Ford Recalls | Page 13 | MotorSafety.org

Daytime Running Lights in Certain Ford Trucks Are Not Dimming Properly

February 21, 2020 Marshall Earley Ford Recalls

re: NHTSA campaign 20V097000

Laguna Hills, CA – Jul 20, 2022 – Ford (NYSE:F) has remedied issues with 109.567 2018-2020 Ford F150 trucks that were dealing with headlight dimming problems. Additionally, 912 of these Ford F150 trucks were categorized as unreachable and 6 were removed from the recall. Four groups of these 2018-2020 Ford F150 trucks were remedied in 2020 and two groups was remedied in 2022 for these daytime running light dimming issues.

Laguna Hills, CA – Feb 6, 2020 – Certain Ford Trucks equipped with high series LED headlamps may not dim properly which could result in impaired visibility to other drivers.

The total number of affected vehicles is 166,196.

The Defect

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling 2018-2020 F-150 trucks installed with LED headlamps capable of Autolamp functions that do not properly dim. Owners of affected trucks installed with the recalled Daytime Running Lamps (DRL) could possibly impair the vision of other drivers if not aware of the defect. The Daytime Running Lamps were noticed to not properly dim to parking lamps when the Master Lighting Switch (MLS) has been switched from the default setting (Autolamps) to the setting “Headlamps On”.

Attention was brought to the possible recall by a customer’s observation. In October 2019, the owner of a Ford F-150 truck observed that certain DRL capabilities were exhibited unexpectedly (not properly turning on/off or dimming). Ford’s Critical Concerns Review Group (CCRG) decided to consult the vehicle owner’s claims for an overview of possible product malfunction. CCRG observed that the assembly of 2018-2020 F-150 headlamps created the possibility of DRL not properly dimming and therefore not being in compliance with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 108, “Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment.” The headlamps, when the Master Lighting Switch was rotated from “Autolamp” to “headlamps on”, would cause the LED lamps to remain at full brightness even though they should have automatically dimmed. On February 14, 2020, Ford’s Field Review Committee decided to approve field action to bring awareness to the issue. Ford has released a statement claiming no reports or knowledge of injury relating to this issue.

The solution

Affected vehicle owners will receive a notification letter from Ford on March 9, 2020, outlining the details of how to fix their vehicle’s issue. Owners will be asked to bring their vehicle to any official Ford or Lincoln dealership to have the Body Control Module (BCM) configuration updated so as to ensure the issue will cease. All owners will be reimbursed for this repair. Ford welcomes any affected owners with further questions to call Ford Customer Service at 1 (800) 392-3673.

For more information on this or other recalls past or present, visit MotorSafety.org.

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Sparks in Ford trucks may cause fire

January 6, 2020 Sean Reyes Ford Recalls

Laguna Hills, CA – Dec. 20, 2019 – Ford Motor Company is recalling certain 2017-2019 F-Super Duty F-250, F-350, F-450 and SuperCrew Cab vehicles. The front seat pretensioner may spark in the event of a crash and ignite carpeting or insulation.

The potential number of vehicles affected is estimated at 490,574.

The Defect

According to an investigation by Ford, the front seat pretensioner may generate excessive sparks during a crash. In some cases, these sparks can interact with exhaust gas and cause the vehicle’s carpet or carpet insulation in the B-pillar area to catch on fire.The defect is unique to the 2017-2019 model year, as those vehicles were built with unique seat belt pretensioners. All vehicles assembled after October 29, 2019 were modified to prevent the issue.

So far there has been one report in the U.S. of a fire caused by the seat belt pretensioner.

Timeline of Events

In September 2018, Ford did some testing on the B-pillar area of their Super Duty vehicles, after a similar issue was reported in the 2015-2018 F-150 model. At that time, Ford did not determine that the area was at risk of combustion. In October 2019, Ford received a report from NHTSA of a post-crash fire in the B-pillar area of a 2019 F-250 Crew Cab. Both Ford and NHTSA inspected the vehicle and Ford performed analysis on related parts. Ford also performed nearly 300 vehicle level tests, finding issues in a few cases. Further inspection found that variance in the profile of the carpet edge was a determinate on whether the carpet combusted. While the investigation was still ongoing, Ford began adding heat resistant foil tape to all 2019 model year vehicles.

