Ford recalls vehicles in search of 19 faulty Continental tires

Ford recalls vehicles in search of 19 faulty Continental tires

March 25, 2021 Rebecca Rand

December 9, 2021 Update – Ford (NYSE:F) is has remedied issues with 3,258 F-series trucks and Ford Escapes suffering from Continental Tires air loss issues. 369 vehicles were also deemed unreachable and none were removed from the recall.

Dearborn, MI – March 25, 2021 – Ford (NYSE:F) is recalling 15,769 vehicles to find 19 Continental brand tires at risk of rupturing. The recall includes 2019 Ford Escape compact SUVs and Ford F series trucks, specifically:

  • 2018 Ford F 150
  • 2018 Ford F 250 SD
  • 2019 Ford F 250 SD
  • 2020 Ford F 250 SD
  • 2018 Ford F 350 SD
  • 2019 Ford F 350 SD
  • 2020 Ford F 350 SD 

The affected part is Continental tire with multiple part numbers, including CJ5C-1508-AA and JC3C-1508-ZA.

Recall summary  

The Continental tire recall has recently affected several major car manufacturers, including General Motors, Mercedes-Benz, and Nissan.

Due to a manufacturing error, these tires were cured for too long, making them prone to rupture. Curing is what sets rubber tires in their final shape. 

This recall follows on the heels of a recent Nissan Continental tire recall where the manufacturer has also recalled a large number of cars to find just a few defective tires.

Risks

In addition to rupturing, the tire tread, which touches the road, could also split off from the rest of the tire. Both of these events could cause a driver to lose control of their vehicle and crash, especially if they occur at highway speeds.

Warning signs and safety tips

Other automakers recalling Continental tires, like Mercedes-Benz, have said a bulge or a “bubble” on the tire tread is a sign of a problem. For information on what to do if you notice a bulge or if your tires blow out while driving, please refer to this article about Nissan’s Continental tire recall.

The repair

Ford dealers will inspect numbers on the tires’ walls and replace any that match the list of suspect tires from Continental. If the dealer finds a match, they will also replace the tire on the opposite of the car and move the newest tires to the rear axle. Owners will be notified about the recall the week of March 29.

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

Over 15,000 vehicles are included in this Nissan recall. To see if your car is one of them, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Rebecca RandFord recalls vehicles in search of 19 faulty Continental tires
Ford and Mazda begin 2.6 million-vehicle-strong Takata airbag recall

Ford and Mazda begin 2.6 million-vehicle-strong Takata airbag recall

March 23, 2021 Rebecca Rand , , ,

Dearborn, MI and Washington, D.C. – March 23, 2021 – Ford (NYSE:F) and Mazda (OTCMKTS:MZDAY) have begun recalls of 2,608,515 vehicles equipped with potentially dangerous Takata airbags whose inflators could explode, injuring or killing drivers and passengers. This latest Takata airbag recall includes:

  • 2007 – 2011 Ford Ranger pickups
  • 2007 – 2009 Mazda B Series pickups
  • 2006 – 2012 Ford Fusion sedans
  • 2006 – 2012 Lincoln Zephyr/MKZ sedans
  • 2006 – 2011 Mercury Milan sedans
  • 2007 – 2010 Ford Edge SUVs
  • 2007 – 2010 Lincoln MKX luxury SUVs

The vast majority of the recalled vehicles are Fords; the Mazda models in this recall were built by Ford due to a past relationship between the two companies.

Recall summary  

This Takata airbag recall is caused by faulty airbag inflators that can degrade over time and rupture when the airbags are deployed, sending shrapnel flying into vehicle occupants. Worldwide, these explosions have killed 27 people and have injured over 400.

The recall follows on the heels of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) rejecting the automakers’ petition not to recall these vehicles.

The inflators explode because of repeated exposure to high humidity and “high temperatures” and despite the addition of a desiccant, or a drying agent, that is meant to minimize the risk.

Risks

The risks involved in this recall are similar to those in a recent Volkswagen Takata airbag recall, which we cover in this previous article.

