US government investigates Ford over faulty seat belt pretensioners

US government investigates Ford over faulty seat belt pretensioners

November 27, 2024 Bojan Popic

Washington, D.C. – November 28, 2024 – The U.S. government’s auto safety regulator is investigating Ford (NYSE:F) over allegations of seat belts locking in place following a recall issued for the same issue. The alleged defect may compromise occupant protection in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.   

If the investigation leads to a recall, it could affect 112,657 2019-2020 Ford Expedition SUVs. 

Investigation summary  

The regulator, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), opened an investigation on November 15, 2024, following three complaints of seat belt retractor pretensioners deploying with no apparent reason.

What is a seat belt pretensioner?

The pretensioner is a device that deploys during a crash to tighten the seat belt against the occupant’s torso to prevent him from getting ejected from the vehicle. If it is deployed in the absence of a crash, the car occupants may not be able to use the seat belt because it may get locked in place. Conversely, if the seat belt is still usable but the pretensioner has deployed, the belt will not tighten during an accident.

Risks

Both scenarios up the risk of a serious injury in an accident.

Background of the investigation

In February 2024, Ford recalled over 77,000 Expedition and Lincoln Navigator SUVs over the same issue.

The 110,000 vehicles that are part of this investigation were not part of the initial recall but potentially have the same defect.

The investigation aims to assess whether these additional vehicles also need to be recalled.  

Other Ford recalls

Earlier this month, Ford recalled over 6,000 Mustangs whose instrument clusters would fail to illuminate.  

In September, more than 90,000 Lincoln and Ford vehicles were recalled due to “catastrophic engine damage” that could result in a stall, as reported.

Is your vehicle part of a recall?

This investigation may result in a Ford seat belt pretensioner recall, potentially affecting more than 110,000 SUVs. To do a Ford recall check and see if your car might be a part of it, please use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Bojan PopicUS government investigates Ford over faulty seat belt pretensioners
Ford recalls stalling cars following US government investigation

Ford recalls stalling cars following US government investigation

September 14, 2024 Bojan Popic ,

Dearborn, MI – September 14, 2024 – Ford (NYSE:F), which owns the Lincoln brand, is recalling 90,736 SUVs and trucks that may stall, upping the risk of a crash and injury. 

The following models – fitted with a 2.7L or 3.0L Nano EcoBoost engine – are affected:  

  • 2021 – 2022 Ford Bronco 
  • 2021 – 2022 Ford Edge
  • 2021 – 2022 Ford Explorer
  • 2021 – 2022 Ford F-150
  • 2021 – 2022 Lincoln Navigator
  • 2021 – 2022 Lincoln Nautilus 

This recall comes on the heels of a U.S. government investigation and over 1,300 customer complaints. 

Recall summary

The engine has intake and exhaust valves, which continuously open and close during engine operation. In the affected vehicles, due to a supplier error, the intake valves may break, causing “catastrophic engine damage.”  

Recall risks

A stalled vehicle is more likely to get hit, augmenting the risk of injury for everyone involved.

Warning signs

Before the engine shuts down completely, it may start “running rough”, likely triggering the check engine light on the dashboard. 

Background of the recall

The recall comes on the back of an ongoing investigation conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the U.S. government auto safety regulator, as reported.

Leading up to the recall, the manufacturer and NHTSA received 1,301 warranty complaints, as well field and customer reports. No injuries or crashes have been reported.

Other Ford recalls

Transmission glitches resulting in a loss of motive power led to a recall in June 2024, affecting close to 9,000 Ford and Lincoln SUVs, as reported.

Over 8,000 Mustangs were recalled in the same month because of a leak that could cause fire, also as reported.

The repair

Dealers will replace the engine free of charge, if needed. Owners who paid for their own repairs before the recall was issued, are set to be reimbursed as it is customary with recalls.

The owners should receive notifications between October 7, 2024, and October 11, 2024.  

Is your vehicle a part of this recall?

More than 90,000 trucks and SUVs are affected by this Ford engine stall recall. To do a Ford recall check or a Lincoln recall check and see if yours is one of them, please use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool. 

Bojan PopicFord recalls stalling cars following US government investigation
Ford recalls new Mustangs over shifting issues, fire risk

Ford recalls new Mustangs over shifting issues, fire risk

June 14, 2024 Bojan Popic

Dearborn, MI – June 14, 2024 – Ford (NYSE:F) is recalling 8,161 2024 Ford Mustang sports cars that may catch fire or have difficulty switching gears. Both conditions up the risk of a crash and injury and in fact, the recall comes on the back of two fires.

Recall summary

The clutch line in these vehicles with manual transmission is responsible for “transmitting hydraulic pressure” and brake fluid between the engine and transmission, allowing the driver to switch gears. 