On December 4, 2019 Ford’s Field Review Committee reviewed the situation and approved field action.

The Solution

Owners of affected vehicles will be notified by mail and told to take their vehicles to a certified Ford or Lincoln dealer for repairs. Dealers will apply heat resistant foil tape to the carpet and carpet insulation edges in affected vehicles and modify the sound deadener on the back of the B-pillar trim panel.

Dealers will be notified of the recall beginning December 12, 2019, while owners will be notified from January 20, 2020 to January 24, 2020.

For more information on this or other recalls past or present, visit MotorSafety.org.

Ford Motor Company Recalls Certain 2020 Explorer and Lincoln Aviator Vehicles

January 6, 2020 Sean Reyes Ford Recalls, Lincoln Recalls

Laguna Hills, CA – Dec. 11, 2019 – Ford Motor Company is recalling certain 2020 Explorer and Lincoln Aviator vehicles. The issue involves the protective casing over the vapor fuel line. The line’s protective casing is at risk of chafing through the plastic liquid fuel line over time, causing a fuel leak.

The potential number of units affected is estimated at 3,857.

The Defect

Ford believes that certain 2020 Explorer and Lincoln Aviator vehicles possess the affected vapor lines. Due to a logistical error, several vehicles were stocked with an older version of the vapor line casings that were not appropriate for the parts in question. Over time, these incorrect protective casings can erode the underlying fuel line, causing fuel to leak. If this fuel comes in contact with the high temperature engine compartment, it can ignite, posing a serious danger to operators and passengers of a vehicle, as well as damaging the car itself. Leaking fuel can also interfere with the operation of other components and contribute to corrosion in the engine housing.

Timeline of Events

On December 4, 2019, Ford Motor Company discovered a defect in certain 2020 Explorer and Lincoln Aviator vehicles. The next day, they notified all Ford and Lincoln dealers about the issue and stopped all deliveries and sales of the affected vehicles. Vehicles that had been stocked with the incorrect convolute covering were identified during the review of manufacturing plant records. Later, on December 12, they released a public recall notice regarding the issue. Instructions were provided to retailers on the proper replacement procedures for the affected fuel line covers.

The Solution

Plans for the removal and replacement process of the incorrect convolute covers have not been finalized. Ford recommends that owners do not operate their vehicles. Owners will be notified of the danger through mail regarding both the danger and when repair and removal services become available for the issue. Dealers will be provided with the necessary replacement parts. If a Ford vehicle is found to possess this protective casings, the casings will be replaced free of charge. The recall is expected to begin late in the first quarter of 2020. Owners and retailers will be notified once the recall commences.

For more information on this or other recalls past or present, visit MotorSafety.org.

Potential Tailgate Issues on Some Ford Trucks

December 4, 2019 Sean Reyes Ford Recalls

Laguna Hills, CA – Dec. 4, 2019 – Ford Motor Company is recalling certain 2017-2019 Super Duty F-250, F-350 and F-450 trucks with an electric tailgate latch release switch mounted in the tailgate handle.

The potential number of vehicles affected is estimated at 231,664.

The Defect

According to Ford, listed trucks with an electric tailgate latch may be susceptible to water damage, possibly causing the tailgate to unlatch. In these cases, water in either the release-switch or an in-line connector resulted in a short circuit, opening the tailgate. An unintended open tailgate could lead to unrestrained cargo falling out into the road, creating a risk for both the driver and others.

Ford estimates that about 3% of 2017-2019 Super Duty F-250, F-350 and F-450 trucks are affected, all of them from Ford’s Kentucky Assembly Plant.

