Dearborn, Michigan – Dec. 28, 2017 – 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.

Of the 10,157 Escape SUVs in the recall, only 1 percent are expected to come with this defect. All were produced between Nov. 13-29, 2017, but not in VIN order.

The Defect

The air bag inflator diffusers being an unexpected shape – and therefore not fitting properly with the inflator – may cause the air bags may not inflate properly in the event of a crash in which they are deployed, and could even launch the diffuser as a projectile into the vehicle itself, both of which increase the risk of injury.

The supplier of the part was the first to identify the issue during a testing period, and informed Ford of the potential problem as soon as possible.

Unfortunately, there is no way for drivers to know whether this defect impacts their vehicles before they take the Escapes in for repairs.

Timeline of Events

On Nov. 16, 2017, the supplier was performing lot acceptance testing on the diffuser parts when it noted a potential issue, and determined that the improper metal forming of a sub-supplier’s top-hat diffuser could lead to the problems related to the recall. Additional testing turned up more lots of inflators that may have had the diffuser defect.

The supplier notified Ford of the potential issue Nov. 28, and the automaker’s Field Review Committee assessed the situation and approved the recall Dec. 11.

To this point, Ford is not aware of any accidents or injuries related to the defect.

The Solution

Ford will ask owners of the potentially affected vehicles by mail to take their Escapes to local Ford or Lincoln dealers, where the side curtain airbags on both the driver and passenger sides will be inspected for the defect. If they’re discovered, the components will be replaced at no charge.

The recall will not include a reimbursement plan because all such repairs would be covered under the original warranty.

Ford notified dealers of the recall Dec. 19, and will begin notifying owners Jan. 29, 2018 by mail. That notification period will likely end by Feb. 2, 2018.

Dearborn, Michigan – Dec. 13, 2017 – The Ford Motor Company recently issued a recall for more than 177,000 vehicles from the 2016 model year, for both F-150s and Explorers, stemming from concerns over power seats for both drivers and front-seat passengers.

For both types of seats, there is a concern with the upper left pivot bolt, which can loosen and fall out. This increases the risk of seat deflection and injury in the event of a crash if occupants are not properly restrained by their safety belts.

In all, Ford estimates that about 20 percent of the vehicles in the recall will be affected by the defect.

The Defect

Three separate factors can potentially come together to lead these bolts to loosen or fall out, including the extrusion height of the adjuster link being out of specification and side member extrusion heights not being properly specified in the first place. Furthermore, the threadlock material on the pivot bolts themselves may not meet required specifications.

Drivers or passengers of affected trucks or SUVs may be able to detect the problem if they find their seats sliding unexpectedly as the vehicle is speeding up or slowing down, or if they find a bolt on the floor of the vehicle.

Timeline of Events

Between June and July 2017, loose driver seats in certain F-150s were reported to Ford’s Critical Concern Review Group, which requested a comprehensive search of data for any associated symptoms, as well as requesting parts in the field.

Over the next two months, the CCRG reviewed field reports and other information, and found that the driver’s seat bolts were most likely to fail on vehicles produced between February and March 2016, and Ford determined that the same seat mechanisms were used in Explorers produced during the same period.

In October and November, Ford analyzed the pivot bolt’s threadlock material, and identified performance lapses in the production months in question. On Nov. 20, the company’s Field Review Committee approved field action on the recall.

The Solution

Ford encourages F-150 owners with affected vehicles to call its toll-free hotline at 1-866-436-7332 or contact a local dealer that can give them more information from the company’s online database. This is important because the vehicles in question were not produced in VIN order, meaning that some may be affected while others are not.

Owners of affected vehicles will be notified by mail that they should take the trucks to their local dealers to measure the torque on power seat pivot link bolts. If the bolt passes the assessment, dealers will remove and clean it, apply a new threadlock and re-install it. However, if it fails the inspection, another threadlock will be added until parts are available for a final repair, slated to be completed in the first quarter of 2018. All these efforts will be completed free of charge, and Ford will also reimburse drivers for any repairs they covered out-of-pocket before the safety recall.

