Ford recalls vehicles with defective door latches

 

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.

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Ford recalls trucks with defective roof structures

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.

Recall MastersFord recalls trucks with defective roof structures

Ford recalls trucks with damaged seat racks

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.

Recall MastersFord recalls trucks with damaged seat racks

Ford recalls vehicles with loose tie rod nuts

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.

Recall MastersFord recalls vehicles with loose tie rod nuts

Ford recalls vehicles with defective steering assemblies

 

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.

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Ford recalls trucks with defective inflatable seat belt assemblies

 

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.

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Ford recalls sedans with defective seat assemblies

 

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.

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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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