Timeline of Events

On October 12, 2018 NHTSA opened a Preliminary Evaluation following reports of unintended tailgate opening on a 2017 model year vehicle. The Evaluation found five cases of the issue, as well as two similar reports made to Transport Canada.

Ford began its own in-depth investigation and responded to NHTSA’s Information Request on December 20, 2018. As a part of their investigation, Ford analyzed field data, as well as employee vehicles. The company decided that the issue was not an unreasonable safety risk , due to the low rate of reports and several cases where the tailgate opening had turned out to be caused by a driver inadvertently using properly functioning features. Further monitoring found more instances of short circuiting caused by water damage.

On November 25, 2019, Ford approved field action.

The Solution

Ford plans to notify owners of the affected vehicles by mail and has notified dealers. Dealers are expected to add jumper pigtails to the tailgate/frame wiring harnesses. The addition should isolate power and ground circuits and prevent short circuiting. Ford will be providing a general reimbursement plan for vehicle owners.

An updated tailgate release switch and wiring harness jumper were used in 2020 model year production.

For more information on this or other recalls past or present, visit MotorSafety.org.

Ford recalls some Expedition and Lincoln Navigator SUVs

December 2, 2019 Sean Reyes Ford Recalls, Lincoln Recalls

Laguna Hills, CA – Nov. 27, 2019 – The Ford Motor Company recently issued a recall for a small number of its Expedition and Lincoln Navigator light SUVs due to concerns over the integrity of rear toe link fasteners.

Specifically, the issue affects just 18 vehicles, of which half were expected to carry the defect.

The Defect

In the case of both the Expeditions and Navigators – all from the 2019 model year – Ford’s manufacturing team believes the vehicles may have been produced with improperly torqued rear toe link fasteners, meaning they were not properly tightened during assembly. This increases the risk that the rear toe link itself would disconnect while driving, likely resulting in a significant loss of steering control, and thus raising risk of crash or injury.

The problem arose as a result of an automated tool the company uses in its manufacturing process experiencing wear and tear on the gears, which reduced its ability to properly tighten the fasteners.

Drivers will be able to detect whether this problem arises in their vehicle by possibly hearing a noise, a change in the steering wheel’s height, unexpected wear on the tires or changes to how the SUV handles.

The Ford Expeditions in the recall were produced Sept. 5 and 6, 2019, while the Lincoln Navigators were only produced Sept. 6.

To date, the company is not aware of any accidents or injuries stemming from the problem.

Timeline of Events

On Sept. 12, less than a week after the vehicles in question were produced, the automaker’s Critical Concern Review Group learned of concerns about the under-torqued fasteners, after a torque inspector at the company’s assembly plant reported a potential issue with low torque conditions on both the left- and right-side rear toe link frame attachments. This issue was discovered through a routine examination, and the company promptly reviewed production records to identify affected vehicles.

Those still remaining at the plant were inspected, and the suspected torque problem was present in all of them. However, records indicated that some of the affected vehicles had already been shipped out.

Ford’s Field Review Committee approved the recall on Oct. 18.

The Solution

Ford notified the owners of affected vehicles by mail and asked them to return to a Ford or Lincoln dealer to check not only the fasteners, but also rear toe alignment and rear tires, fixing or replacing all as necessary. The company will not need to reimburse drivers because everything is covered by warranty.

Dealers were first notified of the recall Oct. 28, and owners received their notifications between Nov. 11 and 18.

For additional details about this recall, consumers can contact Ford by phone at 1-866-436-7332, or call the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration hotline at 1-888-327-4236.

For more information on this or other recalls past or present, visit MotorSafety.org.

Ford F-150s Pulled Due To Loose Engine Assemblies

November 22, 2019 Sean Reyes Ford Recalls

Laguna Hills, CA – Nov. 21, 2019 – Ford Motor Company says it intends to recall over 135,000 F-150 pickup trucks. The flawed vehicles – with 2019 and 2020 model years – may be equipped with power distribution boxes and battering monitoring systems whose fasteners may be improperly installed. Should they loosen, performance of the automobile could be adversely impacted, which could be manifested by the engine stalling or disabling the steering assist feature. Any or all of these outcomes increase the risk of an accident and resultant injury.

