Ford recalls vehicles with defective air bags

Ford Motor Company (NYSE:F) has recalled approximately 935 vehicles possibly equipped with defective Takata air bags, according to a company press release. The campaign includes 2017 Ford F-150 pickup trucks and 2017 Ford Mustang sports cars.

Recall Summary

Affected vehicles could contain Takata-made front passenger air bag assemblies with inflators prone to rupturing during deployment, sending metal fragments passing through cabin areas.

These fixtures pose a serious danger to vehicle occupants and have been the subject of numerous safety recalls from more than one dozen car manufacturers, according to Car and Driver. Over 100 passengers have sustained injuries in accidents involving Takata air bags.

Around 650 vehicles in this recall originated from U.S. dealers, while 279 were sold in Canada and six in Mexico.

Is your vehicle part of the recall?

Around 650 vehicles were originally part of this recall in the United States. As of April 30, 2019, – the last date for which information was available – 554 airbags had been replaced. To see if your car still needs to be repaired, use MotorSafety’s free lookup tool.

Sean ReyesFord recalls vehicles with defective air bags

Ford recalls vehicles with defective air bags

 

Dearborn, Mich. – Sept. 5, 2017 – Ford Motor Company has recalled approximately 935 vehicles possibly equipped with defective Takata air bags, according to a company press release. The campaign affects 2017 Ford F-150 pickup trucks and Mustang sports cars with production dates ranging from July 20, 2017 to Aug. 1, 2017. An estimated 650 of the vehicles referenced in the recall originated from U.S. dealers, while 279 were sold in Canada and six in Mexico.

The Defect

Affected vehicles could contain Takata-made front passenger air bag assemblies with inflators prone to rupturing during deployment, sending metal fragments passing through cabin areas. These fixtures pose a serious danger to vehicle occupants and have been the subject of numerous safety recalls from more than one dozen car manufacturers, according to Car and Driver. Over 100 passengers have sustained injuries in accidents involving Takata air bags. At least two have died in such wrecks.

That said, Ford has yet to receive field reports linking any accidents or occupant injuries to the defective safety features referenced in this latest recall.

Timeline of Events

Ford did not release details into the investigation that resulted in the discovery of the defect.

The Solution

The automaker will direct dealers to replace the front passenger air bag assemblies in affected vehicles, free of charge. It has not publicized a timetable for dealer or owner notification. Owners in need of more immediate assistance can contact Ford customer service representatives at (800) 392-3673. Callers should use the recall reference identification code 17S26. Owners can also seek assistance from the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration via the organization’s toll-free Vehicle Safety Hotline at (888) 327-4236.

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Ford recalls sedans with noncompliant welds

 

Dearborn, Mich. – Sept. 1, 2017 – Ford Motor Company has recalled approximately 835 Focus sedans with noncompliant welds, according to an internal news release. The campaign affects 698 Focus models originating from U.S. dealerships, 132 sold in Canada and five in Mexico.

The Defect

The vehicles referenced in this recall have second-row seat-back frames with welds that do not effectively penetrate the space between the outboard pivot bracket and the pivot nut joint. This could reduce the structural integrity of the seat-back frame – particularly the pivot nut joint – and therefore put occupants at risk, especially in the event of an accident. Even so, Ford has not received reports linking the defect to any accidents or injuries.

Timeline of Events

Ford has yet to release details on the investigation that uncovered the defect.

The Solution

The automaker will direct dealers to replace the air bag assemblies in affected models, free of charge. However, Ford has not released a timetable for dealer or owner notification. Individuals in need of more immediate assistance can contact Ford customer service personnel at (800) 392-3673. Callers should use the recall identification code 17C13. Owners can also call the National Highway Transportation Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at (888) 327-4236.

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Ford recalls vehicles in need of torque converter replacement

 

Dearbon, Mich. – July 11, 2017 – Ford has recalled more than 6,600 vehicles equipped with defective torque converters, according to a company press release. The campaign affects 2017 Ford Edge sport utility vehicles produced between April 25, 2017 and June 20, 2017; 2017 Ford Fusion sedans produced between May 4, 2017 and June 15, 2017; and 2017 Lincoln MKZ sedans produced between May 4, 2017 and June 19, 2017. Approximately 5,914 of the vehicles were sold in the American market, while the remainder came from dealers in Canada and Mexico.

The Defect

The models named in the recall, all of which are equipped with 6F35 transmissions, could contain torque converters with inadequate welds, according to Ford. Consequently, these fixtures might decouple from the engine flex plate while operational, resulting in an immediate loss of power.

Although other features like the electronic braking and restraint systems will continue to operate, the vehicle itself will lose function. This could increase the likelihood of an accident. That said, Ford has not received reports of any injuries or wrecks connected to the defect.

