NHTSA investigates Ford dealer over sale of recalled Escape SUV

June 12, 2022 Joseph Estabillo

Washington, D.C. – June 12, 2022 – Federal auto safety regulator, the National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration (NHTSA) is investigating a  Ford (NYSE:F) dealer that allegedly sold a 2021 Ford Escape car with an open recall. This is illegal under federal law.

Investigation summary

The dealer, Healey Brothers Ford, LLC, of Beacon, New York, allegedly sold at least one 2021 Ford Escape compact crossover SUV.

The recall in question appears to be one conducted in August 2021 for issues with the fuel delivery module. The issue resulted in the cars stalling while out on the road and affected over 13,000 units, as reported.

Can a dealer sell a car with a recall?

Under the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Act, selling a car with a recall is illegal unless the dealership labels them as used vehicles. Under Section 108 of the law, the penalty shall be $1,000 for each recorded violation. So, recalls do need to be fixed before a new car leaves the lot.

To learn more about whether or not a dealership sell a car with a recall and what to watch out for, please visit this page.

Risks

If the engine stalls while the vehicle is in motion,  it will be difficult for the driver to perform standard operations such as steering and braking, increasing the risk of a crash.    

Other Ford investigations 

NHTSA is carrying out a separate investigation on Ford regarding 32 complaints of 2021 model year Ford Bronco vehicles that stalled while driving without prior warning. Initial findings suggest that the problem was caused by an engine valve falling apart, resulting in terminal engine failure. 

The Escape was also the subject of a safety recall issued in May 2022 over a problem with the transmission, which could cause the vehicle to unintentionally roll away, increasing the risk of a crash.   

Is your vehicle part of a recall?

To see if your Ford Escape is part of any other vehicle recalls, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.  

Joseph EstabilloNHTSA investigates Ford dealer over sale of recalled Escape SUV
Ford is investigated over sudden engine cut-outs

Ford is investigated over sudden engine cut-outs

June 5, 2022 Bojan Popic

Washington, D.C. – June 5, 2022 – The U.S. government’s auto safety regulator is investigating Ford (NYSE:F) over concerns that 25,538 of its 2021 Ford Bronco vehicles that may stall. This increases the risk of a crash and injury and may lead to a formal recall.

Investigation summary  

The regulator, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), opened an investigation on May 27, following a total of 32 complaints regarding Ford Broncos that would stall while driving. All of these vehicles have a 2.7L EcoBoost engine. 

According to the complaints, the vehicle would stall without any prior warnings and would not restart afterward. Based on initial findings, this is caused by an engine valve falling apart, which causes a terminal engine failure.  

Risks

There are several risks associated with engine stalling, especially when it happens at highway speeds. You can learn more about the related risks in this Stellantis recall. 

Other Ford recalls 

While these Ford Bronco engine issues are being investigated, owners should check other recalls that may affect their vehicles. Among them, the one from April 2022, caused by fires inside the engine compartement, is the most recent. 

Could your vehicle be a part of the potential recall?

This investigation may eventually lead to a Ford Bronco engine valve recall, possibly affecting over 25,000 vehicles.  To do a Ford recall check, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Bojan PopicFord is investigated over sudden engine cut-outs
Ford recalls SUVs over unexplained fires, advises owners to park away from structures

Ford recalls SUVs over unexplained fires, advises owners to park away from structures

May 27, 2022 Bojan Popic ,

Dearborn, MI – May 27, 2022 – Ford (NYSE:F), which also owns the Lincoln brand, is recalling 39,013 SUVs over mysterious engine-bay fires. These fires, which may happen either while driving or while parked, carry the risk of injury or property damage. 

This recall affects the following vehicles:

  • 2021 Ford Expedition
  • 2021 Lincoln Navigator

Recall summary  

The recalled vehicles can catch fire even when the ignition is turned off. The cause of fires is currently under investigation.

Background of the recall

In March 2022, Ford’s Critical Concern Repair Group (CCRG) opened an investigation into eight reports of vehicle fires and one report of a melted battery junction box. By May, the CCRG knew of 16 fires that were potentially related. According to these reports, fires have started under the hood both while driving and while parked, and even with the ignition turned off.

