Dearborn, Mich. – July 11, 2018 – Ford Motor Company has recalled more than 5,600 vehicles potentially equipped with defective fuel pump assemblies, according to documentation submitted to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration. The campaign affects models across multiple brands, including:

• 2018 Ford Expedition sport utility vehicles produced between March 14, 2018, and April 12, 2018.
• 2018 Ford F-150 pickup trucks produced between March 14, 2018, and April 24, 2018.
• 2018 Lincoln Navigator sport utility vehicles produced between Feb. 20, 2018, and May 6, 2018.

The American automaker is unsure how many of the recalled vehicles actually contain defective components.

The Defect

Affected vehicles contain high-pressure fuel pump assemblies with potentially problematic welds connecting pump housings and mounting flanges. These joints may experience high-cycle fatigue and eventually crack. In the event that such separation occurs, the sealing integrity of nearby cam covers may be compromised, resulting in oil spillage and increasing the likelihood of engine fire. The defect therefore poses a serious hazard to occupants. However, Ford has yet to receive reports connecting the defective fuel pump assemblies to any accidents or injuries.

Timeline of Events

Members of the Ford Critical Concern Review Group convened in May 2018 to discuss an internal quality assurance report that detailed multiple instances in which high-pressure fuel pumps were welded with misaligned lasers, resulting in problematic welds joining the pump housings and mounting flanges. Pump supplier Robert Bosch had spotted the issue and informed QA personnel, who then brought the issue to the attention of the CCR.

Following the CCR meeting, Ford initiated tests to determine the engineering impact of the potentially defective parts. This inquiry revealed that weld breakage and subsequent oil spillage were possible. A computer simulation confirmed this finding. The Ford Field Review Committee took up the issue June 4, 2018, and decided that a voluntary safety recall was necessary.

Ford notified dealers of the forthcoming action June 12, 2018.

The Solution

The car manufacturer will replace the high-pressure fuel pumps in affected vehicles free of charge, according to an NHTSA recall acknowledgment document. Ford intends to reach out to owners via first-class mail between July 16, 2018, and July 20, 2018. Owners in need of assistance prior to the start of the campaign can connect with Ford customer service personnel by calling (866) 436-7332. Callers should use the internal recall reference code 18S17. Individuals in possession of the recalled vehicles also contact the NHTSA directly using the agency’s Vehicle Safety Hotline at (888) 327-4236.

Dearborn, Mich. – Feb. 21, 2018 – Ford Motor Company has recalled 92 vehicles potentially equipped with defective brake jounce hoses, according to an organizational press release. The campaign affects 2018 Ford Escape and Lincoln MKZ sport utility vehicles. According to the American automaker, 88 of the recalled vehicles originated from dealerships in the U.S. while four came from dealers in Canada.

The Defect

Affected vehicles may feature out-of-specification brake jounce hoses that collide with surrounding vehicle components during operation. Due to this constant contact, the likelihood of hose wear and, eventually, brake fluid leakage increases. This poses a serious safety hazard to occupants, as the loss of break fluid could inhibit the braking system. That said, Ford has yet to receive reports connecting the defective brake jounce hoses to any accidents or injuries.

Timeline of Events

The car company has not released details into the investigation that uncovered the defect. However, Ford did announce the the vehicles included in the recall were produced at the Louisville Assembly Plant in Louisville, Kentucky between Oct. 29, 2017 and Oct. 30, 2017.

The Solution

Ford will direct dealers to inspect and, if necessary, replace the brake jounce hoses in the recalled models free of charge. The automaker has not yet announced a timetable for the recall action. Owners in need of assistance can contact Ford customer service personnel at (800) 392-3673. Callers should use the internal recall identification code 18S04. Owners can also reach out to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration through its Vehicle Safety Hotline at (888) 327-4236.

Dearborn, Mich. – Feb. 5, 2018 – Ford Motor Company has recalled approximately 363 sport utility vehicles potentially equipped with defective second-row window electronic control modules, according to a company press release.

The campaign affects 2018 Ford Expedition and Lincoln Navigator SUVs assembled between Nov. 27, 2017, and Dec. 9, 2017 at the automaker’s Kentucky Truck Plant in Louisville. Ford estimates half of the models referenced in the action actually contain the defective parts.

The Defect

Affected vehicles may contain second-row window electronic control modules that were manufactured incorrectly and are therefore prone to malfunction, according to documentation submitted to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration. Under certain conditions, the electronic modules in question may reach their thermal protection thresholds, inhibiting the automatic reverse function – a safety feature that goes into action when an obstruction is present. This poses a serious safety risk to occupants. However, Ford has yet to receive reports connecting the defective electronic modules to any accidents or injuries.

The defective part also violates Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 118 Section 5, which requires vehicles of 10,000 pounds or more to contain power window systems that “minimize the risk of injury or death from their accidental operation,” according to The Federal Register.