Other Takata airbag recalls

Over 66 million Takata airbags have been recalled in recent years in what amounts to the largest recall in the automotive history up-to-date. Just this year alone, General Motors recalled 6 million vehicles equipped with these potentially lethal airbags. 

Some of the cars involved in earlier rounds of recalls should NOT be driven at all. See the full list here.

The repair

Ford, Lincoln and Mazda dealers will replace the defective airbags with one that does not contain ammonium nitrate. The dealer will not charge for this service.

It is not clear when the parts will be available.

Ford and Lincoln owners should receive recall notifications with more instructions as early as April 1; Mazda owners can expect theirs to arrive by May 9. 

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

Over 2.6 million vehicles are included in these Ford and Mazda recalls. To do a Mazda or Ford recall check, enter your VIN into MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Rebecca RandFord and Mazda begin 2.6 million-vehicle-strong Takata airbag recall
Ford recalls F-350 trucks for incorrect tire and payload information

Ford recalls F-350 trucks for incorrect tire and payload information

March 5, 2021 Ken Boyd

Dearborn, MI – April 14, 2022 – Ford (NYSE:F) has remedied issues with 2,489 2020 Ford F350 Super Duty vehicles with incorrect Tire and Loading labels. Additionally, 205 of these vehicles were categorized as unreachable and 0 were removed from the recall. All these incorrectly labeled 2020 Ford F350 Super Duty were remedied in one group during 2021.

Dearborn, MI – March 5, 2021 – Ford Motor Company (NYSE:F) has recalled 9,979 Ford F350 trucks, due to incorrect information on labels in the vehicles, which may increase the risk of a crash. The recall includes 2020 Ford F350 Super Duty trucks.

Recall summary  

In recalled vehicles, the following information may be incorrect:

  • Tire and Loading Information (TREAD) Label: The Ford F350 payload capacity is the maximum amount of weight the driver can safely add to the truck as cargo. The payload capacity value may be overstated.
  • Accessory Reserve Capacity (ARC) values: This value estimates the total weight of accessories and equipment that can be added to the truck. The value on the Safety Certification label may be overstated.
  • Truck Camper Loading documentation: This data explains how a camper can be added to the truck, including the maximum weight allowed. The weight values may be overstated.

Other Ford recalls

These same trucks – as well as the Ford F250 Super Duty 2020 model – are among the vehicles subject to a recall for a poorly attached windshield, as reported. The issue makes the windshield more likely to crack or break altogether, exposing the car occupants to road debris and broken glass. 

At the same time, 2019 F-250 and F-350 were among Ford recalls in 2020 because of faulty front axles, as reported. The axles – that transmit the power from the body of the car to its wheels – were built using “non-conforming” parts, as reported.

Risks 

If the driver loads the vehicle based on the incorrect Ford F350 payload value on the TREAD label, the truck’s suspension will be overloaded and the vehicle will require increased stopping distance. 

When tires are loaded above rated capacity, they are more likely to wear unevenly. Finally, if the camper is overloaded, driving the truck may be unsafe.

Each of these issues increases the risk of an accident.

The repair

To fix the issue, dealers will replace the TREAD and Safety Certification labels, as well as the Truck Camper Loading document, as needed.  The repair is free of charge. The recall is expected to begin March 22, 2021. 

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

Over 9,900 vehicles are included in this Ford recall 2020. To see if your car is one of them, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Ken BoydFord recalls F-350 trucks for incorrect tire and payload information
Ford recalls 79,017 vehicles due to faulty windshields

Ford recalls 79,017 vehicles due to faulty windshields

March 1, 2021 Suhas Ramachandra

Dearborn, MI – March 1, 2021 – Ford (NYSE:F) has announced a recall of 79,017 Ford F-series trucks with faulty windshields, which may fail to adequately protect the car occupants or injure them during a crash.

The recall includes:

  • 2021 Ford F 150 vehicles 
  • 2020-2021 Ford super-duty vehicles 

Recall summary

The front windshields of the affected vehicles are not glued well to the vehicle body structure.  This violates the federal safety standards, which state that a windshield should be strongly bonded to the body of the car.