Due to a supplier error,  the clutch line is not properly attached to the rest of the car. That may result in it contacting “hot exhaust components” and melting, “leaking brake fluid.”

This may cause an inability to change gears and, if the fluid touches any hot components, an engine fire. 

Recall risks

With the driver unable to shift gears, the vehicle may stall.

Separately, a fire increases the risk of injury for the occupants of the car. 

Warning signs

If the escaping brake fluid leaks onto hot engine components, it may generate smoke and a strong burning odor. 

Background of the recall

The recall comes on the back of two fires and a report of underhood smoke. No injuries or crashes have been reported.

Other Ford recalls

Issues concerning brake fluid were the cause of another Mustang recall, which took place in December 2023 and affected nearly 200,000 cars. 

Earlier this month, close to 9,000 Ford and Lincoln SUVs were recalled over loss of power, as reported.

The repair

Dealers will repair clutch pressure lines free of charge.

The owners should receive notifications on June 17, 2024. 

Is your vehicle a part of this recall?

Over 8,000 muscle cars are affected by this Mustang clutch recall. To do a Ford recall check and see if yours is one of them, please use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Bojan PopicFord recalls new Mustangs over shifting issues, fire risk
Ford recalls Maverick, Corsair cars over loss of power

Ford recalls Maverick, Corsair cars over loss of power

June 7, 2024 Bojan Popic ,

Dearborn, MI – June 7, 2024 – Ford (NYSE:F), which owns the Lincoln brand, is recalling 8,727 hybrid SUVs and pickup trucks that may stall. This ups the crash risk and injury, especially in fast-moving traffic. 

The recall comes on the back of hundreds of warranty claims and encompasses the following vehicles:

  • 2022 – 2024 Ford Maverick
  • 2021 – 2022 Lincoln Corsair
  • 2020 – 2022 Ford Escape

Recall summary

The listed vehicles’ transmission is controlled by a small computer called the Hybrid Powertrain Control Module (HPCM). 

A glitch in the module’s software may result in the transmission shifting into neutral. Even after shifting into gear once again, the car will go into the “limp home” mode, with its power output being significantly limited.     

Recall risks

If the car loses power, it may get hit from behind, upping the risk of an injury for everyone involved.

Warning signs

The driver may notice a flashing “Drive” sign on the gear indicator. The instrument panel may also display a wrench-shaped warning accompanied by a chime.    

Background of the recall

The recall comes on the heels of 315 warranty claims and 125 vehicle owner questionnaires. No injuries or crashes have been reported.

Other Ford recalls

These Ford Maverick pickups may have also been affected by a recall from January 2024, caused by inoperable turn signals. 

On a separate note, an instrument panel that may fail to illuminate was the reason why Ford recalled several models in August 2023, including Escape SUVs. 

The repair

Dealers will update the HPCM software free of charge. 

The owners should receive their notifications between May 23, 2024, and May 24, 2024.  

Is your vehicle a part of this recall?

This Ford transmission recall affects nearly 9,000 hybrid SUVs and pickup trucks. To do a Ford recall check and see if yours is one of them, please use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Bojan PopicFord recalls Maverick, Corsair cars over loss of power
Ford recalls Maverick trucks over reduced visibility

Ford recalls Maverick trucks over reduced visibility

May 28, 2024 Bojan Popic

Dearborn, MI – May 28, 2024 – Ford (NYSE:F) is recalling 242,669 2022-2024 Ford Maverick pickup trucks whose tail lights may disengage on their own. This makes the vehicles less visible on the road, upping the chances of a crash and injury.  

Recall summary

The listed trucks are fitted with a computer called the Body Control Module (BCM), which turns the lights on and off and monitors their voltage. Due to a programming error, this module may falsely detect that one or both tail light bulbs are using too much electricity and shut them down to prevent over-current.

Recall risks

The truck whose tail lights are out is less likely to be spotted by other motorists, who may crash into it, increasing the risk of an injury. 

Other Ford recalls

This is not the first issue that Ford Mavericks have with the Body Control Module. Back in January 2024, these trucks were recalled because their turn signals would fail to engage, as reported.

A month ago, in April 2024, Ford recalled nearly 10,000 Bronco SUVs because their child locks were defective.

The repair

Dealers will update the BCM version free of charge. 

The owners should be notified between May 20, 2024, and May 24, 2024.  

Is your vehicle a part of this recall?

