Ford recalls trucks over fire risk

Dearborn, MI – January 23, 2022 –  Ford (NYSE:F) is recalling 19,697 trucks that may develop a fuel leak. This can cause a fire, increasing the risk of a crash and injury. Trucks that are part of this recall include:

  • 2021 Ford F-250 SD 
  • 2021 Ford F-350 SD 
  • 2021 Ford F-450 SD 
  • 2021 Ford F-550 SD
  • 2021 Ford F-600 SD
  • 2021 Ford F-650  
  • 2021 Ford F-750

Recall summary  

All trucks from this list are equipped with a 6.7L diesel engine with a pair of fuel filters, which protect the engine from debris and rust. Due to “foreign material” mixed with the material the filter is made from, the affected vehicles’ secondary fuel filter may develop a small crack, which may cause a fuel leak under the hood.     

The component in question is the secondary diesel fuel filter with part number LC34-9150-AA. 

Recall risks

Fuel that is leaking inside the engine compartment can come in contact with hot components, such as an exhaust manifold or turbocharger. Although not flammable as gasoline, diesel fuel can still ignite, causing vehicle fire, which carries several risks. For more on what to do if your car catches fire, please refer to this article about a Mazda recall due to the same risk.

Warning signs 

If a leak develops, drivers and passengers may notice a strong fuel smell coming from under the hood. In addition, a leak may be severe enough to trigger the “Check Engine” light on the dashboard. 

Other  Ford recalls 

Some of the Ford F-350 SD trucks from this recall may have been affected by a driveshaft issue from September last year. Additionally, there was a recall in August, caused by the possibility of the trucks’ wheels falling off the car. Ford advised owners not to drive the truck if it were affected. Check if yours is by using MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

The repair

Dealers will rectify this problem by replacing both fuel filters. Notifications about this replacement will be sent to vehicle owners between February 21, 2022, and February 25, 2022. All repairs will be done free of charge

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

This Ford fuel filter recall is affecting almost 20,000 trucks. To do a Ford recall check and see if your Super Duty truck is one of them, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Bojan PopicFord recalls trucks over fire risk

Ford tells owners not to drive F-series pickups with wheels that may fall off

Dearborn, MI – August 2, 2021 – Ford (NYSE:F) has recalled 17,616 pickup trucks with potentially loose wheel hub extenders that may cause the wheel to fall off of the car. This defect is serious enough where Ford is telling owners NOT TO DRIVE the car, even to the dealership.

It includes the following vehicles:

  • 2021 Ford F350 SD pickups
  • 2021 Ford F450 SD pickups
  • 2021 Ford F550 SD pickups
  • 2021 Ford F600 SD pickups

Recall summary 

The recall concerns the front wheel hub extender, which extends the size of the wheel hub on pickups with wide front body axles and dual rear wheels. The extenders – that are typically used for aesthetic purposes or to provide more stability while driving – may not be screwed in all the way.

Background of the recall

The Michigan factory where the trucks’ axles were assembled has an “automated torque station” that checks to make sure everything is screwed in properly. Ford believes the recalled trucks must have bypassed this checkpoint and estimates that 80% of the recalled trucks have loose hub extenders.

Risks

This defect puts the wheel hub extenders and the wheels at risk of detaching from the truck, greatly increasing the risk of a crash. Ford has received two reports of wheels falling off trucks as a result of this flaw. Neither resulted in an accident or injuries.

Detached wheels not only put the driver at risk of losing control, but the tires themselves become a dangerous, fast-moving road hazard that could cause other cars to crash.

Warning signs

According to the manufacturer, drivers might, while driving, experience vibration and noise, as the nuts loosen.

The repair

The risks posed by this defect are high enough that Ford is telling owners NOT to drive their recalled car — not even to the dealership. Dealers have been told to send someone out to fix the car, and if this is not possible, to tow the car to the dealership. The dealer will check that the hub extenders are screwed in properly. If the hub extenders are loose, the dealer will tighten them. This inspection and repair, including necessary towing services, will be offered free of charge.

Owner notifications and instructions

Ford mailed notifications to owners in mid-June. The notifications include instructions for car-savvy owners on how to perform the inspection/repair themselves.

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

Over 17,000 vehicles are included in this Ford recall. Check your truck for Ford recalls using MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Rebecca RandFord tells owners not to drive F-series pickups with wheels that may fall off