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

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

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 

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 

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 

Ford recalls Mustangs due to reduced braking performance

Dearborn, MI  – December 4, 2023 – Ford (NYSE:F) is recalling 187,922 2020-2023 Mustang vehicles, as they may fail to warn the driver when the brake fluid level is low. This could impact braking performance and augment the risk of a crash.

Recall summary  

A computer called the Body Control Module (BCM) is normally hardwired to the brake fluid sensor and illuminates the “red brake warning indicator” when the fluid is getting low.

In the affected vehicles, the BCM is incorrectly linked to a different communications network, which may result in the BCM not activating the indicator when the fluid is running out.

Recall risks

Failure to top up braking fluid may lead to “softer” brakes and longer stopping distances, which augment the risk of a crash.

In more severe cases, the loss can result in inoperative brakes, as reported.

Other Ford recalls

In July 2023, Ford issued a recall for 14,452 Fusion plug-in hybrid vehicles due to a battery problem that can increase the likelihood of engine stalls or fire.  

In August 2023, Ford recalled a number of models including the Escape and the F-Series pickup due to faulty instrument panels.  

The repair

Dealers will fix the issue by reconfiguring the BCM on the affected vehicles free of charge. The automaker will reimburse the customers who paid for their repairs prior to the recall being issued.

Owners will receive letters with more information by December 8, 2023. 

Is your vehicle a part of this recall?

Over 180,000 vehicles are affected by this Ford brake fluid 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 Mustangs due to reduced braking performance

Ford issues third recall for Ford Explorer SUVs that may lose power or roll away  

Dearborn, MI – October 31, 2023 – Ford (NYSE:F) is recalling 238,364 2020-2022 Ford Explorer SUVs that may stall or roll away. Both situations increase the risk of a crash and injury. 

The recall comes on the heels of an U.S. government investigation, a driver sliding into a pole and a multitude of customer complaints.

Recall summary  

Part of the drivetrain – called driveshaft – may disconnect from the rear axle, which is responsible for transmitting power to the vehicle’s rear wheels and moving the car forward. The disconnection is caused by a bolt which may fracture due to a supplier error.

Background of the recall 

Ford recalled the majority of the affected vehicles last May, as reported. In some cases, instead of replacing the bolt, the manufacturer opted to deploy a software update which was designed the get the parking brake engaged to prevent rollaway once the vehicle stopped moving. The update did not address the stall issue and it later turned out that some of the involved vehicles received the update that did not even result in the engagement of the parking brake when needed.

This caused Ford to issue another recall to release the correct software update.

Amidst the recalls, the U.S. government auto safety regulator, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) launched an investigation after receiving two complaints alleging the loss of motive power in vehicles that have undergone repair.

The agency concluded that the software remedy was inadequate and ordered the present recall.

Recall risks

All the risks correspondent to a stall are described in this article about a related Mercedes-Benz recall.

A rollaway may lead to the vehicle hitting a stationary object, like a pole, which is exactly what happened to one of the drivers who filed a NHTSA complaint that led to this recall. No injuries were reported in that case but, overall, the defect did result in nearly 400 complaints and close to two dozen rollaway or stalling incidents .

Warning signs

The driver may hear “loud, grinding, binding, or clunking noises” coming from the back of the vehicle. 

Other Ford recalls

Drivetrain failure and corresponding rollaway were the cause of a recent Ford recall affecting a batch of heavy-duty pickup trucks

More than a three-quarter of a million F-150 trucks were recalled in August 2023 because their parking brakes would engage on their own. 

The repair

Dealers will replace the bushing and the bolt that holds the rear axle with a stronger one. In addition, they will check the axle’s cover for damage and replace it if necessary. 

This repair will be free of charge. 

Owners should be notified between November 6, 2023  and November 10, 2023. 

Is your vehicle a part of this recall?

This Ford rollaway recall affects almost a quarter of a million SUVs. 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 third recall for Ford Explorer SUVs that may lose power or roll away  

US government upgrades and expands Ford Bronco engine failure investigation 

Washington, D.C. October 15, 2023 – The U.S. government auto safety regulator has expanded its investigation of Ford (NYSE:F) vehicles that may suffer from engine failure to include 683,000 more cars. The investigation was also upgraded to dig deeper into the issues and determine if a recall is warranted.

The following cars are under scrutiny:

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

Investigation summary  

The regulator, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), opened the preliminary investigation in June 2022, following 32 complaints about Ford Bronco SUVs with 2.7L EcoBoost engines that would suddenly stall and not restart afterwards.