Recall risks

Vehicle fires carry a wide range of risks, as described in this article about a Hyundai fire-related recall.

Warning signs 

Occupants may notice a “burning smell” or see smoke coming from the passenger side of the engine compartment.

Safety tips

Ford advises owners to park their vehicles outside and away from structures to minimize the risk of damage in the event of a fire. This should prevent additional property damage if an affected SUV catches fire while parked. 

Other Ford recalls

There was a Ford Expedition recall last month due to faulty windshield wiper arms. Inoperable wipers can reduce visibility, increasing the risk of a crash and injury. 

Apart from this Lincoln engine fire issue, other recent Lincoln Navigator recalls include one from April this year caused by malfunctioning rearview cameras. 

The repair

Ford is still investigating the cause of these engine compartment fires, so a solution to the problem is not yet available.

Letters with more information will be sent to owners between May 23, 2022 and July 3, 2022. Additional notices will be sent once a remedy is available.

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

This Ford engine fire recall affects 32,711 Ford Expeditions and 6,302 Lincoln Navigators. To do a Ford recall check and see if yours is one of them, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Bojan PopicFord recalls SUVs over unexplained fires, advises owners to park away from structures
Ford recalls heavy-duty trucks whose airbags may fail to deploy

Ford recalls heavy-duty trucks whose airbags may fail to deploy

May 27, 2022 Bojan Popic

Dearborn, MI – May 27, 2022 – Ford (NYSE:F) is recalling 310,203 heavy-duty trucks whose driver side airbags may fail to deploy due to an electrical issue. This increases the risk of an injury during a crash. 

Pickup trucks affected by this Ford recall include: 

  • 2016 F-250 SD
  • 2016 F-350 SD
  • 2016 F-450 SD 
  • 2016 F-550 SD

Recall summary  

Vehicles on this list have a so-called “clock spring” cable that is designed to ensure communication between the vehicle and devices within the steering wheel. On affected vehicles, dust may get inside the clock spring assembly and cause electrical interference, which could affect the operation of components connected to it. As a result, the driver side airbag may fail to deploy in a crash. 

The component causing this recall is the steering wheel clock spring, with part numbers GC3T-14A664-AC and GC3T-14A664-B.

Warning signs 

Apart from an illuminated airbag warning light, drivers may notice that the horn or control buttons on the steering wheel are not working. They may also hear a “popping or clicking noise inside the wheel.”

Recall risks

Inoperable airbags reduce the level of protection in a crash and increase the risk of injury. 

Other Ford F-series recalls

Apart from this current 2016 Ford Super Duty F-250 recall, owners should be aware of several previous recalls. The most recent involves  transmission issues  which may allow these Super Duty trucks to roll away while parked.  

In addition, there are several other Ford truck recalls caused by inoperable rearview cameras.  

The repair

Dealers will replace the steering wheel clock spring with an updated one free of charge. In addition, Ford will reimburse those owners who may have replaced this component at their own expense before the recall was announced.  Notifications will be sent to the owners between July 5, 2022 and July 8, 2022. 

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

This Ford airbag recall affects more than 300,000 trucks. To do a Ford recall check and see if yours is one of them, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Bojan PopicFord recalls heavy-duty trucks whose airbags may fail to deploy
Ford recalls Explorer SUVs that may roll away

Ford recalls Explorer SUVs that may roll away

May 15, 2022 Joseph Estabillo

Dearborn, MI — May 15, 2022 — Ford (NYSE:F) is recalling 252,936 SUVs over an issue with part of the vehicles’ drivetrain – called a driveshaft – and transmission which may cause them to roll away, increasing the risk of a crash.

The recall covers the following models: 

  • 2020 –2022 Ford Explorer Hybrid
  • 2020–2022 Ford Explorer Intercept Hybrid
  • 2020 Ford Explorer PHEV
  • 2020 Ford Explorer Police Intercept FHEV

Recall summary

Rear-wheel drive vehicles use a driveshaft to transmit the engine’s power and torque to the rear axle, which in turn transfers the power to wheels, propelling the vehicle forward.

