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 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
Ford recalls vehicle over trailer brakes issues

Ford recalls vehicle over trailer brakes issues

April 5, 2022 Bojan Popic ,

Dearborn, MI – April 5, 2022 – Ford (NYSE:F) has recalled 391,836 trucks and SUVs over malfunctioning trailer brakes. This may increase the stopping distance, increasing the risk of a crash and injury.

Vehicles affected by this recall include:  

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

Recall summary  

All vehicles from this list have a control module that activates the brakes on the trailer when one is attached. Because of a software error, trailer brakes may fail to engage when the driver intends for them to be applied.

The component in question is the software for “Integrated Trailer Relay Module,” with part numbers NZ6T-19J297-AB for the Maverick and  MU5T-19J297-DG for the rest of the affected vehicles. 

Recall risks

Inoperable trailer brakes may increase stopping distance, especially when the trailer is loaded. This could result in a crash, increasing the risk of an injury. There are no warning signs that would alert the driver to the possibility of a malfunction.

Other Ford recalls

Last month, there was an F-150 recall caused by faulty windshield wipers, as reported.

At this time, there are no other Lincoln Navigator recalls that affect the 2022 model-year. However, the 2016-2017 model-years were recently recalled due to decreased brake performance because of a brake fluid leak.

The repair

To fix this issue, dealers will reprogram the trailer brake control module with an updated software version free of charge. Notifications to vehicle owners will be sent between April 18, 2022 and April 22, 2022. 

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

This Ford truck recall affects more than 350,000 vehicles. To do a Ford recall check and see if yours is one of them, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Bojan PopicFord recalls vehicle over trailer brakes issues
Ford recalls vehicles because of decreased brake performance

Ford recalls vehicles because of decreased brake performance

March 27, 2022 Bojan Popic ,

Dearborn, MI – March 27, 2022 – Ford (NYSE:F) is recalling 280,923 vehicles because of a leak within the brake system that may affect its performance. This can prolong the stopping distance, increasing the risk of a crash and injury. Vehicles that are a part of this recall include:  

  • 2016 – 2017 Ford Expedition
  • 2016 – 2018 Ford F-150
  • 2016 – 2017 Lincoln Navigator 

This recall only affects vehicles that have a 3.5L Ecoboost engine.   

Recall summary  

The brake master cylinder in the recalled vehicles – whose job is to generate the hydraulic pressure that activates the brakes  – may leak brake fluid into the brake booster, which is a component that boosts brakes’ power. 

The leak could increase brake pedal resistance, requiring more effort from the driver when pressing it. If ignored long enough, it may even cause the front brakes to stop completely working. 

Background of the recall

The leak is a result of “brake fluid contamination” but it is not clear what caused the contamination.

The component in question is the Brake Master Cylinder, with part numbers JL34-2A032-AC for F-150 and HL14-2A032-AA for Expedition or Navigator. 

Recall risks

Increased pedal resistance may prolong stopping distance while inoperative front brakes will dramatically augment the risk of a crash.

Warning signs

Warning symbols and messages will appear on the dashboard, together with an audible chime, if brake fluid levels drop below a certain threshold. 

Other Ford and Lincoln recalls

Besides this brake issue, some of these vehicles may have been affected by a recent Ford F-150 recall caused by inadequately secured tailgates. Although there are no other Lincoln Navigator recalls that are affecting these particular vehicles, some of their smaller models are affected by ongoing rearview camera issues. 

The repair

To fix the issue, Ford and Lincoln authorized dealers will replace the suspected brake master cylinder with an improved one. Notifications to vehicle owners will be sent between May 25 and May 29, 2022. 

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

This Ford brake issue is affecting more than 250,000 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 vehicles because of decreased brake performance
Ford recalls Mustang, Fusion cars over faulty brake lights, rollaway risk

Ford recalls Mustang, Fusion cars over faulty brake lights, rollaway risk

January 23, 2022 Rebecca Rand ,

Dearborn, MI – January 23, 2022 – Ford (NYSE:F) has recalled 199,085 vehicles with a brake issue that increases the risk of a rollaway and also means that the brake lights may be “continuously” on, increasing the risk of an accident.