Almost a quarter of a million trucks are affected by this Ford tail lights recall. To do a Ford recall check and see if yours is one of them, please use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Bojan PopicFord recalls Maverick trucks over reduced visibility

Ford recalls Bronco SUVs over defective child locks

April 4, 2024 Joseph Estabillo

Dearborn, MI  – April 4, 2024 – Ford (NYSE:F) is recalling 9,847 2023-2024 Bronco 4-door SUVs due to malfunctioning child safety locks. The issue raises the risk of injuries to child passengers.

Recall summary  

A child safety lock prevents children from accidentally opening the vehicle’s rear doors from the inside. A switch on the door’s edge must be engaged to activate this feature.

On the affected vehicles, a manufacturing error may result in left rear door opening when a passenger pulls on the handle from the inside, despite the child lock being engaged.

Recall risks

All risks concerning a faulty child safety door lock are explained in this report about a similar Bronco recall by Ford.  

Other Ford recalls

In January 2024, Ford recalled Maverick pickups due to faulty turn signal warnings, as reported.

In February 2024, Ford also recalled around 1.9 million SUVs because of detaching exterior trims, also as reported.  

The repair

Dealers will replace the child safety lock mechanisms free of charge. Ford will reimburse owners who had repairs done before the recall was announced.  

Owners should receive letters with more information on April 19, 2024. 

Is your vehicle a part of this recall?

Close to 10,000 SUVs are affected by this Ford child safety lock recall. To do a Ford recall check and see if yours is one of them, please use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Joseph EstabilloFord recalls Bronco SUVs over defective child locks
Ford recalls almost 2 million Explorer SUVs over fly-away trim

Ford recalls almost 2 million Explorer SUVs over fly-away trim   

February 15, 2024 Bojan Popic

Dearborn, MI – February 15, 2024 – Ford (NYSE:F) is recalling close to 1.9 million 2011-2019 Ford Explorer SUVs because a piece of exterior trim may detach while driving and create road debris. This increases the risk of a crash and injury. 

This recall follows a U.S. government investigation caused by several incidents involving trim pieces flying away from these vehicles. 

Recall summary  

The listed SUVs have a plastic trim surrounding the windshield, which is held in place with clip attachments. In the affected vehicles, the trim was not seated properly and may become loose and detach while driving. 

Recall risks

The trim may become a “road hazard” and increase the risk of a crash.

Background of the recall

The recall comes on the back of a U.S. government investigation started in January 2023 after the auto safety regulator, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), received over 150 complaints about the fly-away trims. There have been several instances of drivers behind the Explorers “momentarily” losing control of their cars while trying to evade the object. 

Warning signs

The driver may notice the trim is not seated correctly or hear it rattle while driving.  

Other Ford recalls

Last month, Ford recalled close to 190,000 Maverick pickup trucks whose turn signals may fail to operate. 

On a separate note, there is an ongoing issue with Explorer SUVs that may stall or roll away, with the latest recall caused by this issue taking place in October 2023.  

The repair

The dealers will replace A-pillar trims repairs are free of charge.  

Owners should receive letters with more information between March 13, 2024, and March 25, 2024. 

Is your vehicle a part of this recall?

Almost 2 million of Ford’s popular SUVs are affected by this fly-away trim recall. To do a Ford recall check and see if yours is one of them, please use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Bojan PopicFord recalls almost 2 million Explorer SUVs over fly-away trim   
Ford recalls cars over engine failure, power loss

Ford recalls cars over engine failure, power loss

February 7, 2024 Bojan Popic

Dearborn, MI – February 7, 2024 – Ford (NYSE:F) is recalling 139,730 cars that may stall because of engine failure. This greatly augments the risk of a crash and injury. 

 Vehicles affected by this recall include: 

  • 2018  –  2022 Ford Ecosport
  • 2016  –  2018 Ford Focus 

The recall comes on the heels of an ongoing U.S. government investigation, thousands of warranty claims and at least one crash.  Replacement parts are currently not available.

Recall summary  

The engine’s internal parts are lubricated with oil, which is circulated under pressure by an oil pump. In the affected vehicles, parts of the pump may “fracture” and “degrade,” leaving the engine without sufficient lubrication and consequently causing its failure and a vehicle shutdown. 

The car may also lose power brake assist.

Only vehicles with a 1.0-liter gasoline engine are affected by this issue.   

Recall risks

For the risks of stall, please refer to this article about a Chevrolet Volt investigation due to a similar issue. For the risks pertaining to the loss of power brake assist, please see this article about a related Nissan recall.

Warning signs

Leading up to the failure, the driver may notice “low oil pressure” and check engine warnings on the dashboard, accompanied by deceleration.  If the engine does fail, the driver should hear “loud noises” coming from the engine bay. 

Background of the recall

The recall comes on the back of an ongoing investigation conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the U.S. government auto safety regulator.