Motorists made aware of the 2019-2020 Ford F-150 recall are kindly asked to contact their local dealership so this issue can be addressed. Operators will not be charged for parts or labor.

The Defect

As detailed in paperwork prepared by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Ford is recalling 135,725 F-150 pickup trucks from the road as well as those that have yet to be sold. Within the engines of the automaker’s latest F-150 models – 2019 and 2020 – are power distribution and battery monitoring system boxes, which ensure a smooth delivery of energy to the pickup’s various parts.

At some point during manufacturing, however, the cable wire harnesses and eyelets were not torqued properly. Insufficient tautness may impair other elements of the car’s functions, such as panel displays, braking assist, steering assist or stalling of the engine. The abruptness of these performance issues may lead to a crash, thus increasing the risk of injury.

Timeline of Events

This problem first came to light in late September, according to NHTSA documentation. Corporate offices assigned Ford’s Critical Concern Review Group to investigate. They discovered in a sample case shortly afterward that the wiring sealant adhesive used in the BMS terminal eyelit was preventing the unit from adhering to the F-150’s battery B+ terminals. A follow-up investigation was subsequently ordered to see if this issue was aberrant or institutional. The audit revealed that others models could be affected due to a supplier change that the company made in June of this year. Process changes had also gone into effect around this time.

By Nov. 4, Ford decided to reach out to NHTSA to inform the agency that a recall was necessary, which became official Nov. 12.

It’s little wonder the recall potentially affects so many of the same model because the F-150 is a perennial leader in sales for Ford. The Dearborn, Michigan-based automaker sold 214,176 Ford F-Series pickups in the third quarter, Motor1.com reported. It was the best-selling model in the three-month period overall, outperforming the Ram Pickup and Chevrolet Silverado.

The Solution

The automaker has an answer to the 2019-2020 Ford F-150 recall. Registered motorists who receive notifications about this problem are urged to take their automobile to a local authorized Ford dealer. There, the vehicle will be assessed to determine if the problems exists and reassemble the flawed joint or retorque loosened fasteners. These repairs will come at no cost. Operators can expect to receive mailers alerting them to this problem starting Nov. 25.

For more information on this and other Ford recalls, visit MotorSafety.org.

Recall Announced on Certain 2020 Ford Explorer Vehicles

October 16, 2019 Sean Reyes Ford Recalls

Laguna Hills, CA – Oct. 10, 2019 – The Ford Motor Company announced a recall on 2020 Explorer vehicles equipped with 2.3L or 3.3L engines due to improperly secured wiring harnesses. According to the manufacturer, this defect could lead to a damaged wiring harness or a damaged air-conditioning belt drive, creating the possibility of “a short circuit and potential fire”.

The Defect

According to documents filed by Ford with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the defect was caused by improperly secured wiring harnesses that were used in production between May 28 and July 19, 2019.

“The wiring harness is not secured and may contact the air conditioning pulley, resulting in a damaged wiring harness or damaged A/C drive belt,” read the safety recall report. “If the wiring harness is not secured properly, the harness may inadvertently contact the air conditioning pulley. Over time, contact with the A/C pulley may rub through the wire harness insulation creating the potential for contact with the unused B+ circuit [and] resulting in a short circuit and potential fire.”

Ford has announced that 10,655 vehicles are involved in the recall, all of which are believed to contain the defect.

Timeline of Events

The first notice of the potential problem came in early July 2019, when a vehicle quality inspection at a Ford facility revealed two vehicles with a loose wiring harness. Ford stopped shipping of any vehicle models potentially including the same defect, and began inspecting vehicles at numerous other facilities in search of the root cause.

In August, Ford identified reports of loose wiring harnesses in vehicles already sold, “with customers reporting the wrench light and traction control lights were illuminated in the instrument panel.” On Sept. 23, the manufacturer’s field review committee reviewed the subject and approved the field action, made official in a letter to the NHTSA dated Oct. 4, 2019.