On affected vehicles, the bolt that connects the axle with the driveshaft may fracture because of a supplier error.  This could disconnect the driveshaft from the rear wheels, rendering the vehicle unable to stay in Park and increasing the risk of a rollaway.

The components involved in this recall are the rear axle cover with part number L1MW-4A028-G and the bushing with part number L1MW-4B425-B.

Recall risks

A rollaway ups the risk of a crash and injury.    

Warning signs

Customers and dealer technicians have described the transmission making various sounds such as “loud, grinding, binding, or clunking noises.”

Other Ford recalls 

One recent case of Ford driveshaft issues involved 184,698 F-Series pickup trucks, which were recalled in January over also because of of disconnecting driveshafts, as reported.

In October of last year there was a Ford Explorer recall due to the risk of the driver losing control of the vehicle, also as reported.

A Ford Police Explorer recall was initiated in January 2021, involving contaminated windshield washer fluid that can potentially compromise outward visibility, resulting in an increased risk of accidents.  

The repair

Dealers will replace the bolt and axle covers, if needed. In some cases, a software update will be also be done to ensure that the electronic parking brake will engage when Park is selected. No fees will be collected for the service. Ford will reimburse owners for the costs of any previous repair work involving the component.

Affected owners will be notified between June 6, 2022 and June 10, 2022. 

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

More than 252,000 vehicles are included in this Ford Explorer driveshaft recall. To see if your Ford SUV is part of this Ford recall check, please use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.  

Joseph EstabilloFord recalls Explorer SUVs that may roll away
Ford recalls F-Series trucks due to increased risk of rollaway

Ford recalls F-Series trucks due to increased risk of rollaway

May 14, 2022 Joseph Estabillo

Dearborn, MI — May 14, 2022 — Ford (NYSE:F) is recalling 23,165 heavy-duty trucks due to an issue with the vehicles’ transmission. The defect can cause the vehicle to roll when it is supposed to be in Park, which increases the risk of a crash. 

The recall covers the following models, all equipped with 6.7-liter diesel engines: 

  • 2020 Ford Super Duty F-250
  • 2020 Ford Super Duty F-350
  • 2020 Ford Super Duty F-450
  • 2020 Ford Super Duty F-550

Recall summary

A washer inside to a vehicle’s transmission of the recalled vehicles protects the gears against debris, dirt and other contaminants. In the affected vehicles, the washer can disintegrate because of “out-of-specification parts” delivered by a supplier.

When this happens, metallic debris can get into the gearset and damage the gear teeth. Debris from the washer or from the damaged gears can also “prevent the vehicle from achieving or holding Park,” resulting in a rollaway.

The components involved in this recall are the output shaft and planetary carrier #4, with part numbers LC3Z-7060-A and LC3Z-7060-B.

Recall risks

Vehicle rollaway increases the risk of injury from a resulting crash.

Warning signs

Drivers may notice that it is harder than usual to shift gears and that shifting may cause grinding, groaning or popping noises. A malfunction indicator may light up on the dashboard and a loss of power may be observed, depending on the damage to the P4 gear teeth.

Other Ford truck recalls 

A Ford F-Series recall of 47,084 2021 F-150 trucks was initiated in April 2022 over a transmission defect caused by a software error. This defect could lead the vehicle to suddenly shift to neutral, preventing the driver from accelerating.

The 2020 and 2021 Ford Super Duty F-350s were the subject of a recall in September 2021 that affected 27,604 vehicles because of the risk of stalling while driving.

The repair

Dealers will inspect the transmission on the affected models and replace part of the gearset free of charge. Ford will reimburse owners for the costs of any previous repair work involving the component.

Affected owners will be notified between May 30, 2022, and June 3, 2022.