The bonding defect is caused by a supplier using a “non-conforming” batch of paint.

Warning signs

The driver may be alerted to a loose windshield if he or she hears “wind noise” or notices a water leak.

Safety risks

A loose windshield is more likely to crack or even separate from the car, especially in the case of an accident. This may result in the car occupants getting injured by broken glass or being exposed to road debris and other objects hitting their face and body at a high speed.

To learn more about the dangers of road debris, please see our recent article about a Land Rover recall for fly-away spoilers.

Other Ford recalls

2020 F 150 trucks were among Ford vehicles recalled last fall for faulty rearview cameras that distorted the image for the driver, resulting in a higher risk of a crash. Over 400 F150 2020 were also recalled in April for a risk of fire.

Repair

To fix the issue, dealers will detach the windshield and reinstall it. The repair is free of charge.  Repair notifications will be sent out to the owners starting on April 6.

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

Over 79,000 vehicles are included in this Ford F-series recall. To see if your vehicle is one of them, bookmark MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool and visit the website when more details become available.

Suhas RamachandraFord recalls 79,017 vehicles due to faulty windshields
Ford recalls over 150,000 cars that may have Takata airbags installed

Ford recalls over 150,000 cars that may have Takata airbags installed

February 19, 2021 Rebecca Rand ,

Dearborn, MI – February 19, 2021 – Ford (NYSE:F) is recalling 154,224 vehicles that may have had dangerous Takata airbag inflators installed again after undergoing a recall for this same issue. These inflators are at risk of exploding and hurling shrapnel that could injure or kill vehicle occupants. There are two separate recalls for this issue. The first includes:

  • 2004-2011 Ford Ranger trucks
  • 2005-2014 Ford Mustang sports cars
  • 2008-2012 Ford Fusion sedans
  • 2009-2011 Mercury Milan sedans
  • 2010-2012 Lincoln MKZ luxury sedans
  • 2007-2010 Ford Edge SUVs
  • 2007-2010 Lincoln MKX luxury SUVs
  • 2006 Ford GT sports cars

The second recall includes:

  • 2004-2006 Ford Ranger trucks

Recall summary  

Ford dealers may have accidentally installed airbags containing these potentially lethal inflators during repairs for collision or theft damage after a recall related to this same issue was completed. It is not clear which particular Takata recall the company is referring to since many of these models were subjects to different recalls, albeit for the same issue.

These airbags were supposed to have been purged from Ford’s stock of replacement parts once new, safe ones became available. However, instead of that, they may have been put in 1,117 vehicles that comprise the first group. In the case of the second group, only 45 of over 150,000 cars contain the inflators but it is not clear which ones. Therefore, at the behest of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Ford is issuing a recall to address the issue.

Risks

Worldwide, Takata airbag inflators have killed at least 27 people, including two that ruptured and killed people riding in 2006 Ford Rangers.

A Ford spokesperson told Consumer Reports that none of the Ford Rangers in this recall are on the “Do not Drive” list of cars considered to be exceptionally high-risk. However, certain Ford Rangers are indeed on that list. You can check to see if your car is one of them here.

You can read more about the problems with Takata inflators in this article about GM’s recent Takata airbag recall. 

The repair

Ford dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace vehicles airbag inflators for free. Recall notifications go out the week of March 8, and will include more information about when and how to seek repairs.

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

Over 154,000 vehicles are included in this Ford recall. As of April 29, 2021, – the last date information was available – 5,693 airbags had been replaced. To see if your car still needs to be repaired, use MotorSafety’s free lookup tool.

Note: July 17, 2021

We have noticed a large number of readers are interested in this recall. For that reason, we have updated the number of cars that have been replaced to reflect the most up-to-date information.