Dealers were first notified of the recall on Nov. 30, 2017, and owner notifications should arrive between Jan. 15 and Jan. 19, 2018.

Dearborn, Mich. – Nov. 30, 2017 – Ford Motor Company has recalled more than 11,700 vehicles potentially equipped with defective shift linkage components, according to documentation submitted to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration. The campaign affects 2017 Ford F-150 pickup trucks produced between between Aug. 23, 2016 and Aug. 9, 2017. The car manufacturer suspects just 7 percent of the models referenced in the action contain the defective features.

The Defect

The affected vehicles contain transmission shift linkages with pins that are prone to slipping out due to the presence of non-uniform gaps between the inner and outer coils. Engineers at Ford believe the pins may also feature undersized diameters, further increasing the likelihood of pin slippage. Should this occur, gear changes initiated by drivers will not register. Owners who have experienced this have reported viewing inaccurate information on the shift indicator. The condition may result in unintended vehicle movement, which poses a serious threat to owners. However, Ford has yet to receive reports connecting the defective pins to any accidents or injuries.

Timeline of Events

In June 2017, the Ford‘s Critical Concern Review Group received a report detailing an instance in which the 10-speed transmission in one vehicle failed to function properly. Engineers reviewed parts from the vehicle and found evidence that the transmission shift linkage pin could come out with ease. The CCRG launched an investigation and directed production personnel to alter assembly line processes to ensure that pin diameters were correct.

Over the course of July and August, Ford reviewed numerous reports wherein customers attested to experiencing “looseness” when attempting to operate the shift lever, which failed to move the gears. Quality assurance personnel tested the problematic shift assemblies mentioned in the reports and compared them to functioning alternatives. There was an immense difference in usability, indicating that there was a significant problem.

In September, the automaker continued to review incoming field reports related to the defect while also checking production records to ascertain the extent of the issue. Meanwhile, engineering personnel conducted further tests and discovered a connection between assembly line pin insertion force and pin dislodgment susceptibility. These technical experts also found that the the problematic transmission shift linkage pins had irregular coil spacing.

On Oct. 16, the Ford Field Review Committee evaluated all of the available evidence related to the potentially defective features and decided to launch a voluntary safety recall. Ford notified dealers of the action Oct. 24.

The Solution

Ford has directed dealers to replace the defective transmission linkage pins with new parts free of charge, according to an NHTSA recall acknowledgement document. The automaker intends to contact owners Dec.11 via first-class mail. Those in need of more immediate assistance can connect with Ford customer service at (866) 436-7332. Callers should use the internal recall identification code 17S36. Owners can also contact the NHTSA directly using its Vehicle Safety Hotline at (888) 327-4236.

Dearborn, Mich. – Oct. 24, 2017 – Ford Motor Company has recalled approximately 1.3 million vehicles possibly equipped with defective door latches, according to a company press release. The campaign affects 2015-2017 Ford F-150 trucks with production dates ranging from March 12, 2014 to Dec. 30, 2016, as well as 2017 Ford Super Duty pickups manufactured between Oct. 8, 2015 and Sept. 1, 2016. Approximately 1,101,107 of the vehicles referenced in the action originated from American dealerships, while 222,408 were sold in Canada and 21,090 in Mexico. Ford is unsure what percentage of the models actually contain the defective features.

The Defect

Affected vehicles include defective door latches prone to water damage, which in turn can cause freezing, latch deformation and actuation cable deterioration. This may prevent the latch from fully engaging with the striker, which inhibits door closure. This poses a serious safety hazard for occupants, especially in the event of an accident. That said, Ford has yet to receive field reports linking the defect to any wrecks or injuries.

Timeline of Events

The automaker has not released details of the internal investigation that uncovered the defective parts. However, Ford did reveal that the vehicles named in the recall were manufactured at three different assembly facilities in Dearborn, Kansas City, Missouri and Clark County, Kentucky.

