Dearborn, Mich. — Feb. 13, 2017 — As part of a joint recall announcement, Ford Motor Company recently explained an effort to correct an instrument cluster display problem. Affected vehicles could end up failing the Federal Motor Vehicles Safety Standard if the instrument clusters lose power.

Released in January, the statement has added timeliness because the issue is increasingly likely in cold conditions. The company noted that the recall involved around 8,000 vehicles, with 6,792 of them in the U.S. and the rest in Canada and Mexico.

The Defect

The Part 573 Safety Recall Report said that the panel cluster’s display could fail to show important indicators. These include some warning chimes and lights, as well as the transmission gear a driver has currently selected. The display could be affected for up to several minutes, leaving the driver confused and liable to make a critical mistake. This is a particular risk while driving in low temperatures, as this could cause the power supply to function incorrectly.

Timeline of Events

• Oct. 4, 2016: The earliest production date for the affected Ford F-150 vehicles.
• November 2016: Multiple display problems caused Ford to halt the F-150 from shipping, with the company undertaking an investigation based on initial observations.
• December 2016: Ford and the supplier, Visteon, continued looking into the matter as engineers discovered the link between the defect and cold temperatures. While Ford’s Critical Concern Review Group asked for more details, the engineering department investigated further.
• January 2017: The offending power supply chip was discovered, and the Ford’s Field Review Committee approved the recall after review, similar to another recall announced around the same time.

Resolution

The recall report said that owner notification would be finished by Feb. 13, 2017. The repair, covered by the affected vehicles’ original warranties, would reportedly involve reprogramming the instrument clusters as necessary, with no cost to the consumer.

Dearborn, Mich. — Feb. 10, 2017 — A shared defect has two different Ford models from 2016 included in a new recall. This action stems from structural issues within just 17 vehicles across these models, which had already prompted attention.

The Defect

The apron joints on the left side of floor pans in affected vehicles are, according to documents from the NHTSA, incorrectly welded in these autos. The 17 vehicles included in the recall are all in the U.S. and cover 2016 Ford Focus and C-Max vehicles from the company’s Michigan assembly plant. Both of the models were produced in the last full week of October last year.

As the source described, the improper welding means the fronts of these vehicles would be weakened, making them more susceptible to damage. In a Jan. 26 statement, Ford said that no accidents or injuries were yet connected to this problem.

Timeline of Events

• Oct. 25, 2016: The day before the first production for both of these brands. The joints were actually already repaired before the vehicles were originally released with rivets, but later tests showed possible dangerous errors in the process.
• Jan.  17, 2017: After two months of analysis, the manufacturer’s Field Review Committee approves the recall action, which is covered under the original vehicle warranties and will therefore be free of charge for owners. The decision only came after the Critical Concerns Review Group prompted analysis in an earlier response.

Resolution

To fix the issue, car owners will be instructed to take the vehicles to their dealer to get them fixed. This could involve inspecting the rivets and replacing as needed. While the original Part 573 Safety Recall Report said the dealer notification date was set for Jan. 25, owners are not slated for notification until the first full week of March.

Recall Masters – January 30, 2017

Ford Trucks Risk Fuel Leak

Ford has announced that it will recall two different types of light trucks due to a fuel systems leak that could result in a fire of not addressed.

The Defect
Ford will recall model year 2017 F-250 and F-350 trucks manufactured between Aug. 10, 2016 and Sept. 17, 2016, according to documents compiled by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Some of these vehicles appear to have been built without a necessary frame reinforcement bracket attached to the front fuel tank strap. Without this component, regular wear and tear to the vehicle will eventually cause the fuel tank strap to separate from the frame, which could cause the tank itself to move and possibly hit the ground. Any resulting damage could lead to a fuel leak and possibly a fire…

Read the entire article on the Recall Masters website

Dearborn, Mich. – Jan. 30, 2017 – Ford has announced that it will recall two different types of light trucks due to a fuel systems leak that could result in a fire of not addressed.

The Defect

Ford will recall model year 2017 F-250 and F-350 trucks manufactured between Aug. 10, 2016 and Sept. 17, 2016, according to documents compiled by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Some of these vehicles appear to have been built without a necessary frame reinforcement bracket attached to the front fuel tank strap. Without this component, regular wear and tear to the vehicle will eventually cause the fuel tank strap to separate from the frame, which could cause the tank itself to move and possibly hit the ground. Any resulting damage could lead to a fuel leak and possibly a fire.

