Ford recalls vehicles with defective fuel pumps

 

Dearborn, Mich. – July 11, 2018 – Ford Motor Company has recalled more than 5,600 vehicles potentially equipped with defective fuel pump assemblies, according to documentation submitted to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration. The campaign affects models across multiple brands, including:

  • 2018 Ford Expedition sport utility vehicles produced between March 14, 2018, and April 12, 2018.
  • 2018 Ford F-150 pickup trucks produced between March 14, 2018, and April 24, 2018.
  • 2018 Lincoln Navigator sport utility vehicles produced between Feb. 20, 2018, and May 6, 2018.

The American automaker is unsure how many of the recalled vehicles actually contain defective components.

The Defect

Affected vehicles contain high-pressure fuel pump assemblies with potentially problematic welds connecting pump housings and mounting flanges. These joints may experience high-cycle fatigue and eventually crack. In the event that such separation occurs, the sealing integrity of nearby cam covers may be compromised, resulting in oil spillage and increasing the likelihood of engine fire. The defect therefore poses a serious hazard to occupants. However, Ford has yet to receive reports connecting the defective fuel pump assemblies to any accidents or injuries.

Timeline of Events

Members of the Ford Critical Concern Review Group convened in May 2018 to discuss an internal quality assurance report that detailed multiple instances in which high-pressure fuel pumps were welded with misaligned lasers, resulting in problematic welds joining the pump housings and mounting flanges. Pump supplier Robert Bosch had spotted the issue and informed QA personnel, who then brought the issue to the attention of the CCR.

Following the CCR meeting, Ford initiated tests to determine the engineering impact of the potentially defective parts. This inquiry revealed that weld breakage and subsequent oil spillage were possible. A computer simulation confirmed this finding. The Ford Field Review Committee took up the issue June 4, 2018, and decided that a voluntary safety recall was necessary.

Ford notified dealers of the forthcoming action June 12, 2018.

The Solution

The car manufacturer will replace the high-pressure fuel pumps in affected vehicles free of charge, according to an NHTSA recall acknowledgment document. Ford intends to reach out to owners via first-class mail between July 16, 2018, and July 20, 2018. Owners in need of assistance prior to the start of the campaign can connect with Ford customer service personnel by calling (866) 436-7332. Callers should use the internal recall reference code 18S17. Individuals in possession of the recalled vehicles also contact the NHTSA directly using the agency’s Vehicle Safety Hotline at (888) 327-4236.

Sean ReyesFord recalls vehicles with defective fuel pumps