The Solution

Owners of vehicles involved in the recall will be notified by mail in late October 2019, with messages instructing them to bring their vehicle to an authorized dealership to have the defect repaired. Dealers will complete such repairs in-house at no cost, by installing a tie strap to the wiring harness. Those with further questions may contact Ford’s customer service line at (866) 436-7332, or the NHTSA line at (888) 327-4236.

For more information on vehicle recalls announced by Ford or other major automobile manufacturers, visit MotorSafety.org.

Ford Announces the Recall of Some F-250 and F-350 Vehicles

October 9, 2019 Sean Reyes Ford Recalls

Laguna Hills, CA – Oct. 7, 2019 – The Ford Motor Company has announced the recall of certain 2019 F-250 and F-350 vehicles equipped with electronically locking rear differentials, resulting from issues that involve the passenger-side rear axle shaft. The manufacture has reported that roughly 28,600 vehicles will be affected by the recall, with estimates suggesting that more than 15 percent of those vehicles contain the defect.

The Defect

According to Ford’s description of the defect in the recall report it filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the passenger-side axle shaft of the electronically locking rear axle assembly may have been manufactured using steel that did not meet Ford’s precise specifications. Because of the incorrect material employed in this particular manufacturing run, the automaker believes that the affected passenger-side rear axle shafts involved in the recall may fracture much earlier than expected.

Damage to the rear axle shaft could result in the loss of motive power to the vehicle. It could also prevent the vehicle from remaining in place while in the park function. Both possibilities significantly increase the possibility of crash, injury or unintended damage to the vehicle.

Timeline of Events

As detailed by the information included in the safety recall report sent to the NHTSA, the defect first came to light in August 2019, when a supplier notified Ford of a vehicle that had experienced an unusual passenger-side axle shaft failure during production testing. Further investigation revealed that part to have been produced with incorrect materials.

“Upon investigation, the supplier determined that a certain batch of axles produced with an incorrect steel type were inadvertently mixed with the correct F-Super Duty axle shafts,” the automaker explained in its report. “Axles produced with the [incorrect] material do not meet Ford’s torsional strength and hardness specifications.”

The recall action was officially approved by Ford’s Field Review Committee on Sept. 23, 2019.

The Solution

The documents filed by Ford with the NHTSA stated that Ford will begin notifying owners of the potentially affected in early October and encourage them to bring their vehicles in for an examination by their dealerships. Professionals will inspect the passenger-side rear axle shaft, replacing the part whenever necessary at no cost to vehicle owners. The recall is expected to formally begin Oct. 21, 2019.

Those with further questions about the F-250 and F-350 recalls may contact Ford customer service at (866) 436-7332. The identification number for this field action is 19S31. For other issues or to seek more information, vehicle owners may also contact the NHTSA at (888) 327-4236.

For additional news on Ford recalls, and other reports from the automotive industry, be sure to regularly visit MotorSafety.org.

Spat of Hand Injuries Sparks Massive Ford Explorer Recall

September 16, 2019 Sean Reyes Ford Recalls

Laguna Hills, CA – Sept. 16, 2019 – Ford Motor Company is pulling hundreds of thousands of 2017 Explorer sport utility vehicles from the marketplace due to a seating flaw that likely occurred during manufacturing. When passengers reach for the power front seat lever, sharp edges along the seat frame may cause injury. Dozens of people have claimed as much to authorities.

The 2017 Ford Explorer seat recall will officially begin Oct. 14. Owners who receive a notification are urged to take their vehicle to an area dealership. The SUV will be inspected and a replacement seat will be installed free of charge if it’s necessary.

The Defect

According to filings with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Ford is recalling 311,228 2017 Ford Explorer SUVs from the supply chain over concerns that some of the passengers seats may have sharp components jutting out of the framing. If someone were to brush the problematic portions of the seat, or reach for something in proximity to what’s protruding, they may be hurt. Thus far, there have been 31 reports of individuals whose hands were scratched or scarred as a result of this flaw.