Engineers for the automobile company have learned that occupants can move second-row windows without active automatic reverse functionality 500 millimeters at a time using the manual control switches on the doors. Additionally, the condition automatically resolves itself when electronic control modules fall below their thermal protection thresholds.

Timeline of Events

In December 2017, engineers conducting end-of-line vehicles review processes at the Kentucky Truck Plant discovered two models with defective second-row windows. These personnel suspected there was an issue with the electronic control modules in these fixtures and asked the supplier, Kostal of America, to investigate the components it delivered to Ford for installation. The parts provider found that the electronic control modules were improperly assembled. Laboratory tests confirmed that the misconstructed features reached their thermal protection thresholds in “high window load” scenarios, leading to operational issues. These initial findings were sent to the Critical Concern Group for further review.

On Jan. 5, 2018, Ford conducted further tests to determine if the fixtures met the requirements of FMVSS 118, which they did not.

The Field Review Committee reviewed the matter Jan. 8 and ultimately decided to launch a voluntary safety recall. Ford notified dealers Jan. 17.

The Solution

Ford has directed dealers to inspect the second-row window electronic control modules installed in affected models and, if necessary, replace them free of charge, according to a recall acknowledgment document from the NHTSA. The automaker intends to notify owners via first-class mail between Feb. 5 and Feb. 9. Those in need of more immediate assistance can contact Ford customer service at (866) 436-7332. Callers should use the internal recall identification code 18C01. Concerned owners can also reach out the NHTSA directly using its Vehicle Safety Hotline at (888) 327-4236.

Dearborn, Mich. – Feb. 5, 2018 – Ford Motor Company has recalled approximately 363 sport utility vehicles potentially equipped with defective second-row window electronic control modules, according to a company press release.

The campaign affects 2018 Ford Expedition and Lincoln Navigator SUVs assembled between Nov. 27, 2017, and Dec. 9, 2017 at the automaker’s Kentucky Truck Plant in Louisville. Ford estimates half of the models referenced in the action actually contain the defective parts.

The Defect

Affected vehicles may contain second-row window electronic control modules that were manufactured incorrectly and are therefore prone to malfunction, according to documentation submitted to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration. Under certain conditions, the electronic modules in question may reach their thermal protection thresholds, inhibiting the automatic reverse function – a safety feature that goes into action when an obstruction is present. This poses a serious safety risk to occupants. However, Ford has yet to receive reports connecting the defective electronic modules to any accidents or injuries.

The defective part also violates Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 118 Section 5, which requires vehicles of 10,000 pounds or more to contain power window systems that “minimize the risk of injury or death from their accidental operation,” according to The Federal Register.

Engineers for the automobile company have learned that occupants can move second-row windows without active automatic reverse functionality 500 millimeters at a time using the manual control switches on the doors. Additionally, the condition automatically resolves itself when electronic control modules fall below their thermal protection thresholds.

Timeline of Events

In December 2017, engineers conducting end-of-line vehicles review processes at the Kentucky Truck Plant discovered two models with defective second-row windows. These personnel suspected there was an issue with the electronic control modules in these fixtures and asked the supplier, Kostal of America, to investigate the components it delivered to Ford for installation. The parts provider found that the electronic control modules were improperly assembled. Laboratory tests confirmed that the misconstructed features reached their thermal protection thresholds in “high window load” scenarios, leading to operational issues. These initial findings were sent to the Critical Concern Group for further review.

On Jan. 5, 2018, Ford conducted further tests to determine if the fixtures met the requirements of FMVSS 118, which they did not.

The Field Review Committee reviewed the matter Jan. 8 and ultimately decided to launch a voluntary safety recall. Ford notified dealers Jan. 17.

The Solution

Ford has directed dealers to inspect the second-row window electronic control modules installed in affected models and, if necessary, replace them free of charge, according to a recall acknowledgment document from the NHTSA. The automaker intends to notify owners via first-class mail between Feb. 5 and Feb. 9. Those in need of more immediate assistance can contact Ford customer service at (866) 436-7332. Callers should use the internal recall identification code 18C01. Concerned owners can also reach out the NHTSA directly using its Vehicle Safety Hotline at (888) 327-4236.

Dearborn, Mich. – Jan. 10, 2017 – Ford Motor Company has recalled approximately 2,100 vehicles believed to contain defective instrument clusters, according to paperwork submitted to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration. The campaign affects 2018 Ford Mustang coupes produced between March 14, 2017, and Nov. 26, 2017. Ford speculates 100 percent of the models named in the action come equipped with the defective features.

The Defect

Vehicles referenced in the recall likely include instrument clusters that may not function properly after drivers have moved them from the key-on to key-off position. Specifically, owners have found that, upon engine shutoff, the instrument cluster fails to display the gear selection menu or initiate the warning chime that is supposed to occur when the driver’s side door has been opened. Additionally, many have seen their vehicles enter sleep mode and automatically initiate park, all without generating a notification. This poses a serious hazard to owners and pedestrians, as the likelihood of vehicle rollaway increases.