Timeline of Events

The car manufacturer did not release details on the internal investigation that precipitated the recall campaign. However, it did mention that the affected vehicles came from two different Ford assembly plants in Oakville, Ontario, Canada; and Hermosillo, Mexico.

The Solution

Ford has instructed dealers to replace the torque converters in affected vehicles, free of charge. The internal reference number for the recall is 17S16. Owners should receive notification via mail soon, CBS Detroit reported.

Those in need of immediate assistance can contact Ford customer service personnel at (800) 392-3673 or call the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration’s Vehicle Safety Hotline at (888) 327-4263.

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Ford Issues Safety Recall For Around 400,000 Transit Vehicles

 

Dearborn, Mich., June 28, 2017—Ford Motor Company has recalled about 400,000 of its 2015-17 Transit van or bus vehicles in North America, with 370,630 in the U.S. alone. These models have chassis cab/cutaways with medium wheelbases and medium, long and extended wheelbases.

The Defect
Ford field testing showed that once the affected vehicles reach 30,000 miles, the driveshaft flexible coupling deteriorates. This issue can lead to driveline separation. As a result, the Transit can move while in park without the parking brake applied or lose motive power while driving. Damaged fuel and brake lines are also possible if the driveshaft separates from the transmission.

So far, Ford has not associated any accidents or injuries with the defect, although such incidents are possible.

Timeline of Events 
All the recalled vehicles originated from the company’s Kansas City Assembly Plant, with dates of manufacture ranging from Jan. 17, 2014 to June 15, 2017. Ford announced the recall June 28, 2017.

The Solution
Ford recalled the vehicles to replace the driveshaft flexible coupling. This interim repair is not necessary for affected models that have fewer than 30,000 miles. Additionally, the fix is not required for vans or buses with more than 30,000 miles that have had the coupling replaced within that mileage span.

Until a final repair is available and complete, affected vehicles will need a replacement coupling every 30,000 miles. Ford will send mail notifications to owners, who can receive repairs at Ford or Lincoln dealers at no cost. When available, the permanent fix will also come at no cost, and Ford will again send a mail notification instructing owners to schedule a repair appointment for their Transit vehicles.

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Ford recalls trucks with defective aftermarket door handles

 

Dearborn, Mich. – May 24, 2017 – Ford Motor Company has recalled approximately 551 pickup trucks equipped with defective aftermarket door handles, according to a company press release. The campaign affects 2015-2017 F-150 pickups, as well as 2017 F-250 and F-550 models. Approximately 247 of these vehicles came from American dealerships, while the remainder originated from Canadian showrooms.

The Defect
The affected pickups feature aftermarket chrome door handles sourced from third-party parts dealers. These fixtures, which do not comport with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards, are prone to release during accidents, posing a serious risk to occupants. More specifically, the door latches “may experience inertial loads that could cause it to unlatch during a side impact,” according to Ford. So far, the automaker has yet to field any reports linking the defective devices to accidents or injuries.

Timeline of Events
Ford recently traced the defective door handle assemblies to dealerships in the U.S. and Canada. These facilities had installed the features on-site, partnering with aftermarket parts providers unknown to Ford headquarters. Consequently, the manufacturer requested that dealers review their internal records to pinpoint the companies that sold them these.

The Solution
In addition to requesting dealer records, Ford has announced plans to issue communications to service departments so they can switch out door handle assemblies on pickups that come in for unrelated maintenance. Dealers have been ordered to replace the assemblies and reimburse customers for parts and service fees. The automaker has yet to notify the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration and will conduct the recall internally for the time being. Owners who need additional assistance can contact Ford support personnel at 866-436-7332. The internal recall reference number is 17C09.

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Ford recalls thousands of vehicles over weld concerns

 

Dearborn, Mich.—May 24, 2017—In the first of two Ford recalls announced in one statement, the Michigan manufacturer declared that several vehicles would be part of a safety compliance effort for a welding issue. This action concerns three different Ford models, all produced for 2017, and none of the affected vehicles are part of a reported accident or injury because of this concern.

The Defect

The three models involved are the Ford Explorer, F-150 and Super Duty. Occupants could be at possible risk due to improperly welded driver seat back frame, the source said. Between the three of them, all of the 2,418 vehicles that make up this recall account for five different assembly plants from across the country, including locations in Michigan, Illinois and Kentucky.

Timeline of Events

  • Dec. 8, 2016 to Jan. 19, 2017: These dates cover the full production periods for all of the included vehicles.
  • May 24, 2017: Ford released the statement announcing this and the second recall on this day.

The Resolution

The Ford release contained few details about the response effort, but it did say that dealers would replace the seat back frames in the affected vehicles if needed to reduce the risk. The second of the two recalls mentioned in this one statement was for doorhandle covers, and was unrelated to this action, although both did partly concern F-150 models.

