 Lincoln Corsair
  • 2022 Ford Maverick

Recall summary  

All listed models have an active grille shutter feature, a series of air flaps that seals the engine bay to improve aerodynamics. On affected vehicles, the 2.5-liter engine may suffer from a catastrophic failure “due to manufacturing issues” that results in a ruptured engine block or oil pan. The hot engine oil, which escapes through the resulting holes and gathers up on the metal shield under the engine, may burst into flames.

Warning signs

In an event of an engine failure, drivers may notice an unusual rattle from the engine bay or a lack of power. A strong smell of burning oil is another tell-tale sign. If the driver detects any of these signs, they should pull over and turn off the engine as soon as possible.

Recall risks

Vehicle fire that occurs while driving carries several risks, as explained in this Kia recall. 

Background of the recall

The recall comes on the heels of at least 23 driver complaints received by Ford. No injuries have been reported.

Other Ford recalls

Ford already had issues with engine fires with their larger SUVs, which resulted in a recall that took place in May 2022. In addition, there was a Ford Maveric recall in April, caused by trailer brake issues. 

The repair

To rectify the issue, dealers will modify the active shutter grille and the metal shield under the engine. Notifications to vehicle owners will be sent between August 8, 2022, and August 12, 2022. 

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

This Ford engine fire recall is affecting more than 100,000 vehicles. To do a Ford recall check and see if yours is one of them, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Bojan PopicFord recalls SUVs and pickup over risk of fire
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