The Solution

Ford intends to direct dealers to install water shields on the door latches of affected vehicles. Dealers will also inspect the actuation cables in these models and replace them if necessary. Both of these repairs are to be performed with no charge to the customer. Ford has not publicized a timetable for dealer or owner notification. However, individuals in possession of the vehicles named in this recall who need more immediate can contact Ford customer service personnel at (800) 392-3673. Callers should use the internal recall identification code 17S33. Owners can also reach out to the National Highway Transportation Agency via its Vehicle Safety Hotline at (888) 327-4236.

Dearborn, Mich. – Oct. 4, 2017 – Ford Motor Company has recalled more then three dozen trucks believed to be equipped with defective roof features, according to a company press release. The campaign affects 2018 Ford F-150 Raptor SuperCab pickups constructed without moonroofs with production dates ranging from June 8, 2017 to Aug. 21, 2017. Approximately 39 of the recalled vehicles originated from dealerships in the U.S., while three came from Canadian showrooms.

The Defect

The models referenced in the action could contain structural roof braces with missing rivets. This compromises the structural integrity of the vehicles and creates a significant safety hazard for owners, especially those involved in rollovers. That said, Ford has yet to receive reports connecting the defective features to any accidents or injuries.

Timeline of Events

The car company has not released details into the internal investigation that uncovered the defect. However, Ford did reveal that the affected vehicles originated from the assembly plant in Dearborn.

The Solution

Ford has directed dealers to replace the roof rivets in the recalled trucks, free of charge. Owners should expect to receive confirmation via first-class mail. Those in need of immediate assistance can contact Ford customer service personnel at (800) 392-3673. Callers should use the internal recall identification code 17S29. Owners can also contact the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration through the agency’s 24-hour Vehicle Safety Hotline at (888) 327-4236.

Dearborn, Mich. – Oct. 4, 2017 – Ford Motor Company has recalled more than 620 pickup trucks possibly containing seat racks with defective welds, according to a company press release. The campaign affects multiple models, including:

• 2017 Ford F-150 pickups produced at the Dearborn Assembly Plant Nov. 2-3, 2016.
• 2017 Ford F-150 pickups produced at the Kansas City Assembly Plant in Kansas City, Missouri Nov. 4-7, 2016.
• 2017 Ford Super Duty pickups produced at the Kentucky Assembly Plant in Louisville, Kentucky between Nov. 2, 2016 and June 4, 2017.
• 2017 Ford Super Duty pickups produced at the Ohio Assembly Plant in Avon Lake, Ohio Nov. 7-21, 2016.

Approximately 504 of the vehicles originated from American dealerships while 57 came from those in Canada and 63 from those in Mexico.

The Defect

The trucks referenced in the recall could come equipped with seat rack assemblies with welds that have not sufficiently penetrated between the seatbelt anchor and seat cushion frame. This poses a serious safety hazard to owners, as the seats in these vehicles may not effectively restrain occupants during collisions. However, Ford has not yet received reports connecting the defective features to any accidents or injuries.

Timeline of Events

The automaker has not released details into the internal investigation that revealed the defect.

The Solution

Ford has directed dealers to replace the manual front passenger seat tracks in affected vehicles, free of charge. Owners should expect to receive notification of the recall action via first-class mail. Those in need of more immediate assistance can contact Ford customer service personnel at (800) 392-3673. Callers should use the internal recall identification code 17C17. Owners can also contact the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration directly via the agency’s 24-hour Vehicle Safety Hotline at (888() 327-4236.

Dearborn, Mich. – Oct. 3, 2017 – Ford Motor Company has recalled nearly 80 pickups believed to be equipped with loose castellated tie rod nuts and cotter pins, according to an organizational press release. The campaign affects 2015 Ford F-650 and F-750 pickups with production dates ranging from March 4, 2015 to April 27, 2015. All vehicles involved in the recall originated from American dealerships.

The Defect

The trucks referenced in the action could include front tie rods with castellated nuts and cotter pins that were not properly torqued to specification. These fixtures could cause the tie rod to loosen and disconnect from the steer axle, stalling the steering system. This poses a serious threat to occupants, as drivers may lose the ability to control their passenger-side wheels while traveling at low speeds, increasing the likelihood of accidents. However, Ford has yet to receive field reports that connect the defective features to any collisions or injuries.