Rebecca RandFord recalls over 150,000 cars that may have Takata airbags installed
Ford and Mazda ordered to recall close to 3 million vehicles with Takata airbags

Ford and Mazda ordered to recall close to 3 million vehicles with Takata airbags

January 27, 2021 Rebecca Rand , ,

Washington, D.C. – January 27, 2021 – Ford (NYSE:F) and Mazda (OTCMKTS:MZDAY) must recall close to 3 million vehicles  in the U.S. after the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) denied both manufacturers’ petitions to be excluded from an expansion of Takata airbag inflator recalls. The inflators, which have killed at least 30 people and caused over 400 injuries, are at the center of the largest auto recall in history, involving 19 car manufacturers and tens of millions of vehicles. Ford and Mazda will have to recall and replace airbags in the following models:

  • 2007-2011 Ford Ranger pickups
  • 2007-2009 Mazda B-Series pickups
  • 2006-2012 Ford Fusion sedans
  • 2006-2012 Lincoln Zephyr/MKZ sedans
  • 2006-2011 Mercury Milan sedans
  • 2007-2010 Ford Edge SUVs
  • 2007-2010 Lincoln MKX luxury SUVs

The manufacturers have until February 18 to initiate the recall. The Mazda vehicles involved were built by Ford on Mazda’s platform due to Ford’s past investment in the company.

Summary  

The recall concerns these vehicles’ driver’s-side airbag inflators, which are supposed to inflate the airbags using a small explosion. If moisture gets into the inflator and degrades the explosives inside, it may generate a blast that is too large. This can rupture the inflator and send pieces of metal flying into vehicle occupants, injuring or even killing them. Some inflators, including those in the aforementioned Ford and Mazda models, were made with a drying agent to protect the explosives from water.

Background of the recall

Similar to a recent Volkswagen Takata airbag recall, the vehicles that are set to be recalled were manufactured with a desiccant, or a drying agent, that was set to prevent the possible explosion by blocking the moisture from getting inside. Based on that and other factors, in 2017, Ford and Mazda petitioned NHTSA to be excluded from the recall that was initiated by Takata earlier that year. 

However, this month, NHTSA denied the petitions due to its and Takata’s analysis of salvaged inflators, which showed that these components still degrade over time, increasing the risk of an explosion. 

Risks

For risks related to this recall, please see our recent article about Volkswagen recalling over 100,000 Beetles over similar concerns. Mazda reported injuries related to previous recalls of cars manufactured by the brand but it is not clear how many. The vehicles affected under those Mazda airbag recalls include 2004-2009 B-Series pickup trucks and 2004-2006 Mazda MPV vans.

Other Ford recalls

Recently, Ford recalled 2014-2016 Edge SUVs due to potential brake failure. You can read more about that recall here.

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

Close to 3 million vehicles will be included in these Ford and Mazda recalls. To do a Ford recall check, bookmark MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool and come back to the site when more details become available.

Rebecca RandFord and Mazda ordered to recall close to 3 million vehicles with Takata airbags
Ford recalls Econoline vans for burning hot engine covers

Ford recalls Econoline vans for burning hot engine covers

January 20, 2021 Rebecca Rand

Dearborn, MI – January 20, 2021– Ford (NYSE:F) has recalled 29,344 full-size Econoline trucks and vans whose engine covers may get too hot and burn people sitting in the front seat. This Ford truck and van recall includes the 2021 Ford E-350 and E-450 models and concerns the Engine Cover (Dog House), part number F8UZ-1510312-BAA.

Recall summary  

Engine covers of the recalled vehicles sit between the front two seats and act as a center console. Due to design error, the vehicles were manufactured with ill-fitting insulation on the cover which does not extend all the way to the edges, allowing them to get very hot.  

Other Ford recalls

This is the third recall to affect these 2021 Ford trucks and vans. Read about prior Ford recalls, in February 2020 for inadequate amounts of axle lubricant and in March 2020 for wire harnesses that become damaged from chafing against the vehicle’s frame.

Risks

Drivers and front-seat passengers of these vans could burn themselves on the wall against the hot engine cover. Before that happens, they could notice the temperature of the edges of the engine cover – located near their feet – “gradually increase,” according to the recall notice.

