Ford recalls Mustang vehicles over loss of safety features

Dearborn, MI – June 18, 2022 – Ford (NYSE:F) has issued a recall for 25,032 2019 and 2020 Ford Mustangs equipped with 5.0L engines and manual transmissions. One of the most important parts of the car, the powertrain control module (PCM) may send out a faulty signal, which could disable the reverse lights, backup camera or driver-assist features, increasing the risk of a crash.

Recall summary

The PCM is a device that controls over 100 functions performed by the vehicle’s engine and transmission based on the information it receives from various sensors. For example, the PCM ensures that the right amount of fuel is injected into the engine and that the vehicle shifts appropriately to ensure smooth driving.

In the affected 2019 and 2020 Ford Mustang vehicles, a software error could cause the PCM to send the wrong signals, resulting in important functions – such as the rear camera, reverse lights or driver-assist features – being disabled.

Recall risks

The loss of the rear camera or reverse lights would reduce the driver’s ability to see behind the vehicle and increase the risk of hitting an obstacle.  An error related to driver assist features could cause the transmission to shift incorrectly, disable the traction control system or prevent the forward collision warning from engaging, increasing the risk of a crash.

Warning signs

Drivers may notice a warning light on the dashboard, accompanied by a message that indicates which function has been disabled. 

Other Ford recalls 

Other Ford PCM recalls include one in April for more than 47,000 2021 F-150 pickup trucks also over a problem with the powertrain control module.

Also part of recent Ford Mustang recalls is an announcement last February involving over 330,000 vehicles for the 2015 to 2017 model years. This is in connection with faulty rearview cameras that either display a distorted image or none at all during reverse.

The repair

Dealers will update the PCM software on the affected vehicles at no charge to customers.  Ford will reimburse customers for related repairs made  before the recall was issued for these Ford electric issues.

Affected owners will be notified by mail between June 13, 2022 and June 17, 2022.

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

More than 25,000 vehicles are included in this Ford Mustang recall. To see if your car is affected, run a Ford recall check using MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.  

Joseph EstabilloFord recalls Mustang vehicles over loss of safety features

Ford recalls vehicles over missing tire information

Dearborn, MI – June 18, 2022 – Ford (NYSE:F) is recalling 5,247 vehicles whose labels are missing tire information. This could lead to improper tire inflation or the use of incorrect tires or rims, increasing the risk of a crash and injury.

The recall includes the following models:

  • 2022 Ford F-250 Super Duty
  • 2022 Ford F-350 Super Duty
  • 2022 Ford F-450 Super Duty
  • 2022 Ford F-550 Super Duty
  • 2022 Ford F-600 Super Duty
  • 2023 Ford E-Series
  • 2022 Ford Transit 

Also included in this recall is a small number of the following:

  • 2017 Ford Super Duty F-450
  • 2019 Ford Super Duty F-450
  • 2021 Ford Super Duty F-350
  • 2021 Ford Transit 

The component in question is the safety certification label, with part number 5U5A-3520472-AA.

Recall summary

The subject vehicles received safety certification labels with missing information pertaining to the tire size, rim type and recommended tire pressure for the front and rear wheels. The issue has been attributed to a supplier error. 

Recall risks

Missing tire information could lead to an incorrect tire or rim being installed or incorrect tire pressure. This increases the risk of a crash.

Other recent Ford truck recalls

This is not the first recall that the F-250, F-350, F-450 and F-550 Super Duty vehicles have been subjected to in recent months. In May, the 2020 models were recalled due to an increased risk of rollaway

Also in same month, the 2022 F-150 trucks were recalled over airbags that may fail to deploy. 

In early 2021, Ford had a similar issue with incorrect tire information on labels. That Ford tire recall included nearly 10,000 F-350 trucks. 

Repair

Ford and Lincoln dealers will replace the safety certification labels at no cost. Owners will be notified of the repair program between June 27, 2022 and July 01, 2022.   

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

More than 5,000 Ford vehicles are included in this recall. To perform a Ford recall check on your vehicle, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Senamile NkosiFord recalls vehicles over missing tire information

NHTSA investigates Ford dealer over sale of recalled Escape SUV

Washington, D.C. – June 12, 2022 – Federal auto safety regulator, the National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration (NHTSA) is investigating a  Ford (NYSE:F) dealer that allegedly sold a 2021 Ford Escape car with an open recall. This is illegal under federal law.

