Ford recalls Transit vans over inoperative HVAC controls

Dearborn, MI – November 8, 2022 – Ford (NYSE:F) is recalling 31,339 vehicles with inoperative heating, ventilation and air-conditioning (HVAC) system controls, which may lead to reduced visibility under certain weather conditions. This increases the risk of a crash.

This recall includes the 2022-2023 Ford Transit vehicles.

Recall summary

The Ford Transit HVAC system includes not only heating and cooling, but also the defog and defrost function, which blows air onto the windshield to clear condensation or frost.

Due to a software error, the HVAC system in the subject vehicles may stop responding to its controls.

The component in question is the software for the remote climate control module, with part numbers NK4T-18C612-AC and NK4T-18C612-BC.

Recall risks

The inability to control the defrost or defog function may limit the driver’s ability to see through the windshield, upping the risk of a crash and injury.

Other recent Ford recalls

In October, more than 11,000 Maverick pickup trucks were recalled due to brake lights that could illuminate even when the brakes were not in use. This could be confusing to other motorists and increase the risk of a crash.

In the same month, nearly 300,000 Ford and Lincoln vehicles were recalled over a cloudy rearview camera image. Any interference or obstruction to the driver’s rear view could lead to a crash, especially when reversing.

Among other Ford Transit recalls was one in mid-June, when more than 30,000 vehicles were recalled over an instrument panel malfunction

The repair

To remedy the Ford HVAC issue, dealers will perform an update on the remote climate control module software at no cost to owners.

Owners will be notified of the remedy program between November 7, 2022 and November 14, 2022.

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

More than 30,000 vehicles are included in this recall. To perform a Ford recall check on your vehicle, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Senamile NkosiFord recalls Transit vans over inoperative HVAC controls

Is your Ford vehicle part of recall?

Dearborn, MI – October 31, 2022 – In 2022, Ford (NYSE:F) has been subject to 57 recalls, affecting 7.5 million vehicles. In addition to the recalls, Ford has faced one lawsuit and three investigations.

Read on to see if your vehicle is affected.

Lawsuit

In late July, Ford was sued over 2021 Lincoln Navigator and Expedition SUVs that may catch fire. Owners of the vehicles argued that Ford “either knew or should have known” about the defect relating to more than 66,000 vehicles well before the recall was issued.

Investigations  

The company is subject to three investigations, which could result in additional recalls.

In the beginning of September, the U.S government auto safety regulator – the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) – opened an investigation into brake fluid leaks affecting 2013-2018 Ford Fusion and Lincoln MKZ vehicles. Approximately 1.73 million vehicles could be recalled as a result.

In mid-June, a Ford investigation was launched after a dealer allegedly sold a 2021 Ford Escape compact crossover SUV, which was part of a recall at the time. The sale of a car that is being recalled is illegal.

Prior to that in early June, the regulator launched an investigation into 25,538 2021 Ford Bronco vehicles that may stall. 

Recalls

Ford fire risk recalls

A total of 708,788 Ford vehicles were recalled due to fire risk.  

In April, 345,451 Escape and Bronco Sport SUVs were recalled because of an engine fault that could lead to a fire. This was prompted by at least 21 warranty claims and reports of fire. 

In early September, 198,482 vehicles were recalled over a faulty motor, indicated by the smell of something burning or smoke emerging from the instrument panel vents.

Other fire-related Ford recalls include one in July affecting 100,689 vehicles, an SUV recall affecting 39,013 vehicles, a truck recall affecting 19,697 vehicles, as well as a Maverick pickup truck recall affecting 5,456 vehicles.

Ford rollaway issues

Several recalls also transpired due to the risk of cars rolling away into the oncoming traffic.

The biggest Ford recall this year was in mid-June. The recall affected 2.9 million vehicles and was prompted by several reports of property damage and injuries caused by the issue

Prior to that in April, 391,836 vehicles had a trailer brakes issue, increasing the stopping distance and potentially causing harm

Ford truck recalls

One of the most recent Ford truck recalls was in August, where 58,203 F-150 trucks had a rollaway and stalling issue. This was attributed to a fracture in the driveshaft, which transfers engine power to the wheels.

In May, Ford F-Series trucks were recalled due to an issue with the transmission, which could lead to the subject vehicles rolling away when parked. This recall affected 23,165 heavy duty trucks.