Timeline of Events

• September 2016: A frame supplier notified Ford that a pickup frame had been manufactured without the necessary fuel tank strap reinforcement. Further inspection revealed that out of about 4,000 uninstalled frames, 58 were improperly built. At the time, it was not yet clear if any defective frames had been installed on vehicles and sold.
• October 2016: Further analysis allowed Ford to pinpoint the dates on which the defective frames were built. The manufacturer confirmed that some had indeed made it onto vehicles that were shipped.
• December 2016: Ford’s Field Review Committee approved a recall.

Resolution

Ford will notify affected owners by mail and will advise them to bring their vehicles to the nearest Ford or Lincoln dealers for inspection. If the trucks lack reinforcements brackets, replacements will be installed, free of charge.

Dearborn, Mich – Jan. 04, 2017 – Ford has announced a recall of multiple vehicle models as a result of oil supply tubes that may leak oil onto engine components, according to documents compiled by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

The Defect

The problem stems from improperly brazed turbocharger oil supply tubes that can leak oil on engine components, which could potentially start fires during operation.

The automaker will be recalling the following vehicles:

• Model year 2016 Ford Taurus manufactured at the Chicago plant and between Oct. 18, 2016 to Nov. 2, 2016.
• Model year 2016-2017 Ford Flex made at the Oakville plant and between Oct. 18, 2016 to Nov. 10, 2016.
• Model year 2017 Explorer made at the Chicago plant and between Oct. 15, 2016 to Nov. 12, 2016.
• Model year 2017 Explorer Police Interceptor Utility made at the Chicago plant on Nov. 2, 2016.
• Model year 2016-2017 Flex made at the Oakville plant and between Oct. 18, 2016 and Nov. 10, 2016.

Timeline of Events

• Oct. 28, 2016 – Ford plant operators discovered an oil leak during a routine inspection, prompting further review.
• Nov. 1, 2016 – Additional inspections revealed that of nearly 15,000 oil supply tubes, 38 had leaks.
• Dec. 12, 2016 – Ford approved a recall of the affected models.

Resolution

Ford will notify vehicle owners by mail if they have an affected model. Dealers will inspect the vehicles and provide replacement parts, free of charge, if necessary. The recall process is scheduled to begin Jan. 23, 2017, though owners may contact Ford earlier if they wish.

Recall Masters – December 19, 2016.

Ford Addresses Seat Belt Defects

The Defect

For will be recalling model year 2013-2016 Ford Fusion vehicles manufactured between Nov. 2, 2012 and July 31, 2014, as well as model year 2013-2015 Lincoln MKZ vehicles manufactured between Nov. 14, 2012 and July 31, 2014, according to documents compiled by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

These vehicles contain seat belt defects that could prevent them from deploying properly. Ford claims that seat belt anchor pretensioners can overheat during use, causing them to snap when deployed during a crash. This could lead to an uptick in injuries and deaths – in fact, Ford believes that at least two accidents and injuries can be traced to the defect.

The recall will cover 602,739 vehicles in the U.S., 35,614 in Canada, 8,665 in Mexico and 653 elsewhere, according to USA Today…

Read the entire article on the Recall Masters website

Dearborn, Mich. – Dec. 19 –  The Ford Motor Company has announced a recall of Ford and Lincoln vehicle models with seat belt defects that may threaten the safety of drivers and passengers. In addition, the company plans to recall some Fusion vehicles that have problems with their seat back frames.

The Defect

For will be recalling model year 2013-2016 Ford Fusion vehicles manufactured between Nov. 2, 2012 and July 31, 2014, as well as model year 2013-2015 Lincoln MKZ vehicles manufactured between Nov. 14, 2012 and July 31, 2014, according to documents compiled by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

These vehicles contain seat belt defects that could prevent them from deploying properly. Ford claims that seat belt anchor pretensioners can overheat during use, causing them to snap when deployed during a crash. This could lead to an uptick in injuries and deaths – in fact, Ford believes that at least two accidents and injuries can be traced to the defect.

The recall will cover 602,739 vehicles in the U.S., 35,614 in Canada, 8,665 in Mexico and 653 elsewhere, according to USA Today.

In addition, Ford will also recall 27 Ford Fusion vehicles from the 2017 model year due to improperly welded pivot pins on the second row left-rear seat back frame. As it stands, these seats may not be able to secure cargo in a crash, increasing the risk of passenger injury.