The defective instrument clusters also violate Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards 102 and 114, according to an NHTSA recall acknowledgement document. The first standard requires manufacturers to produce display clusters that display the correct gear position when “the ignition is in a position where the transmission can be shifted or the transmission is not in park,” according to the Government Publishing Office. FMVSS 114 applies to theft protection and rollaway prevention technology, and stipulates that all vehicles include ignition systems that prevent “normal activation of the vehicle’s engine or motor; and either steering, or forward self-mobility” when the key is removed.

Ford has yet to receive any reports connecting the defective instrument clusters to accidents or injuries.

Timeline of Events

In early November 2017, engineers at the Ford assembly plant in Flat Rock, Michigan, discovered a 2018 Ford Mustang that failed to display the gear selection menu and initiate the driver’s side door warning post engine shutoff. Members of the company’s Critical Concern Review Group evaluated an internal report outlining the problem on Nov. 22 and called for an engineering inquiry. Investigators found that a software error within the internal power supply voltage measurement component had caused the glitch, which put the vehicle in violation of the FMVSS.

Engineering personnel introduced amended software Nov. 27 to prevent additional vehicles from coming off the line with problematic programming.

On Dec. 11, the Ford Field Review Committee evaluated these findings and decided to conduct a voluntary safety recall. The automaker notified dealers between Dec. 18 and Dec. 22.

The Solution

Ford has directed dealers to update the instrument cluster software in affected vehicles free of charge. The organization intends to notify owners via first-class mail between Feb. 5, 2018, and Feb. 9, 2018. Those in need of more immediate assistance can speak with Ford customer service personnel by calling (866) 436-7332 and using the internal recall identification code 17C21. Owners can also speak with representatives from the NHTSA via the Vehicle Safety Hotline at (888) 327-4236.

Dearborn, MI – Dec. 29, 2017 – The Ford Motor Company recently announced a recall of more than 300,000 of its Ranger light pickup trucks over concerns that passenger air bags could have degraded over the years since they were produced, according to a defect filing made with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The recall includes 2004-2006 Ford ranger pickups.

Recall Summary

These air bags were made by a company called Takata, and used a chemical called PSAN as an inflator accelerant in the event of a crash. However, exposure to extreme conditions could have led that gas to degrade the air bags’ structural integrity over time. This is the third recall of affected vehicles, the first of which brought owners a temporary solution for the issue and the second broadened the scope of the initial action.

Ford is unsure how many of the hundreds of thousands of vehicles in the recall are affected by this issue. All these Ranger pickups were produced from March 24, 2003 to May 4, 2006. Mazda is currently undergoing a recall for late-model light trucks over the same issue as well.

Due to the potentially corrosive properties of the ammonium nitrate gas PSAN in conditions with extreme temperature, humidity and so on, the inflators for passenger frontal air bags in the affected Ford Rangers could rupture in the event of a crash that leads to deployment of those air bags.

As a consequence, metal fragments could launch into the passenger compartment at potentially high speeds, greatly increasing the risk of injury or even death.

Ford previously issued a recall for these vehicles in 2016, and this action is intended to provide a final fix for the problem. The issue was first noted in May 2015, when Takata submitted a noticed to the NHTSA about the air bag inflator issue, which prompted Ford to examine the potential effects on its own vehicles.

On May 26, 2015, Ford’s Field Review Committee completed its investigation of the issue and approved the recall action.

The recall filing for the final remedy to the air bag problem was issued Dec. 11, 2017.

The repair

Owners will be notified by mail about the recall and will be instructed to take their late-model Rangers to a local Ford or Lincoln dealership where the frontal air bag inflators will be replaced free of charge. However, the automaker is not including reimbursement plans as part of this recall because it would have been covered by the original warranty.

Dealers were notified of the recall Dec. 12, 2017, and owners were slated to receive notifications by mail in phases between Dec. 26, 2017, and March 31, 2018. The first phase of notifications was only slated to last from Dec. 26 to Dec. 31.

Is your vehicle part of the recall?

Over 300,000 vehicles were originally part of this Ford Ranger recall. As of April 9, 2021 – the last date information was available – 164,779 airbags had been replaced. To see if your car still needs to be repaired, use MotorSafety’s free lookup tool.

Recall Masters – December 28, 2017

Ford Recalling 2018 Escapes Over Side Airbag Diffuser Issue

The Ford Motor Company recently issued a recall of more than 10,000 of its Escape light sport utility vehicles from the 2018 model year, citing concerns over side curtain air bag inflator diffusers, according to a defect report filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Specifically, the issue relates to vehicles that have side curtain air bags installed on either the driver or passenger side, which contain top-hat diffusers on their inflators. In the affected vehicles, these diffusers “do not have the expected part geometry,” and may detach during a crash in which the side curtain air bags deploy.
This is a similar issue to one seen in recent Kia and Hyundai model year 2018 recalls as well…

Read the entire article on the Recall Masters website