Timeline of Events

The automaker has not released details into the internal investigation that uncovered the defect.

The Solution

Ford has directed dealers to inspect the castellated tie rod nuts and cotter pins in affected vehicles and tighten them, if necessary, free of charge. Owners should expect to receive notification of the recall via first-class mail. Those in need of immediate assistance can contact Ford customer service representatives at (800) 392-3673. Callers should use the internal recall identification code 17S30. Owners can also connect with the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration through its 24-hour Vehicle Safety Hotline at (888) 327-4236.

Dearborn, Mich. – Sept. 19, 2017 – Ford Motor Company has recalled more than 250 vehicles possibly equipped with defective steering gear heat fasteners, according to documentation submitted to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration. The campaign affects 2017 Explorer sport utility vehicles and Taurus sedans, as well as Police Interceptor sedans and utility vehicles. Ford estimates that 80 percent of the vehicles referenced in the recall contain the defective features.

The Defect

Affected vehicles likely contain steering-gear heat fasteners that have not been properly coated with a corrosion-resistant finish. As a result, moisture may corrode these and other nearby metal fixtures, possibly leading the heat shield to detach completely from the steering gear. This may expose the steering gear assembly to higher than expected temperatures, which triggers thermal protection mode. In this scenario, steering assist functionality decreases while the gears cool. While not overtly dangerous, this situation could affect vehicle maneuverability and increase the likelihood of an accident. However, Ford has not received any field reports connecting the defective heat fasteners to any injuries of accidents.

Drivers operating vehicles with defective heat gear fasteners that have caused steering-gear overheating and activated thermal protection mode will hear audible chimes and see an engine warning on the dash cluster.

Timeline of Events

In May 2017, a worker at the ITW Shakeproof Group, Ford’s steering-gear module supplier, noticed that the gear heat fasteners on one assembly approved for shipment happened to be black in color. The employee reported the issue to his superiors who notified Ford. The automaker’s plant on Chicago, which was responsible for producing the vehicles equipped with steering gear modules from the Shakeproof Group, stopped shipments immediately. Engineers at the facility then launched an investigation.

Ford determined that the supplier had sent over steering-gear modules with the wrong fasteners, which were not properly coated to protect against corrosion. The car manufacturer brought this evidence in front of the Critical Concern Review Group on May 23.

Over the course of June and July, personnel from the engineering department analyzed the black fasteners to see if they succeeded in retaining vehicle heat shields. Ford also began reviewing plant assembly and shipment records to determine if vehicles had left the facility with the steering gear modules featuring these fixtures installed.

In August, the Ford Field Review Committee examined both reports from the engineering team, as well as the production and shipment logs for the Chicago assembly site. On Aug. 21, the group concluded that a voluntary safety recall was necessary. The automaker informed dealers of the recall action Aug. 29.

The Solution

Ford has directed dealers to replace black steering-gear heat fasteners in affected models with properly coated models, free of charge. The car company began notifying owners via first-class mail Sept. 11. Those in need of more assistance can contact Ford customer service at (866) 436-7332 using the recall identification code 17S23, according to a recall notification letter from the NHTSA. Owners can also connect directly with the NHTSA via the agency’s Vehicle Safety Hotline at (888) 327-4236.

Dearborn, Mich. – Sept. 13, 2017 – Ford Motor Company has recalled more than 117,000 trucks believed to contain defective inflatable seat belt buckle assemblies, according to documentation filed with the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration. The campaign affects 2015-2017 Ford F-150 Crew Cab trucks with production dates ranging from July 20, 2015 to June 16, 2017, as well as 2017 F-250 and F-350 Super Duty Crew Cab trucks produced between Oct. 20, 2015 and June 16, 2017. Ford estimates that 15 percent of the vehicles named in the recall have the defective feature.

