Ford recalls Mustang vehicles over loss of safety features

Dearborn, MI – June 18, 2022 – Ford (NYSE:F) has issued a recall for 25,032 2019 and 2020 Ford Mustangs equipped with 5.0L engines and manual transmissions. One of the most important parts of the car, the powertrain control module (PCM) may send out a faulty signal, which could disable the reverse lights, backup camera or driver-assist features, increasing the risk of a crash.

Recall summary

The PCM is a device that controls over 100 functions performed by the vehicle’s engine and transmission based on the information it receives from various sensors. For example, the PCM ensures that the right amount of fuel is injected into the engine and that the vehicle shifts appropriately to ensure smooth driving.

In the affected 2019 and 2020 Ford Mustang vehicles, a software error could cause the PCM to send the wrong signals, resulting in important functions – such as the rear camera, reverse lights or driver-assist features – being disabled.

Recall risks

The loss of the rear camera or reverse lights would reduce the driver’s ability to see behind the vehicle and increase the risk of hitting an obstacle.  An error related to driver assist features could cause the transmission to shift incorrectly, disable the traction control system or prevent the forward collision warning from engaging, increasing the risk of a crash.

Warning signs

Drivers may notice a warning light on the dashboard, accompanied by a message that indicates which function has been disabled. 

Other Ford recalls 

Other Ford PCM recalls include one in April for more than 47,000 2021 F-150 pickup trucks also over a problem with the powertrain control module.

Also part of recent Ford Mustang recalls is an announcement last February involving over 330,000 vehicles for the 2015 to 2017 model years. This is in connection with faulty rearview cameras that either display a distorted image or none at all during reverse.

The repair

Dealers will update the PCM software on the affected vehicles at no charge to customers.  Ford will reimburse customers for related repairs made  before the recall was issued for these Ford electric issues.

Affected owners will be notified by mail between June 13, 2022 and June 17, 2022.

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

More than 25,000 vehicles are included in this Ford Mustang recall. To see if your car is affected, run a Ford recall check using MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.  

Joseph EstabilloFord recalls Mustang vehicles over loss of safety features

Ford recalls Transit Connect vans due to engine fire risk

Pleasanton, CA – November 20, 2020 – Ford (NYSE:F) is recalling 2,903 Transit Connect vans with incorrect control software settings that may cause the engine to overheat and could lead to a fire. The recall includes 2019-2020 Transit Connect vans with 2.5L engines and concerns the following components:

  • Powertrain Control Module (PCM) Calibration 
    • R07, #KV6A-12A650-PF 
    • R21, #KV6A-12A650-AEC 
    • R25, #KV6A-12A650-APB 
    • R31, #KV6A-12A650-AJ

Recall summary

The Powertrain Control Module (PCM) is “the brain” of the car that controls over 100 elements.  Usually, the PCM is programmed to enter a “failsafe” mode that will cool the vehicle down if the engine gets too hot. Due to a software calibration issue, however, the software in the recalled vehicles may not trigger the failsafe mode until temperatures exceed safe limits. Running the van at this high temperature could damage the engine or even cause a fire.

This is the second recall for Ford 2020 Transit vans this fall. In September, over 54,000 vans were recalled because of faulty rearview cameras that displayed a “distorted or blank image.”

Safety concerns

The U.S. Fire Administration 2019 Report on Fire in the United States stated that equipment failures accounted for at least 20% of vehicle fires between 2009 and 2017.  

Vehicle fires are a fairly common occurrence that can pose a great risk to the occupants of the vehicle, as well as passerbys. For tips on what to do if your car catches fire, please visit this page.

Repair

To fix the issue, dealers will reprogram the PCM software. The recall started on October 26 and is free of charge.

Is your vehicle affected by this recall?

Nearly 3,000 vehicles are included in this Ford recall. To see if your car is one of them, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Rebecca RandFord recalls Transit Connect vans due to engine fire risk