The recall applies only to vehicles sold or registered in Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, Virginia and Hawaii, and includes the following models :

  • 2015 Ford Mustang
  • 2014 – 2015 Ford Fusion 
  • 2014 – 2015 Lincoln MKZ

Recall summary  

The recall stems from an issue with the brake pedal stop bumper, which helps properly activate the brake lights when the brake pedal is pressed. Due to higher temperatures, humidity and salinity in the states where the vehicles are being recalled, the rubber that the bumper is made out of disintegrates “after several years in service,” according to Ford.

As a result, these vehicles can be started without “depressing the brake,” increasing the risk of a rollaway. Additionally the missing bumper may also result in the brake lights being constantly on.

The component in question is the brake pedal assembly with multiple part numbers, found here.

Recall risks

The rollaway can up the risk of a back-over accident that can lead to property damage and injuries for everyone involved. The illuminated brake lights can confuse other drivers, also augmenting the risk of a crash.

Other Ford recalls

Earlier this month, there was a Ford Mustang recall for improperly attached seat belts, as reported. The recall also included Mach-E vehicles. Rollaway risks were also a concern for 4,548 2020 Ford Transit vans, also recalled earlier this month.

The repair

Dealers will replace the recalled cars’ brake pedal and clutch pedal bumpers for free. Owners will be notified about the recall by mail starting on March 3, 2022. 

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

Nearly 200,000 vehicles are included in this Ford recall. To run a Ford recall check on  your car, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Rebecca RandFord recalls Mustang, Fusion cars over faulty brake lights, rollaway risk
Ford recalls vehicles with faulty rearview cameras

Ford recalls vehicles with faulty rearview cameras

October 10, 2021 Bojan Popic ,

Dearborn, MI – October 10, 2021 – Ford (NYSE: F) – that owns the Lincoln brand – is recalling 228,297 vehicles whose infotainment system may fail to display the image from the rearview camera. This increases the risk of a crash and injury. Affected vehicles include: 

  • 2020 Ford Explorer
  • 2021 Ford Explorer
  • 2020 Lincoln Aviator 
  • 2021 Lincoln Aviator 
  • 2020 Lincoln Corsair 
  • 2021 Lincoln Corsair 

Recall summary  

Cars that are part of this Ford recall have a SYNC infotainment system that shows a 360° image around the vehicle.  The rearview camera may occasionally fail to display the image, limiting drivers’ visibility while backing up the vehicle. 

Recall risks

Limited visibility while backing up the vehicle increases the risk of a crash, which can lead to property damage or injury to people behind the car, especially small children.  The risk is even greater when the driver relies solely on the rearview camera when going in reverse. Read more about the history of rearview cameras in our recent article about a similar Stellantis recall.

Other Ford recalls

A wide range of Ford and Lincoln models is having various problems with rearview cameras and other software glitches for some time now. This even caused the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to open an investigation into how the manufacturer handled a recent recall related to the matter.

There were several other Ford Explorer recalls recently as well. In September, for example, over 640,000 2013 – 2017 Ford Explorers were recalled for the fourth time since 2016 due to possible steering loss caused by faulty suspension.

There is also a recent Lincoln Aviator recall, which deals with a wiring issue that could cause electrical fire.

The repair

Ford and Lincoln authorized dealers will fix the problem by updating the software that controls the image processing module (IPMB). Notifications about the repair were sent to vehicle owners from October 7, 2021. 

Is your vehicle a part of this recall?

This recall includes more than 220,000 Ford and Lincoln vehicles. To check for this and other recalls, use  MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Bojan PopicFord recalls vehicles with faulty rearview cameras
Ford recalls Bronco Sport, Escape and Corsair cars that may stall

Ford recalls Bronco Sport, Escape and Corsair cars that may stall

September 25, 2021 Vishal Venugopal ,

Dearborn, MI – September 25, 2021 – Ford (NYSE:F) has issued a recall for 13,334 cars from its 2021 and 2022 line-up to fix an engine stalling issue. Stalling on the road can result in a crash, increasing the risk of an injury for both the occupants of the car in question and nearby drivers.

The affected models include the following SUVs and light vehicles:

  • 2021 – 2022 Ford Bronco Sport
  • 2021 Ford Escape
  • 2021 Lincoln Corsair

The component in question is the “fuel delivery module” with part numbers LX61-9H307-TC/BC and LX61-9H307-BC/YB.