The recall involves 143,000 vehicles worldwide, including 117,423 originating from American dealers; 15,175 from sellers in Canada and 8,202 from those in Mexico, according to a company press release.

The Defect

The vehicles involved in the campaign come with inflatable seat belt buckle assemblies attached to left rear passenger seats with defective mounting brackets. Specifically, these steel fixtures do not meet the rivet head thickness standards established in Section 5.2, rule 210 of the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards, which states that seat belt anchoring devices must “ensure proper location for effective occupant restraint and to reduce the likelihood of failure,” according to the NHTSA.

The defective part could put passengers at risk, especially during crashes. However, Ford has yet to receive reports connecting the problematic fixture to any accidents or injuries.

Timeline of Events

In June 2017, seat belt bracket supplier Takata notified Ford of an incident in which an inflatable seat belt feature separated from its underlying support. Members of the Ford Critical Concern Review Group stepped in to investigate the report, while engineers from Takata analyzed manufacturing records, eventually coming to the conclusion that shop-floor personnel had made unauthorized changes to the rivet head thickness measurements. This resulted in the production and application of ineffective rivets, making seat belt anchor brackets prone to separation. Takata released these results to Ford in early August.

On Aug. 21, Ford’s Field Review Committee reviewed this data and approved a voluntary safety recall. The car company notified dealers Aug. 29.

The Solution

Ford has directed dealers to inspect the seat belt assemblies on affected vehicles and add additional rivets if necessary, according to a recall acknowledgment document from the NHTSA. Dealers are to make these repairs free of charge. Ford is expected to contact owners via first-class mail Oct. 16. However, those in need of more immediate assistance can call Ford customer service at (866) 436-7332. Callers should use the internal recall identification code 17C12. Owners can also receive assistance directly from the NHTSA through its Vehicle Safety Hotline at (888) 327-4236.

Dearborn, Mich. – Sept. 13, 2017 – Ford Motor Company has recalled nearly 700 vehicles believed to be equipped with defective seat assemblies, according to documentation from the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration. The campaign affects 2017 Ford Focus sedans with production dates ranging from June 7, 2017 to June 12, 2017. Ford estimates that 1 percent of the vehicles referenced in the action contain the defective parts.

In addition to the 698 Ford Focuses recalled in the U.S., the automaker is recalling 132 sold in the Canadian market and five originating from Mexican dealers, according to a company press release.

The Defect

The vehicles named in the campaign could come equipped with second-row backseat frames that have not been sufficiently welded. Specifically, assembly crews may have failed to achieve proper weld penetration between the outboard pivot bracket and the pivot nut joint. The defect could increase the likelihood of passenger injury during accidents, as the seat back may come loose. However, Ford has yet to receive reports connecting the defect to any accidents or injuries.

The improper welds violate Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards 207 and 210, which dictate that automakers produce vehicles with safe seat belt anchorage and seating systems.

Timeline of Events

In June 2017, Ford personnel at the company’s Michigan Assembly Plant in Wayne came across a vehicle whose left rear seat back frame outboard pivot nut separated during the installation of the back seat. The plant returned the seat back frame to Ford’s tier-one supplier, which determined that the tier-two supplier had failed to apply proper welds. The tier-two supplier investigated the issue throughout July and August, eventually coming to the conclusion that the pivot nuts installed on the Ford seat back frames had become dislodged immediately prior to welding. The parts provider determined that a sticking condition had caused the pivot nuts to move.

Ford performed additional analyses and found that the defective welds put the vehicle in violation of FMVSS guidelines. On Aug. 21, the Ford Field Review Committee chose to conduct a voluntary recall. The automaker notified dealers Aug. 29.

The Solution

Ford has directed dealers to inspect the welds on affected vehicles and replace the seat back frames if necessary. These repairs are to be performed free of charge. Ford plans to notify owners via first-class mail between Oct. 16 and Oct. 20. Those in need of more immediate assistance can contact Ford customer service at (866) 436-7332 or reach to the NHTSA via its Vehicle Safety Hotline at (888) 327-4236.