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

More than 23,000 vehicles are included in this Ford transmission recall. To run a Ford recall check on your truck, please use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Joseph EstabilloFord recalls F-Series trucks due to increased risk of rollaway
Ford recalls F-150 trucks whose airbags may fail to deploy

Ford recalls F-150 trucks whose airbags may fail to deploy

May 7, 2022 Joseph Estabillo

Dearborn, MI — May 7, 2022 — Ford (NYSE:F) is recalling 19,175 2022 Ford F-150 pickup trucks due to a problem with the steering column, which connects the steering wheel to the steering mechanism. This may result in the airbag not deploying in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.

Recall summary

In addition to connecting the wheel to the steering mechanism, the column also allows the driver to pull the steering wheel closer or push it farther away. A device within the column called a squib connector sends a signal to the driver’s side airbag, enabling it to inflate in a crash. 

In the recalled vehicles, a design error resulted in the steering column squib connector wiring being too short during assembly. As a result, the truck’s airbag may not inflate during a crash. 

The component involved in this recall is the instrument panel harness, with multiple part numbers including NL3V-14401-VAB and NL3V-14401-VAD.

Recall risks

The airbag that fails to deploy increases the risk of an injury in a crash.

Warning signs

The airbag warning light will activate on the instrument panel, signaling a problem with the airbag inflator. 

Other Ford recalls 

The 2022 F-150 was also among 391,836 Ford trucks and SUVs recalled earlier this month due to malfunctioning trailer brakes, which could increase the trailer’s stopping distance, as reported. Last month, 157,306 F-150 trucks for the 2021 model year were recalled for faulty windshield wipers. 

Among recent Ford F-150 recalls was one made for 16,430 2021 F-150 trucks in October 2021 that contained incorrectly routed front seat belts. 

The repair

Dealers will inspect the Ford F-150 steering column wiring on affected models and install new wiring with the correct length at no charge to the owner. Ford will reimburse owners for the costs of any previous repair work involving the component.

Affected owners will be notified between May 9, 2022, and May 13, 2022. 

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

More than 19,000 vehicles are included in this Ford steering column wire recall. To see if your Ford truck is part of this Ford recall check, please use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.  

Joseph EstabilloFord recalls F-150 trucks whose airbags may fail to deploy
Ford recalls Escape SUVs over risk of rollaway

Ford recalls Escape SUVs over risk of rollaway

May 1, 2022 Joseph Estabillo

Dearborn, MI – May 1, 2022 – Ford (NYSE:F) has issued a recall for 96,015 2015 Ford Escape SUVs over a problem over a transmission issue that could cause the vehicle to roll away, increasing the risk of a crash.

Recall summary

In order to shift a car into a certain transmission, a driver pushes the shifter handle into the intended position. The handle is linked to the transmission by a shifter cable. The cable is fixed in place by a small rubber part called a bushing.

In the recalled vehicles, the bushing that connects the shift cable to the transmission may be damaged or degraded partially because of heat and humidity. When the bushing is damaged, the shift cable can disconnect from the transmission.

If the handle and the transmission are disconnected, the transmission will not respond to the driver’s input. For example, when the driver moves the gearshift lever into the Park position, the transmission might remain in Drive.

The component involved in this recall is the escape shifter cable bushing, with part number DJ5P-7E395-AC.

Recall risks

This may cause the vehicle to roll away. Similarly, the driver could attempt to shift into or out of Reverse, only to have the vehicle remain in the previous gear. Either situation could increase the risk of a crash.

Warning signs

Drivers may notice that the vehicle’s movement does not correspond to the gear they have selected, even if the correct gear is shown on the instrument panel. If the vehicle’s ignition is switched off while the transmission is not in Park, the engine will not restart.

Other Ford recalls 

In June 2021, Ford issued a similar recall for 192,080 Ford Transit Connect vans spanning the 2013 to 2021 model years. This was also over degraded bushings that caused the transmission shift cable to disconnect, making the transmission unresponsive to driver input.

Past 2015 Ford Escape recalls have addressed issues such as doors that could open while the vehicle was in motion and seat mounting bolts that could fracture.

The repair

Dealers will replace the shifter cable bushing with a more durable version and add a protective cap. The service will be performed free of charge. Ford will reimburse owners for the costs of any previous repair work involving the damaged component.