Recall summary

The affected vehicles are fitted with a faulty fuel delivery module, which is the part that pumps fuel from the fuel tank to the engine. Owing to a manufacturing error, the wall of the fuel tube inside the module may be too thin which can cause the module to leak inside the fuel tank. This can result in a drop in fuel pressure to the engine, causing it to stall. It can also prevent the engine from starting in the first place. 

Recall risks

If the engine loses power while driving, it can increase the risk of another vehicle crashing into the stalled car, resulting in an injury. 

Other Ford recalls

Ford Explorer recalls include four recalls over the past five years for multiple model-years because of faulty suspension which can cause the driver to lose control of the vehicle. Loss of control – albeit because of a different issue – is behind another recent Ford recall that, in addition to Ford Explorers,  includes Taurus sedans and Edge SUVs.

The 2021 Ford Explorer was recalled in August for improper deployment of side airbags and in December of last year for a  potential loss of power.

The repair

Lincoln and Ford dealers will replace the fuel delivery module, free of charge. 

Owners will be notified between October 4 and October 8, 2021.

Is your vehicle part of the recall?

To see if your vehicle is a part of this Ford Escape, Lincoln Corsair, and Ford Bronco recall, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Vishal VenugopalFord recalls Bronco Sport, Escape and Corsair cars that may stall
US government scrutinizes recent Ford rearview camera recall

US government scrutinizes recent Ford rearview camera recall

August 27, 2021 Rebecca Rand ,

Washington, DC – August 27, 2021 – The arm of the U.S. government that regulates vehicle safety is conducting an investigation to determine whether Ford (NYSE:F) timely and adequately handled a recent recall related to faulty rearview cameras.

The investigation is examining all models included in the original Ford recall of 620,246 cars, which launched in September of last year:

  • Ford F series trucks, including the 2020 Ford F-150, F-250 SD, F-350 SD, F-450 SD, F-550 SD trucks
  • 2020 Ford Explorer SUVs
  • 2020 Ford Mustang vehicles
  • 2020 Ford Transit vans
  • 2020 Ford Expedition SUVs
  • 2020 Ford Escape  SUVs
  • 2020 Ford Ranger trucks
  • 2020 Ford Edge SUVs
  • 2020 Lincoln Nautilus crossovers
  • 2020 Lincoln Corsair compact SUVs

Summary  

The regulator, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), opened an investigation on August 3 to evaluate the “timeliness and scope” of Ford’s recall process, as well as whether the company complied with all the reporting requirements mandated by law. 

Prior to the investigation and the original September recall, NHTSA received 14 complaints alleging rearview camera malfunction on Escape, Lincoln Corsair and F-150 vehicles. It is not clear whether these vehicles were included in the original recall or what specifically prompted the regulator to open the investigation.

Long wait for repairs

Owners, however, have been complaining about long wait-times for repairs, and several drivers allege that their Fords have identical backup camera problems, but their vehicle was not included in the recall. Both sets of complaints point to potential issues with Ford’s ability to offer repairs to all the right cars in a timely manner.

The parts for some of the vehicles included in the original recall were on the back order as recently as this month, despite the fact that Ford announced that the repair was available last November.

Vehicle ‘full of gremlins’

At least one owner alleged that the failure of the backup camera system also caused “the forward-collision warning [turn] on by itself, ​​causing the vehicle” to abruptly stop in the middle of the road. Another driver succinctly summarized the issues he or she was having by stating that the vehicle was “full of gremlins” and needed to be “heavily watched.”

Next steps

NHTSA will investigate whether the recall needs to be expanded or adjusted. The agency did not disclose how long this process is expected to take. If NHTSA decides the recall took too long or failed to include all the cars in need of repairs, it may issue fines against Ford.

Original recall

The original recall concerned the back-up camera display, which would sometimes go blank and fail to show drivers what was behind the car, as reported. As of July 23, 2021, close to 289,000 recalled vehicles were repaired, according to information provided to NHTSA by Ford.

Other Ford recalls

In April 2020, the company recalled Ford Rangers because the gear position display may be inaccurate, which could cause a crash. The company recalled Ford Mustangs five months later over an issue with faulty brake pedals.