Ford Bronco recalls

In July, 63,294 Ford Bronco and Ranger vehicles were recalled over windshields that could detach. The cause of the issue was yet to be confirmed. 

Another one of this year’s Ford Bronco recalls was in June, where 53,103 vehicles were recalled over faulty child lock concerns

Is your Ford vehicle part of a recall?

This year alone, over 55 Ford recalls have been issued. To do a Ford recall check to see if your vehicle is affected by any of them, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool

Senamile NkosiIs your Ford vehicle part of recall?

Ford issues recall over cloudy rearview camera image

Dearborn, MI – October 20, 2022 – Ford (NYSE:F) is recalling 277,040 vehicles whose rearview camera images may become cloudy, making it hard to see obstacles behind the vehicle and increasing the risk of a crash.

The recall includes the following vehicles:

  • 2017 – 2020 Ford F-250 SD
  • 2017 – 2020 Ford F-350 SD
  • 2017 – 2020 Ford F-450 SD
  • 2017 – 2020 Lincoln Continental 

Recall summary

The subject vehicles have a 360-degree camera system, which allows drivers to get a complete view of their surroundings. Due to a “degradation of the camera’s anti-reflective lens coating” the rearview camera image may become foggy.

The components in question are the rearview cameras, with part numbers HC3T-19G490-DH and GD9T-19G490-BH.

Recall risks

A foggy or cloudy rearview camera image can reduce the driver’s ability to see behind the vehicle..

Warning signs

Over time, the clarity of the rearview camera image may worsen as a result of being exposed to UV radiation.

Other recent Ford and Lincoln recalls and investigations

Other Ford truck recalls include one in August, when more than 50,000 Ford F-150 trucks were recalled over a risk of stalling and rolling away. There was another F-150 recall in June over missing tire information, as reported.  

Earlier this month, Ford recalled nearly 200,000 SUVs over fire risk caused by a problem with the air conditioner’s motor.

The U.S. government is investigating Ford over brake fluid leaks, which could lead to longer stopping distances, increasing the risk of a crash. The investigation was prompted by 50 complaints about the issue, as well as a crash that allegedly resulted from it.

Repair

To remedy the issue, Ford and Lincoln dealers will replace the rearview camera at no cost to the owners.

Owners were notified about the repair program between September 12, 2022 and September 16, 2022. 

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

More than a quarter of a million vehicles are included in this Ford rearview camera recall. To perform a Ford recall check on your vehicle, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Senamile NkosiFord issues recall over cloudy rearview camera image

Ford recalls vehicles with flickering parking lights

Dearborn, MI – October 2, 2022 – Ford (NYSE:F) is recalling 86,050 vehicles whose parking lights may flicker when the headlights are on. This increases the risk of a crash and injury.

This Ford recall includes the following vehicles:

  • 2022 – 2023 Ford Bronco Sport
  • 2022 Ford F-150

Recall summary

The subject vehicles’ parking lights flicker in certain circumstances, such as when the headlights are in automatic mode and it becomes dark enough for the “night mode” to be triggered.

The component in question is the LED driver module, with part number NC5A-13B626-FB.

Recall risks

Flickering parking lights can reduce visibility or cause a distraction, increasing the risk of a crash and injury.

Other recent Ford recalls

Earlier this month, Ford recalled nearly 200,000 SUVs over fire risk caused by a problem with the air conditioner’s motor.

One of the most recent Ford truck recalls was in August, when more than 50,000 Ford F-150 trucks were recalled over a risk of stalling and rolling away. This was attributed to a fracture in the driveshaft. 

The same month, more than 60,000 Ford Mavericks were recalled over airbags that do not deploy properly. The cause of the fault is still being investigated. 

Repair

To remedy the parking lights issues, dealers will either replace or reprogram the LED driver module at no cost to owners. Owners will be notified about the repair program between October 31, 2022 and November 4, 2022.

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

Nearly 90,000 vehicles are included in this Ford recall. To perform a recall check on your vehicle, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Senamile NkosiFord recalls vehicles with flickering parking lights

Ford recalls SUVs over A/C failure, fire risk

Dearborn, MI – September 4, 2022 – Ford (NYSE:F) has issued a recall for 198,482 SUVs over a faulty motor which powers the cars’ air conditioning. Its failure may lead to a fire, increasing the risk of injury to the car occupants.