Affected owners will be notified on or before May 13, 2022.

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

More than 96,000 vehicles are included in this Ford shifter cable recall. To do a Ford recall check, please use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Joseph EstabilloFord recalls Escape SUVs over risk of rollaway
Ford recalls trucks with inoperable rearview cameras

Ford recalls trucks with inoperable rearview cameras

April 30, 2022 Bojan Popic

Dearborn, MI – April 30, 2022 – Ford (NYSE:F) is recalling 21,904 trucks whose rearview cameras may fail to display an image. This can lead to an accident while backing up, increasing the risk of injury or property damage. 

Vehicles affected by this recall include:  

  • 2019 Ford F-150
  • 2019 Ford F-250 SD
  • 2019 Ford F-350 SD
  • 2019 Ford F-450 SD
  • 2019 Ford F-550 SD

Recall summary  

All vehicles that are part of this Ford truck recall have a rearview camera which has a wiring connector. The pins inside the connector of the recalled vehicles are deformed due to a supplier error. This causes the camera to display a distorted or blank image. 

The component in question is the rearview camera, with multiple part numbers including JC3T-19G490-AD and JC3T-19G490-BD.

Recall risks

Read more about the risks of this recall and the history of rearview cameras in our recent article about a similar Stellantis recall.

Other Ford recalls

Over 78,000 of Ford Edge SUVs were recalled last month also due to malfunctioning rearview cameras, as reported.

There were at least two F-150 recalls in April. Last week, over 47,000  trucks were recalled due to faulty transmission that could cause them to shift into neutral on their own, increasing the risk of a collision. The week before, F-150s were among roughly 650,000 vehicles that were recalled due to inoperable windshield wipers, also as reported.

The repair

Dealers will replace the cameras in question with a redesigned version. Notifications to vehicle owners will be sent between May 16, 2022 and May 20, 2022 and all repairs will be done free of charge.

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

This Ford rearview camera recall is affecting more than 20,000 trucks. To do a Ford recall check and see if yours is one of them, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Bojan PopicFord recalls trucks with inoperable rearview cameras
Ford recalls trucks and SUVs whose wipers may fail

Ford recalls trucks and SUVs whose wipers may fail

April 23, 2022 Bojan Popic ,

Dearborn, MI — April 23, 2022 —   Ford (NYSE:F), which also owns the Lincoln brand, is recalling 652,996 trucks and full-size SUVs with windshield wipers that may fail to operate. This reduces drivers’ visibility, increasing the risk of a crash and injury.

A long list of affected vehicles includes: 

  • 2020–2021 Ford Expedition
  • 2020–2021 Ford F-150
  • 2020–2022 Ford F-250 SD
  • 2020–2022 Ford F-350 SD
  • 2020–2022 Ford F-450 SD
  • 2020–2022 Ford F-550 SD
  • 2020–2021 Lincoln Navigator

Recall summary  

Windshields in the recalled vehicles are inoperable because of a faulty windshield arm due to a supplier error.

The components in question are the driver-side windshield wiper arms with part numbers ML34-17527-AB or FL34-17527-AA and passenger-side wiper arms with part numbers ML34-17526-AB or FL34-17526-AB.

Recall risks

If the wipers do not work or become detached, the driver will not be able to clean off dirt or water from the vehicle’s windshield. This reduces visibility and may lead to a crash, increasing the risk of injury.

Warning signs

In some cases, windshield wipers will move erratically or slowly before failing.

Other Ford recalls

There was an F-150 recall last month, also due to inoperative windshields, as reported.

Earlier this month, there was a Lincoln Navigator recall due to malfunctioning trailer brakes, also as reported. The recall also included the 2022 F-150 and other F-series trucks, among others.

The repair

Dealers will fix the issue by replacing both wiper arms for free. Notifications to vehicle owners will be sent between April 23, 2022  and April 27, 2022.  

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

This Ford F-150 windshield wipers recall affects more than 650,000 trucks and SUVs. To do a Ford recall check and see if yours is one of them, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Bojan PopicFord recalls trucks and SUVs whose wipers may fail
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