Resolution

Vehicles owners will soon be notified of the defects, and will have the opportunity to bring their cars in to dealers and have them repaired at no charge.

Detroit, MI – November 08, 2016 – Ford has announced the recall of Shelby GT350 and GT350R Mustangs, due to a defect that could lead to serious oil leaks, engine damage and possible fire hazards.

The Defect

Autoblog reports that Ford will be recalling 8,000 total vehicles of both models from the 2015-2017 model years. The issue is an engine oil cooler tube that could have poorly designed or insufficient crimps, which could lead to hose separation during operation. This could potentially result in an oil leak and engine failure. Owners could face an increased risk of crash or fire.

As yet, Ford says that it has no knowledge of any fires or accidents that have been caused by this defect.

Timeline Of Events

August 2016 – Ford received reports of an engine oil cooler tube replacement. The Ford Critical Concern Review Group determined that the hose in question had separated from a crimp joint.

September-October 2016 – Ford’s engineering teams attempted to analyze parts collected from the field, and determined that the hoses had not been secured properly. Specifically, the crimp process was conducted improperly, making it difficult to control crimp jaw location and hose insertion depth.

The Solution

Ford will soon notify owners of the recall, and will begin the repair process Dec. 12, 2016. Ford will replace the engine oil cooler tube at no cost to owners. Meanwhile, AutoBlog reports that Shelby GT350 Mustangs are still available for purchase, though they will not be delivered to customers and may not be driven until new parts are procured.

Dearborn, MI – October 27, 2016 – A component in the door latches may break in select Ford vehicles which prevents the doors from latching shut and may lead to a driver believing all the doors are shut when in fact, they are not, according to a report from the National Traffic Safety Administration. Besides the obvious inconvenience of having doors that don’t lock, doors that are closed the wrong way run the risk of flying open without a moment’s notice. For plenty of reasons, such a scenario would not be ideal for the driver or any passengers.

The Defect

Ford is recalling certain model year Ford Focuses manufactured anytime from 2012 to 2015, Ford Escapes from 2013 to 2015, C-MAXs, Lincoln MKC and Ford Mustangs from 2015 as well as Ford Transit Connect vehicles manufactured between 2014 and 2016. Keeping drivers and passengers inside the car while it is moving is paramount to safety, but the bad latches may make that a problem. As of September 2, 2016, Ford’s investigation into the matter had found one accident and three alleged injuries as a result of the faulty latch. There are more than 2.3 million vehicles affected by this recall.

Timeline of Ford’s Response

• October 2015: Ford’s analysis of warranty and field data discovered the problem in the door latches and submitted the issue to Ford’s Critical Concern Review Group.
• December 2015 – March 2016:  Ford conducted a return analysis and comprehensive data analysis of reports. The Fiesta and Fusion models were recalled as well.
• January 7, 2016: Ford opened an earlier investigation as the result of 2013-2015 investigation into similar reports that occurred from 2013 to 2015. Ford Escapes were mentioned a lot on those reports.
• March 3, 2016: The 2013 Ford Focus vehicles had notable problems with latches the ability to open.
• April 14, 2016: Although specific causes for the door latch malfunction could not be readily identified, Ford took notice of the fact that there were several instances of faulty door latches across various Ford vehicles.
• April – June 2016: Although there was a pattern in the gathered data, there was no hard evidence to prove the pinpoint location of the problem. Although the potential for a problem existed, there was no evidence of a precise solution.
• June 23, 2016: Ford noted patterns emerging from the data, but did not acknowledge anything specific.
• July 2016: Ford Focus and Escape vehicles with latches made from the same facility in Mexico reported issues with the vehicles. On July 29, 2016, Ford’s Field Review Committee approved a safety recall for the most at-risk vehicles based on the data presented to them.
• August 4-26, 2016: Through ongoing discussions with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Ford extended their safety recall for every vehicle that falls under this category.
• September 1, 2016: Ford’s Field Review Committee reviewed the concern and approved action.

The Solution

Ford’s solution to the defect starts with notifying all of the owners of the problems associated with their vehicles. Next, dealerships will schedule appointments with the customers to replace the faulty door latches with improved parts, free of charge. Because replacement parts are limited, individual owners will be sent an interim notification beginning on October 3, 2016. Parts should become available during the second quarter of 2017, and customers will be notified when parts are available.