The investigation was spurred by 95 complaints drivers alleging engine failure. Leading up to the recall, the manufacturer also received over 2,000 warranty claims and became aware of one crash that resulted in two injuries. 

Other Ford recalls 

In December 2023, several compact Ford and Lincoln models were recalled because their doors would open while driving. 

Earlier this month, Ford recalled close to 200,000 Maverick pickup trucks over faulty turn signals, as reported.

The repair

Dealers will replace the faulty parts of the pump free of charge.

Owners will receive letters acknowledging the recall in mid-February and will be notified once again once the remedy is available between April and June of 2024.

Is your vehicle a part of this recall?

This Ford oil pump recall affects more than 130,000 cars. To do a Ford recall check and see if your vehicle is one of them, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Bojan PopicFord recalls cars over engine failure, power loss
Ford recalls Maverick pickups over faulty turn signal warning

Ford recalls Maverick pickups over faulty turn signal warning 

January 15, 2024 Joseph Estabillo

Dearborn, MI  – January 12, 2024 – Ford (NYSE:F) has issued a recall for 189,814 2022-2024 Maverick pickups for their failure to warn drivers when the vehicles’ turn signal lamps stop working. This ups the risk of a crash and injury.

Recall summary  

The Ford Maverick rear lights use two turn signal bulbs on each side. A computer called the Body Control Module (BCM) controls these bulbs, such that when a turn signal bulb on one side is not working, the second bulb will flash more quickly, accompanied by a dashboard warning to alert the driver of the first bulb’s failure.  

In the affected vehicles, the BCM’s software is unable to detect when a bulb failure occurs. As a result, the other working bulb will continue to flash at the normal rate.

Recall risks

Other road users may also not be alerted when the vehicle makes a turn or lane change, augmenting the risk of a crash and injury.   

Other Ford recalls

In June 2023, Ford recalled more than 175,000 2021–2023 Bronco SUVs over unusable front seat belt latches, as reported.

In September 2023, Ford recalled over 8,000 2023 Edge SUVs because of excessively bright headlights that could blind oncoming drivers at night, also as reported.

The repair

Dealers will fix the issue by reconfiguring the BCM in the affected vehicles free of charge. Ford will reimburse owners who paid for their own repairs before the recall announcement.

Owners will receive letters with more information by January 5, 2024. 

Is your vehicle a part of this recall?

Almost 190,000 vehicles are affected by this Ford turn signal recall. To do a Ford recall check and see if yours is one of them, please use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Joseph EstabilloFord recalls Maverick pickups over faulty turn signal warning 
Ford issues second recall for Fiesta, Fusion cars whose doors may open while driving

Ford issues second recall for Fiesta, Fusion cars whose doors may open while driving 

December 30, 2023 Bojan Popic ,

Dearborn, MI  – December 30, 2023 – Ford (NYSE:F), which owns the Lincoln brand, is recalling 45,173 cars whose doors may open while driving, upping the risk of injury. 

The following models are affected by this recall: 

  • 2015 Ford Fiesta
  • 2016 Ford Fusion
  • 2016 Lincoln MKZ

This is an expansion of a previous recall over the same defect, which dates back to 2020.  Only vehicles sold in states with “high ambient temperatures” are affected.

Recall summary  

The doors in a car stay shut due to a latching mechanism. Due to a supplier error, this mechanism may partially or completely break apart in the listed vehicles, causing the doors not to close securely or open while driving. 

The full list of the affected states is available here.

Recall risks

An unsecured door may open while driving, augmenting the risk of injury.

Warning signs

The driver or passengers may notice that the doors “bounce off” instead of closing, and it may take several attempts to shut them properly. They may also see the “Door ajar” warning on the dashboard and perceive “increased wind noise.”

Background of the recall

The first recall for the issue was done in March 2020. At that time, the manufacturer believed that only vehicles produced from November 2013 to late April 2015 had the faulty part. However, that turned out to be incorrect, which prompted Ford to issue the present recall.

The recall comes on the back of multiple owner complaints and warranty claims. No injuries or accidents have been reported.

Other Ford recalls

Some of these cars may have been affected by a recall from March 2023, which was caused by leaking front brakes. 

Door latch issues were also the cause of a recent Ford Transit Connect recall, which took place in August 2023, as reported.  

The repair

Dealers will check the door latches and replace them free of charge.

Owners should receive letters with more information between December 4, 2023 and December 8, 2023. 

Is your vehicle a part of this recall?

More than 40,000 cars are affected by this door latch Ford recall. To do a Ford recall check and see if yours is one of them, please use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Bojan PopicFord issues second recall for Fiesta, Fusion cars whose doors may open while driving 
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