Ford says it is not aware of any accidents or injuries caused by this issue to date.

The repair

Ford will notify owners about the recall between February 8 and 12, 2021. Dealers will inspect the engine cover for gaps between the rubber seal of the engine cover and the insulation, and will provide patches as needed. In some cases, they will also provide a powertrain calibration update to make sure the engine does not get too hot.

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

Nearly 30,000 vehicles are included in this E-350 Ford recall. To see if your car is one of them, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Rebecca RandFord recalls Econoline vans for burning hot engine covers
Ford Explorers, Edges, and Tauruses recalled for bracket failure issue

Ford Explorers, Edges, and Tauruses recalled for bracket failure issue

December 17, 2020 Ken Boyd

Dearborn, MI – December 17, 2020 – Ford Motor Company (NYSE:F) has recalled 15,587 vehicles with 2.0L or 2.3L engines and front wheel drive. A support bracket – which connects the engine to the front drive axle – may fail, and the driver may lose control of the vehicle. The recall includes:

  •  2014-2016 Ford Explorer SUVs
  •  2014-2015 Ford Taurus sedans
  •  2014-2016 Ford Edge SUVs

However, a Ford press release from November 13 mentions that the 2016 Taurus is also part of the recall and that only 2014 Edge SUVs are included. The reason for the discrepancy is not clear.

Recall summary  

Due to a design error, the bracket may not withstand the vehicle’s normal vibration. This could cause the bracket to crack. Because the bracket connects the engine to the front axle – which transmits the power from the vehicle to its wheels – this defect can cause a loss of “motive power” or “park function.”

Other Ford Explorer, Edge and Taurus recalls

There are several Ford Explorer recalls outstanding. In November, 2013-2017 Explorers were recalled for the third time due to a faulty suspension, as reported. 2020 Explorer SUVs and Edge SUVs were also recalled in September due to rearview cameras that may display a “distorted or blank” image, also as reported.

2015-2018 Ford Edge cars were recalled for leaking brake fluid  in August, while Ford Taurus sedans were subject to a recall in February due to toe link problems.

Risks 

Drivers in the recalled cars face a number of risks:

  • If the vehicle does not stay in park, the unexpected movement may cause a rollaway incident or an accident. The vehicle may roll into a person, another vehicle or a traffic lane.
  • A loss of power may prevent a driver from accelerating to merge into traffic and cause an accident.
  • Damage to other component parts may also cause the driver to lose control of the vehicle and lead to an accident.

If the link shaft brackets cracks, drivers may notice “grinding, banging or clicking noise from the driveline” while driving, according to NHTSA.

The repair

To fix the issue, dealers will need to replace the link shaft bracket. The repair is free of charge, but the parts are not currently available. Ford sent owners an interim notification which explained the recall on November 30, 2020. Each owner will receive a second notification when parts are available for the repair.

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

Over 15,500 vehicles are included in this Ford recall. To see if your car is one of them, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Ken BoydFord Explorers, Edges, and Tauruses recalled for bracket failure issue
Ford recalls Explorers and Aviators over fractured driveshafts

Ford recalls Explorers and Aviators over fractured driveshafts

December 1, 2020 Rebecca Rand ,

Pleasanton, CA – December 1, 2020 – Ford (NYSE: F) is recalling 10,905 2020 Ford Explorer and Lincoln Aviator SUVs whose driveshafts – one of the most important components of a car – may fracture, presenting several risks including vehicle rollaway, fuel leaks and fire. All of the recalled vehicles have 10-speed automatic transmission, all-wheel drive, and 2.0L or 3.3L engines. 

Recall summary

In approximately 18 of the 10,905 recalled vehicles, the rear driveshaft may not have been welded properly and could snap. The driveshaft transfers power to the rear wheels. Its breakage could cause the vehicle to lose power while in motion or roll away when parked. The snapped shaft could also pierce the fuel tank and cause a leak and/or fire.

Ford knows the serial numbers of the faulty driveshafts, but they must inspect over 10,000 vehicles to find them. 