Investigation summary

The dealer, Healey Brothers Ford, LLC, of Beacon, New York, allegedly sold at least one 2021 Ford Escape compact crossover SUV.

The recall in question appears to be one conducted in August 2021 for issues with the fuel delivery module. The issue resulted in the cars stalling while out on the road and affected over 13,000 units, as reported.

Can a dealer sell a car with a recall?

Under the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Act, selling a car with a recall is illegal unless the dealership labels them as used vehicles. Under Section 108 of the law, the penalty shall be $1,000 for each recorded violation. So, recalls do need to be fixed before a new car leaves the lot.

To learn more about whether or not a dealership sell a car with a recall and what to watch out for, please visit this page.

Risks

If the engine stalls while the vehicle is in motion,  it will be difficult for the driver to perform standard operations such as steering and braking, increasing the risk of a crash.    

Other Ford investigations 

NHTSA is carrying out a separate investigation on Ford regarding 32 complaints of 2021 model year Ford Bronco vehicles that stalled while driving without prior warning. Initial findings suggest that the problem was caused by an engine valve falling apart, resulting in terminal engine failure. 

The Escape was also the subject of a safety recall issued in May 2022 over a problem with the transmission, which could cause the vehicle to unintentionally roll away, increasing the risk of a crash.   

Is your vehicle part of a recall?

To see if your Ford Escape is part of any other vehicle recalls, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.  

Joseph EstabilloNHTSA investigates Ford dealer over sale of recalled Escape SUV

NHTSA closes General Motors investigation over difficult steering

Washington, D.C. – June 11, 2022 – The U.S. government’s auto safety regulator has closed an investigation into General Motors (NYSE:GM) over loss of power steering assist, which could increase steering effort and result in a crash. 

The investigation covered a total of 617,166 vehicles, including the following  

  • 2010-2012 Chevrolet Equinox
  • 2010-2012 GMC Terrain

Investigation summary  

The regulator, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), opened an investigation back in January 2020, following complaints regarding an intermittent lack of power steering support.

However, the lengthy investigation has found out that this would only happen on rare occasions and under unique circumstances. In effect, the vehicle needs to travel in a straight line for at least half an hour, with the driver not turning the steering wheel. Even then, the power steering will regain its function after a brief moment. 

With that in mind, and the fact there were no reported accidents or injuries caused by this issue, the regulator did not identify the issue as a “safety defect” and closed the inquiry.

Risks

A malfunctioning power steering makes maneuvering more difficult, especially at lower speeds. This increases the risk of a crash and injury.  

The repair

The factory power steering gear on these vehicles suffered from poor lubrication,  which made steering more difficult. General Motors previously addressed this issue in November 2014, as a part of its Special Coverage repair.  During it, dealers have replaced the power steering hardware on affected vehicles with updated components and reprogrammed the “steering gear control module.”

The remedy “appears to be sufficient” to resolve the safety issue, according to NHTSA.

Other General Motors recalls 

In April, the manufacturer recalled GMC Terrain and Chevrolet Equinox cars because of defective windshield wipers, as reported.

There was a GM SUV recall in August of last year because of the loss of power steering assist, as reported.

Could your vehicle be a part of a recall?

This investigation is closed, without any further action being required. However, if GM steering issues led to a recall, it would have affected more than 600,000 vehicles.

Your vehicle could still be part of a different recall. To do a Chevrolet or GMC recall check, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Bojan PopicNHTSA closes General Motors investigation over difficult steering

Honda is investigated over non-starting engines

Washington, D.C. – June 11, 2022 – The U.S. government’s auto safety regulator is investigating Honda (NYSE:HMC) cars  whose engines may refuse to start after being shut down briefly. This can make the vehicles immobile, increasing the risk of a crash and injury. 