In 2019 and 2020, there were six 2020 F-150 Ford recalls –  apart from the one that is being investigated – including one “reduced seat back strength” and faulty daytime lights, according to NHTSA records.

Is your vehicle part of this recall or a future recall?

Over 620,000 vehicles are implicated in NHTSA’s investigation into Ford. Check back for any updates using MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Rebecca RandUS government scrutinizes recent Ford rearview camera recall
Ford recalls Lincoln Aviators for risk of electrical fire

Ford recalls Lincoln Aviators for risk of electrical fire

August 26, 2021 Rebecca Rand ,

Dearborn, MI – August 26, 2021 – Ford (NYSE:F) has recalled 33,298 luxury SUVs with a wiring issue that could cause an electrical fire. The recall includes 2020 – 2021 Lincoln Aviator SUVs with 3.0L gasoline engines and concerns a faulty wiring harness.

Recall summary  

The recalled Lincoln Aviators use something called a wiring harness to secure the many wires in the car so that they do not rub against one another or other parts of the car or get bent out of shape. This makes sure the insulating rubber does not get worn down, exposing live wires and damaging various electronics in the SUV. 

Due to a design error, one of the wiring harnesses in the recalled cars might not be secured properly, potentially putting the wires in contact with the compressor of the car air conditioning (A/C) system, which is one of the most important parts of the A/C.

This can result in the damage to the A/C and also cause a short-circuit that can grow into a car fire.

Lincoln and Ford recalls

This is not the first batch of Ford or Lincoln cars recently affected by faulty wiring harnesses. About two years ago, the automaker recalled over 10,000 2020 Ford Explorers for a near-identical issue with the wiring harness and the air conditioner pulley. Lincoln MKX and Nautilus cars were recalled a year ago for a wiring harness defect affecting the airbags.

The 2020 Lincoln Aviator has been recalled ten times in total, including this recall. Prior to the wiring harness issue, the car has been recalled for the loss of the rearview camera image and due to the risk of rollaway, fuel leaks and fire, as reported.

Risks

Read  more about the risks of vehicle fires, and what to do if one occurs, in this article about a fire-related BMW recall.

The repair

Ford and Lincoln dealers will install a tie strap to secure the faulty wiring harness out the way. Dealers will also check the wiring harness and air conditioner compressor belt for damage and repair them, if needed. All these services are provided free of charge. Owners should have been notified by mail between July 30 and August 6.

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

Over 33,000 vehicles are included in this Ford Lincoln recall. To see if your SUV is one of them, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Rebecca RandFord recalls Lincoln Aviators for risk of electrical fire
Ford recalls Lincoln Aviators over faulty backup camera display

Ford recalls Lincoln Aviators over faulty backup camera display

April 9, 2021 Rebecca Rand ,

Dearborn, MI – April 9, 2021 – Ford  (NYSE:F) – which owns the Lincoln brand – has recalled 34,952 luxury SUVs  whose backup camera displays may stop working. The recall includes the 2020 Lincoln Aviator and the 2021 Lincoln Aviator.

The affected part is called the “Image Processing Module – B” and has multiple part numbers, including  LC5T-19H423-AF and LC5T-19H423-AG.

Recall summary  

The image processing module helps process everything the backup camera is “seeing” behind the car, displaying it on the screen up front. Due to a software issue in the recalled Aviators, the module might fail to transmit the video feed to the car’s display screen.

As a result, the driver may see a “blank” or “distorted” image.

Risks

A rearview camera that fails to display what is behind the car reduces the driver’s rear visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.

All cars built after mid-2018 are required to have functioning backup  cameras.  Read more about backup camera safety in this article about malfunctioning cameras in Nissan cars.

Other Ford backup camera recalls

In September, Ford recalled over 600,000 vehicles for a similar issue, as reported. The recall included Lincoln Nautilus crossovers and Lincoln Corsair compact SUVs.

The repair

Ford and Lincoln dealers will update the image processing module’s software for free. Ford will send owners notification letters with more information about when and how to get the repair starting May 19.  

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

Nearly 35,000 vehicles are included in this Lincoln recall. To perform a Ford recall check, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Rebecca RandFord recalls Lincoln Aviators over faulty backup camera display
Recall Lookup
Enter your vehicle(s) below to check the current recall status.

Recent Posts

Archives

Categories