Other recalls

The 2020 Ford Explorer and Lincoln Aviator have had close to a dozen of  combined recalls since August 2019, including one for malfunctioning rearview camera and another one for defective fuel lines. 

Safety risks

The broken driveshaft can cause a whole host of problems. A snapped driveshaft will cut off drive power to the rear wheels, increasing the risk of a crash because of unexpected movement. The vehicle could also roll away if parked on a hill. This is what killed actor Anton Yelchin, whose Jeep Cherokee (also recalled) rolled down his driveway and crushed him against a pillar.  Furthermore, if the driveshaft snaps, it could hit the fuel tank and spring a leak, which in turn could lead to a fire. It’s a frightening list of potential scenarios that should encourage owners to get their vehicles looked at.

Repair

Dealers will inspect the driveshaft and check its serial number. If it matches one on Ford’s list of affected serial numbers, they will replace the driveshaft. Ford plans to notify owners by mail during the week of November 30 as to when the repair will be available.

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

Over 10,000 cars are included in this Ford recall. To see if your car is one of them, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool to check your car for open recalls.

Rebecca RandFord recalls Explorers and Aviators over fractured driveshafts
Ford recalls Explorers for third time due to faulty suspension

Ford recalls Explorers for third time due to faulty suspension

November 24, 2020 Rebecca Rand

Pleasanton, CA – November 24, 2020 – Ford (NYSE:F) has recalled 318,381 SUVs because a part of the suspension  – which connects the vehicle to the wheels – may fracture, seriously impairing a driver’s ability to steer. The recall includes 2013-2017 Ford Explorer SUVs and concerns the rear suspension toe links (#DB5Z-5B758-B and #DB5Z-5B759-B).

Recall summary  

The rear toe links hold the car’s back wheels at the correct angle so that the vehicle actually goes in the direction that the driver is steering. 

For a reason that is not entirely clear, the toe links have been snapping, causing the driver to lose control of the cars’ back wheels and get injured. Ford’s investigation up to date has pointed to salt – that is predominantly used in the U.S. Northeast and Midwest – as the culprit of the problem. Salt can corrode vehicles’ underbellies, where the toe links are located.

As such, the recall encompasses 22 states and six Canadian provinces where salt is used to de-ice roads in the winter. 

Previous recalls

This is the third time the manufacturer recalls Explorers for the same issue that was previously addressed in two separate recalls in 2016 and 2019.  The smaller 2016 recall was deemed necessary because of the toe links “improper weld,” while the 2019 one – that involved 1.2 million vehicles – was allegedly caused by rough roads.

Toe link problems have also forced Ford to recall nearly 230,000 Flex, Taurus, and Lincoln MKT vehicles this past February. Ford Focus cars have been subject to several complaints – one as recently as February – for its tires wearing out early.

Risks

A broken rear toe link will sever a driver’s control over one of their back wheels, allowing it to point in any direction. Under these conditions, the vehicle may start fishtailing (weaving left and right like a fish), which can send the car careening into a ditch or oncoming traffic. This is extremely dangerous. In fact, problems relating to this recall have caused at least 13 accidents and six injuries.

‘Sliding on ice sideways’

After one Explorer owner’s toe links snapped last February, they described the experience in a complaint to the NHTSA. “It’s like sliding on ice sideways. Very scary. Never want to go through this ever again.”  The driver nearly avoided a head-on collision.

Other drivers were similarly shaken by the sudden loss of control. “My daughter and I should have both been killed” said one NHTSA complaint this past August. “…several weeks since the (near) accident and we are still shaken up by it.” Another driver described how their seven-year-old grandson was now afraid to get in the car alone with them after their Explorer’s toe link broke and the car fishtailed across the median, slamming into a reflector post, just barely missing oncoming traffic. 

The repair

Ford will inspect where the toe link attaches to the wheel, and replace it if necessary, for free. The recall is expected to begin November 30, 2020. 

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

Over 300,000 vehicles are part of this Ford recall. To see if your car is one of them, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Rebecca RandFord recalls Explorers for third time due to faulty suspension
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