The recall covers the following models: 

  • 2015 – 2017 Ford Expedition
  • 2015 – 2017 Lincoln Navigator 

Recall summary

The air conditioning used by cars relies on a blower motor mounted behind the glove box. This motor is responsible for providing ventilation inside the cabin when the windows are closed, by blowing air through the dashboard vents.     

In the affected vehicles, the front blower motor may fail during operation due to unknown reasons.

The component involved in this recall is the blower motor and wheel assembly with part number CL14-19846-AA. 

Recall risks

The defective motor may present an increased risk of fire to the vehicle’s interior. This also increases the danger of a crash or injury.  

Warning signs

The fan may stop working. In addition to that, the driver may perceive a “burning smell” or see smoke coming from the instrument panel vents while the vehicle’s engine is running. 

Other Ford recalls and lawsuits

Ford is facing a lawsuit regarding alleged defects on the Expedition and Lincoln Navigator SUV models. The allegations stem from complaints that the company failed to promptly recall the vehicles involved in the lawsuit.

The 2020-2021 Ford Expedition and Lincoln Navigator were also included in an earlier recall issued in April 2022 due to faulty windshield wipers, as reported.

Repair

Dealers will replace the front blower motor assembly with a new and improved component. The repair will be done free of charge, and Ford will reimburse customers who paid for their own repairs prior to the recall being issued. 

Affected owners will be notified on or around September 16, 2022. 

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

More than 198,000 vehicles are included in this Ford Expedition and Lincoln Navigator blower motor recall. To see if your vehicle is affected, run a Ford or Lincoln recall check using MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.  

Joseph EstabilloFord recalls SUVs over A/C failure, fire risk

US government investigates Ford over brake fluid leaks

Washington, D.C. – September 4, 2022 – The U.S. government’s auto safety regulator is investigating Ford (NYSE:F) over Ford Fusion and Lincoln MKZ cars that may leak brake fluid. This may lead to longer stopping distances, increasing the risk of a crash and injury. 

If the investigation leads to a recall, it could affect an estimated 1.73 million vehicles, including: 

  • 2013 – 2018 Ford Fusion
  • 2013 – 2018 Ford Fusion Hybrid
  • 2013 – 2018 Lincoln MKZ 
  • 2013 – 2018 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid

Investigation summary  

The regulator, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), opened an investigation on August 8, 2022, following 50 complaints about brake fluid leaks and one crash allegedly caused by such a leak. The leaks are caused by the rupture of brake hoses, which transfer and multiply the force applied to the brake pedal to activate the brakes.

The investigation comes on the heels of an August 2020 recall that was conducted for the same issue and included the 2016-2018 Lincoln MKX and 2015-2018 Ford Edge vehicles. The goal of the investigation is to evaluate “the adequacy” of the recall and see if the Fusion and MKZ cars need to be included as well.

Complaints

Complaints indicate that the front brake lines rupture without warning, causing a sudden brake fluid leak. Drivers have reported that the brake pedal became soft, accompanied by a noticeable drop in braking effect. One driver crashed the vehicle while trying to stop because of this failure.

Risks

A leaking brake line will affect the performance of the vehicle’s brakes. In addition, if left unchecked, this leak may result in a loss of brake fluid severe enough to render all brakes inoperable. Both situations increase the braking distance, upping the risk of a crash and injury.  

Other Ford and Lincoln recalls 

There was a Ford Edge recall in June this year due to the risk of these cars rolling away because of transmission issues. The recall also included Escape, Fusion and C-Max cars and was conducted for at least the fifth time in the past four years, as reported.

There was a Lincoln recall for Aviator SUVs due to the risk of electrical fire, also as reported.

Is your vehicle part of a recall?

This investigation may eventually lead to a Ford brake recall, possibly affecting over 1.7 million vehicles. To do a Ford recall check and see if your car might be a part of it, bookmark MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Bojan PopicUS government investigates Ford over brake fluid leaks

Ford recalls F-150s that may stall and roll away

Dearborn, MI August 20, 2022 – Ford (NYSE:F) is recalling 58,203 2021-2022 Ford F-150 trucks that may roll away and stall due to a fracture of one of the most important components of the car – the driveshaft.

This recall only affects the Crew Cab models with a 4×4 drive and 145” wheelbase and can increase the risk of injury for the car occupants and people around them.