Timeline of Events

This 2017 Ford Explorer seat recall was precipitated by three reports submitted to Ford’s Critical Concern Review Group. The automaker learned at least 30 people had been injured when reaching between the console and power seat. A month later, Ford determined that these injuries were likely due to the sharp edge of the metal seat frame, which apparently escaped the attention of quality control. The automaker determined a recall was the best path forward and contacted NHTSA this summer to make the action official.

The Solution

Ford intends to begin notifying owners in mid-October. Those that receive a mailer should take their vehicle to a dealership. A new seat will replace the problematic at no cost.

For more information on the 2017 Ford Explorer seat recall or other recent Ford recall actions, visit MotorSafety.org.

Ford Recalls 108,000 Midsize Cars Over Seat Belt Failing

August 30, 2019 Sean Reyes Ford Recalls, Lincoln Recalls

Laguna Hills, CA – Aug. 21, 2019 – Ford Motor Company says it will pull 2015 Ford Fusions and Lincoln MKZs from circulation by the tens of thousands due to a seat belt pretensioner issue. Once the front-passenger seat belt is pulled from its anchor to lock into the clasp, the heat that’s generated over time can reduce the tensile strength of the cable. This could prevent the occupant from being properly strapped in. Riding unbuckled dramatically increases the risk of injury or death during a crash.

This recall will get underway soon, but the specific timeline for when owners will received word has not yet been disclosed.

The Defect

In a press release by Ford, the automaker plans to recall 108,000 midsize cars – the 2015 Ford Fusion and Lincoln MKZ – over a manufacturing flaw that affects the seat belt. In the problematic population, the high temperature generated from deploying the belt may cause the pretensioner to not perform its main function, which is to keep the belt taut and restrain occupants. Over time, the heat that emanates and causes wear could render the seat belt assembly useless.

Ford says it believes the automobiles that contain this flaw came from its manufacturing and distribution plants in either Flat Rock, Michigan or Hermosillo in Mexico. Additionally, the Fusion and Lincoln MKZ vehicles were developed between Aug. 1, 2014 and Jan. 30 2015 (Flat Rock) or Aug. 1 and Nov. 21 (Hermosillo).

Timeline of Events

This latest Ford Fusion and Lincoln MKZ seat belt recall appears to be an expansion of the original one, which occurred a few years ago. At that time, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and Ford coordinated to recall nearly 603,400 Fusions and MKZs also because of a seat belt pretensioner defect. This may have spurred the automaker to look into other models whose seat belt assemblies were potentially compromised. Typically when recalls are announced, NHTSA provides a timeline of events that led up to the action, but this wasn’t available at the agency’s website as of Aug. 21.

The Dearborn, Michigan-based automaker has a separate seat belt recall underway affecting approximately 7,600 2019 Ford Rangers. The flaw involves the truck’s poke yoke fixture, a component that when compromised can prevent the seat belt from locking. This recall is already underway and began July 29.

Seat belts are proven to save lives – when there’s an issue with them, they almost always result in a recall. In 2018, the most recent year in which data is available, 89.6% of Americans used his or her seat belt while on the road, according to NHTSA data. Of the 37,133 individuals who died in car accidents the year prior, close to 50% were not wearing one at the time of the crash. Had they been, an estimated 2,549 lives might have been spared.

States are serious about ensuring motorists buckle up, as 35 states have primary enforcement laws, meaning motorists can be pulled over and ticketed if they’re not wearing a seat belt. The usage rate is higher in states where these laws are in place, averaging 90% to 86%, NHTSA data shows.

Ford says it’s not aware of any fatalities linked to this seat belt issue but one person was injured, The Associated Press reported.

The Solution

To ensure drivers observe the law and stay safe, the automaker urges those that receive notifications pertaining to the Ford Fusion and Lincoln MKZ seat belt recall to have an area dealer replace the unit with a fully functional one. This will come at no cost for the repair.

For more information, visit MotorSafety.org.

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