If this Honda engine issues lead to a recall, it could affect an estimated 194,731 of the following crossover SUVs:

  • 2016 Honda Pilot
  • 2017 Honda Pilot
  • 2018 Honda Pilot
  • 2019 Honda Pilot
  • 2020 Honda Pilot 

Investigation summary  

The regulator, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), opened an investigation on June 3, 2022 following a total of at least 221 complaints regarding engines that would fail to start. 

The affected vehicles are equipped with an engine auto start-stop system, which automatically shuts down the 3.5 L-engine when the car comes to a halt, such as at a traffic light or a stop sign. The purpose of this feature is to save fuel and consequently lower emissions.  

Based on the complaints, the engine would not restart after being shut down by the start-stop system

Risks

A stopped car can be hit by other vehicles, especially if this happens in dense traffic or busy junctions, increasing the risk of an injury. 

Other Honda recalls and investigations

This is not the only investigation this Japanese manufacturer has been facing lately. In March of this year, NHTSA started investigating Accord and CR-V models were investigated over phantom braking, as reported. The investigation could lead to a recall of 1.7 million vehicles.

As far as Honda Pilot recalls go, there was one in December of last year due to hoods that may potentially fly open while driving, obstructing the driver’s view. The recall also included Passport and Ridgeline cars.

Could your vehicle be a part of the potential recall?

This investigation may eventually lead to a Honda Pilot start-stop recall, possibly affecting almost 200,000 vehicles.  To do a Honda recall check, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Bojan PopicHonda is investigated over non-starting engines

Navistar recalls buses whose steering wheels may detach, issues stop-drive notice

Lisle, IL – June 5, 2022 – Navistar is recalling 5,173 school buses whose steering wheels have not been tightened sufficiently and may detach. This increases the risk of a crash and injury. 

Buses affected by this recall include: 

  • 2022 – 2023 IC Bus CE
  • 2022 – 2023 IC Bus RE
  • 2023 IC Bus EV

Recall summary  

Like most other vehicles, these buses have a retaining nut inside a steering wheel, which holds it in place. This nut might have been tightened insufficiently during the assembly process and could become loose. If that happens, the steering wheel could separate from the column shaft.

Recall risks

Not being able to steer greatly increases the risk of a crash and injury. 

Warning signs

Before the steering wheel becomes loose, drivers may notice a rattle coming from it. 

Other Daimler recalls

Daimler commercial vehicles had several recent recalls, apart from this Navistar steering wheel recall. Among them, one caused by malfunctioning rearview cameras is the latest one. In addition, some of their big trucks also had steering issues, which resulted in a recall in October 2021

The repair

Dealers will remove the retaining nut and apply a specialized adhesive before fitting it back on. This repair is free of charge.

In addition, Daimler advises owners not to drive these buses until repairs are done. Notifications will be sent between May 23, 2022 and May 27, 2022. 

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

This Navistar school bus recall is affecting more than 5,000 buses. To do a Navistar recall check and see if yours is one of them, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Bojan PopicNavistar recalls buses whose steering wheels may detach, issues stop-drive notice

Ford is investigated over sudden engine cut-outs

Washington, D.C. – June 5, 2022 – The U.S. government’s auto safety regulator is investigating Ford (NYSE:F) over concerns that 25,538 of its 2021 Ford Bronco vehicles that may stall. This increases the risk of a crash and injury and may lead to a formal recall.

Investigation summary  

The regulator, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), opened an investigation on May 27, following a total of 32 complaints regarding Ford Broncos that would stall while driving. All of these vehicles have a 2.7L EcoBoost engine. 

According to the complaints, the vehicle would stall without any prior warnings and would not restart afterward. Based on initial findings, this is caused by an engine valve falling apart, which causes a terminal engine failure.  

Risks

There are several risks associated with engine stalling, especially when it happens at highway speeds. You can learn more about the related risks in this Stellantis recall

Other Ford recalls 

While these Ford Bronco engine issues are being investigated, owners should check other recalls that may affect their vehicles. Among them, the one from April 2022, caused by fires inside the engine compartement, is the most recent. 

Could your vehicle be a part of the potential recall?

This investigation may eventually lead to a Ford Bronco engine valve recall, possibly affecting over 25,000 vehicles.  To do a Ford recall check, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Bojan PopicFord is investigated over sudden engine cut-outs