Recall summary  

Underbody insulators are sheets that reduce the road noise inside the cabin. The driveshaft is a component that connects the transmission and differential, effectively transferring the engine power to the wheels and propelling the vehicle forward.

The insulators were installed on the affected vehicles by mistake and could become loose. 

When that happens, they can come into contact with the driveshafts beneath it and scratch them. This could damage the driveshaft and eventually fracture it.

Recall risks

With a snapped driveshaft, the truck will not be able to transfer the engine to its wheels and may lose power. In addition, it may also roll away if the parking brake is not engaged.

Warning signs

Besides noticing one or both insulators hanging below the vehicle, drivers may hear a rattling or clicking noise that only appears while driving.  In addition, scratches may be visible on the driveshaft. 

Other Ford truck recalls

A large batch of trucks with properly installed insulators was recalled over an identical issue in December 2021

Among more recent Ford F-150 recalls, one from May 2022, caused by airbag issues, is the latest one

The repair

Dealers will check if the truck has underbody insulators, and if it does, secure them in place using suitable fasteners. In addition, they will inspect the driveshaft for any signs of damage. The repair is free of charge. 

Truck owners will be notified between September 5, 2022, and September 9, 2022.  

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

These Ford driveshaft issues are causing more than 50,000 trucks to be recalled. To do a Ford recall check and see if yours is one of them, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Bojan PopicFord recalls F-150s that may stall and roll away

Ford recalls Mavericks over faulty airbags

Dearborn, MI – August 20, 2022 – Ford (NYSE:F) is recalling 64,974 vehicles over deficient side curtain airbag performance, which increases the risk of injury in a crash.

The recall includes the 2022 Ford Maverick trucks.

Recall summary

Side curtain airbags inflate between the seat occupant and the door and window, helping to prevent injury and ejection, especially in a side-impact or rollover accident. In the subject vehicles, these airbags do not deploy properly.

The root cause of the issue is still being investigated.

The components in question are the left and right air curtain module assemblies, with part numbers LZ6B-E042D95-AD and LZ6B-E042D94-AD.

Recall risks

These airbags may be less effective at preventing injury or ejection in a crash.

Other recent Ford and Lincoln recalls

Ford, which owns the Lincoln brand, is being sued over an alleged delay in a recall involving the 2021 Ford Expedition and 2021 Lincoln Navigator vehicles. The subject vehicles were recalled over fire risk; however, the owners are arguing that Ford “either knew or should have known” about the defect well before the recall was issued.

There have been five Ford Maverick recalls since the model’s debut. In the latest, in mid-July, Ford issued a recall over fire risk that affected more than 100,000 vehicles, including the 2022 Maverick vehicles. The vehicles’ engines could fail and burst into flames, posing a risk to those in and around the vehicle.

In addition to the Ford truck recalls, earlier in July, the 2022 Ford Bronco and 2022 Ford Ranger SUVs were recalled because of windshields that could detach in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.

Repair

To remedy the issue, Ford and Lincoln dealers will replace the side curtain airbag modules with a newer version. This will be at no cost to the owners.

Owners will be notified about the repair program between September 22, 2022 and September 28, 2022. 

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

More than 60,000 vehicles are included in this Ford airbag recall. To perform a Ford recall check on your vehicle, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Senamile NkosiFord recalls Mavericks over faulty airbags

Ford sued over Lincoln Navigator and Expedition SUVs that may catch fire

Dearborn, MI July 24, 2022 – Ford (NYSE:F), which owns the Lincoln brand, is being sued over allegations that it should have known that the vehicles it recently recalled were defective and that it waited too long to launch the said recall.

The allegations are based on reports of fire and consequent damage which plaintiffs experienced even when the vehicle was turned off.

The lawsuit is coming on the back of a recall for the following vehicles:

  • 2021 Ford Expedition
  • 2021 Lincoln Navigator

The events that led to this Ford lawsuit  

Vehicles listed above can catch fire while driving or when parked and turned off. In total, 21 SUVs have burst into flames so far, with one of the events leading to an injury. 

Ford first recalled 39,000 of these models in May 2022. The manufacturer, however, did not reveal the source of the problem or the fix for it. Instead, it advised drivers to “park away from structures.”

Earlier this month, the recall was expanded to 66,221 cars, according to a press release. The cause of the issue is believed to be defective “printed circuit boards” which are “uniquely susceptible” to short-circuiting and fires. The repair for some of the vehicles will involve replacing the vehicles’ electronic circuit control center and only one-third of the recalled vehicles can be repaired now.