Last year saw Ford recall a different set of vehicles for welding concerns. According to Carscoops, that action targeted 2014 and 2015 Ford Explorer vehicles with “rear suspension toe links” that were possibly subject to fracture. That recall wasn’t as large, including only 75,364 vehicles, but the manufacturer did say that “one accident and one injury” were traced to this defect, at least at that time of publication.

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Ford Edge recall addresses windshield header issues

 

Dearborn, Mich.—April 19, 2017—A newly announced Ford Edge recall addressed problems with the windshield header in some 2017 Edge vehicles. The company announced this in a joint press release: This particular recall was both the last listed and contained the smallest number of possibly affected vehicles, with 111 total units under consideration, 84 of which are in the U.S.

The Defect

The windshield header in these Ford Edge models could be wrongly installed, according to the Part 573 Safety Recall Report attached to this issue. That document went on to say that the vista roofs in these vehicles may not have the right welds in the proper places, leaving them with weaker “lateral structural integrity.”

Timeline of Events

  • Feb. 22, 2017: Although this is before the submission date of the Part 573 safety report, Feb. 22 is said to be when the company corrected the recall condition in production. This was also the last day of original production for the vehicles in question.
  • March 3, 2017: A review group began the process of analyzing the problem, a day after reports of spot weld issues.
  • March 20, 2017: The field action began.

Ford Edge Recall Resolution

Though the listed dealer notification date, March 28, has already passed as of this writing, owner notification is set for the four-day period between May 15 and 19. Dealers will fix the faulty headers for free, due to the existing warranty. The notices are will travel via first-class mail to owners starting on the beginning of that week.

A delivery hold notice for dealers said that they could possibly face a $21,000 penalty for every vehicle they deliver without first going through the recall service. This action specifically targets possible noncompliance with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 214 for side impact protection.

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Ford recalls 2017 vehicles with power train problems

 

Dearborn, Mich.—April 18, 2017—Ford Motor Company took part in a recall for 2017 Ford F-250 vehicles. This action intends to correct two noncompliance issues with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards, as the vehicles in this recall could fail to meet the requirements for theft protection and transmission issues.

The Defect

The F-250 vehicles potentially affected in this case may not be able to reach Park mode because of park rod actuating plate damage during manufacturing. As said above, this single issue counts as both a transmission threat and a possible cause for theft. Exactly 48,443 are thought to be subject to this problem, but the Part 573 Safety Recall Report did not include an estimate for what percentage has the defect.

Timeline of Events

  • Oct. 9, 2015: Production on the vehicles began.
  • March 30, 2017: The review group discovered the cause of the issue in these vehicle’s plates. There were just three warranty claims traced to the defect by this point, but not any related accidents or injuries. This was also the final manufacture date of the group of potentially affected vehicles.
  • March 31, 2017: On the same day as the submission date of the Part 573 report, Ford also officially approved the recall. The component manufacturer involved was from Goodrich, Michigan.

The Resolution

While dealer notification was scheduled immediately for March 31, the owner notification date was given as April 10. The fix itself was simply listed as a replacement for the affected actuating plate, though the report said that owners should use the parking brake as a precaution whenever they want to put the vehicle into park.

A notice to manufacturers said that new in-stock vehicles affected by this recall were not to be delivered while the action was in motion.

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Ford recalls vehicles for possible driveline fractures

 

Dearborn, Mich.—April 14, 2017—In a statement released on March 29, Ford announced several recalls addressing a range of issues in their vehicles. One of these concerned fears if transmission or driveline fractures in F-450 and F-550 Superduty models, both of which with the model year of 2017.

The Defect

This is a speed-based problem in which the risk is higher for when operators drive faster than 75 miles per hour. The two groups of vehicles together make up 509 units in the U.S., with the last relevant manufacture date being Feb. 21, 2017.

An unstable driveshaft could lead to transmission or component fractures depending on the speed, perhaps causing the driveline to vibrate noticeably, according to the Part 573 Safety Recall report. The problem could have more than one result, leading to the vehicle either moving unexpectedly while parked or stopping without warning.

Timeline of Events

  • Feb. 16, 2016: Production on both of the affected models began at the company’s Ohio Assembly Plant.
  • Feb.-March, 2017: The manufacturer’s review group responded to warranty claims and reports of fractures related to this issue. After testing the vehicle with speeds as high as 81 miles per hour, the group started looking more closely at possible evidence of the issue.
  • March 20, 2017: The company officially decided to move forward with the field action.

The Resolution

Ford’s fix for this action involves dealers replacing the driveshaft. The report with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said that the new unit will include a “three-piece driveshaft and two center bearing brackets.”

The planned dealer notification date was listed as March 28, and the owner date as April 4. Other Ford recalls announced in the same group release included actions concerning door latches, windshield header welds and possible risk under hoods.

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