The allegations

A total of 22 plaintiffs sued Ford on June 7 in the Michigan Eastern District Court and amended the complaint earlier this month on the back of the recall expansion. They are claiming that Ford’s approach to the recall and the fire issue are inadequate in several ways.

First, Ford “either knew or should have known” of the fire defect before it launched the vehicles but “did nothing” to warn consumers of it. Instead, it waited “months” to launch the recall.

In addition, while the fix for the majority of the cars is not available, the manufacturer made no attempts to provide loaner vehicles or offer reimbursements to the owners who still have to make payments on the purchase. These are now considered unusable by some owners because of the risk of fire. 

Lastly, there is a worry that not all affected vehicles are included in the current recall. This claim is backed up by the case of one of the plaintiffs whose 2021 Ford Expedition XLT burst into flames in front of his home last month. This particular vehicle, however, is not a part of the recalled population, because it was built in December 2021, while the recall only includes cars built between July 27, 2020 and August 31, 2021.

The plaintiffs are alleging that by engaging in the actions described above, Ford violated multiple state and federal consumer protection laws, including the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act.

The asks 

In this Ford engine fire lawsuit, plaintiffs are looking for “restitution,”  including the reimbursement of the purchase price of the vehicles, as well as any damages and other costs associated with the lawsuit. 

They are also asking for a jury trial to help decide their case. 

Recall risks

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

Is your vehicle part of a recall?

Over 66,000 Ford and Lincoln SUVs are affected by this Ford recall lawsuit. However, this number might increase in the future. To check on other Ford Expedition recalls or Lincoln Navigator recalls, go to MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Bojan PopicFord sued over Lincoln Navigator and Expedition SUVs that may catch fire

Ford issues sweeping recall for C-Max, Edge cars that may roll away

Dearborn, MI – June 26, 2022 – Ford (NYSE:F) is recalling 2,925,968 vehicles that may roll away while in Park.

This is the fifth recall in the past four years due to this issue for some of the model-years involved. It comes on the heels of several reports of property damage and injuries associated with this defect.​​  

 The list of vehicles affected by this recall includes: 

  • 2013 – 2018 Ford C-Max
  • 2015 – 2018 Ford Edge
  • 2013 – 2019 Ford Escape 
  • 2013 – 2016 Ford Fusion
  • 2013 – 2021 Ford Transit Connect 

Recall summary  

A damaged or detached part called bushing may cause the gear shift lever to disconnect from the transmission. As a result, the transmission could fail to shift into the correct gear in response to the shifter. If the shifter is in the Park position but the transmission is not, the vehicle could roll away.

The component in question is the shift cable bushing, with component number 7E395. 

Background of the recall

This is the fifth time some of the model-years included in this recall are being recalled due to the same issue. The first recall occurred in 2018 and included the 2013-2014 Ford Escape and 2013-2016 Ford Fusion vehicles.  That recall was later expanded in 2019 as Ford identified “two distinct vehicle populations” with deteriorated bushings either due to a supplier error or unknown causes.

In May of this year, there was a Ford Escape recall due to deteriorated bushings, this time because of heat and humidity, as reported.

Finally, this recall follows the discovery of additional claims alleging failure of said bushings, as well property damage and injuries. The root cause is unknown but may be connected with heat and humidity just like in the May recall.

Warning signs 

Drivers may notice that the gear shift lever does not put the vehicle into the correct gear or that the dashboard instrument panel shows a different gear than the shifter position indicates. If the vehicle is turned off when the shifter is in Park but the transmission is in a different gear, the vehicle will not restart.

Recall risks

Vehicle rollaway increases the risk of a crash, injury, and property damage. 

Other Ford recalls 

Among other relevant Ford Fusion Recalls, one from January 2022, caused by issues with the brake pedal, is the most recent. 

The 2022 Transit vans were just recalled due to malfunctioning instrument panel, as reported.

The repair

Dealers will replace the affected bushings with a redesigned part and add a protective cap. This repair is free of charge. 

Notifications to owners will be sent on June 27, 2022. 

Is your vehicle a part of this recall?

This large-scale Ford rollaway recall affects almost three million vehicles. To do a Ford recall check and see if yours is one of them, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Bojan PopicFord issues sweeping recall for C-Max, Edge cars that may roll away