The investigation originally included around 25,000 vehicles.

As part of the process, NHTSA requested information about a broader subset of vehicles equipped with the said engine. The agency then discovered not only a multitude of complaints and engine exchanges but also that the defect potentially affected cars across the so-called “Nano” family which also included cars with the 3.0L EcoBoost engine.

On September 29, 2023, the investigation was upgraded to the so-called engineering analysis and expanded to include a total of 708,000 cars. The upgrade means that NHTSA will dig deeper into the issues to understand if the defect warrants a recall.

What has been found so far?

During the preliminary investigation, the regulator found out the likely culprit was an engine valve that was made from material that could become too fragile if overheated during the manufacturing process. This would cause the valves to break apart during operation and damage the engine.

Risks

A vehicle whose engine cuts out may lose power steering and brake assist, making it harder to maneuver and upping the risk of a crash. Additionally, the car may stall without prior warning and get hit by other motorists.

Other Ford recalls

In July 2023, Fusion Plug-in Hybrids vehicles (PHEV) were recalled because they could stall or catch on fire, as reported.

Some of the F-150 trucks listed here may have been affected by a recall from August 2023 caused by unintentional parking brake activation

Ford is also being investigated over allegedly faulty front doors that may not shut properly

Is your vehicle part of a recall?

This investigation may eventually lead to a Ford engine stall recall, potentially affecting more than 700,000 SUVs and trucks. To do a Lincoln or Ford recall check and see if your vehicle might be a part of it, please use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Bojan PopicUS government upgrades and expands Ford Bronco engine failure investigation 

Ford recalls heavy-duty trucks and vans over rollaway risk  

Dearborn, MI – September 30, 2023 – Ford (NYSE:F) is recalling 5,795 heavy-duty pickup trucks and full-size vans whose transmissions may not shift into Park as intended. This may cause them to roll away, increasing the risk of a crash and injury. 

The recall comes on the back of multiple driver complaints and affects the following vehicles:

  • 2024 – 2025 Ford E-350
  • 2024 – 2025 Ford F-650 SD
  • 2024 – 2025 Ford F-750 SD

Recall summary  

In order to hold the vehicle in place while stationary, automatic transmissions are fitted with a locking mechanism, which is engaged every time the driver selects “Park”. 

The transmission in the affected trucks and vans may develop “transmission fluid leakage, noise and vibration” due a “casting defect” which may cause a valve to get stuck in the open position.

Over time, this may cause damage to the transmission’s internal parts, including the park gear engagement mechanism. As a result, the transmission may not shift into “Park” when needed. 

Recall risks

If “Park” is not engaged, the vehicle may roll away and crash into other objects or pedestrians. 

Warning signs

The driver may notice a leak under the vehicle as the transmission fluid drips out. In addition, the driver could feel unusual vibrations or hear loud noises while driving. 

Background of the recall

The recall comes on the back of 95 warranty claims and field reports. No injuries or accidents have been reported.

Other Ford recalls

Parking brake issues were the cause of a Ford recall that took place in August 2023, affecting a large batch of F-150 trucks

Earlier in the month, Ford recalled Edge SUVs whose headlights are too bright.

The repair

Dealers will check the transmission for the presence of metal shavings, and replace it if there are any. Otherwise, the valve and the part of the transmission which caused issues will be replaced with an upgraded version. 

The repair and inspection are free of charge. 

Owners should be notified between October 30, 2023 and November 3, 2023. 

Is your vehicle a part of this recall?

Almost 6,000 trucks and vans are affected by this Ford rollaway 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 heavy-duty trucks and vans over rollaway risk  

Ford recalls Edge SUVs over excessively bright headlights

Dearborn, MI – September 19, 2023 – Ford (NYSE:F) is recalling 8,523 2023 Edge SUVs over headlamps that may be too bright. The issue could increase the risk of a crash.

Recall summary  

In the affected vehicles, the front right headlamp is brighter than what is currently allowed by the existing regulations or is “misaimed.”

The component involved is the right headlamp assembly with part number KT4B-13W029/30-C.     

Recall risks

The defect may cause glare to oncoming drivers, leading to a higher risk of a crash.  

Other Ford recalls

In June 2023, Ford recalled over 16,000 F-150 pickups with reverse lights that “could flicker or stop working altogether,” as reported.

In July 2023, Ford announced a recall for Fusion Plug-In Hybrid Vehicles (PHEV) over an issue with the vehicle’s battery which could result in a fire. The recall followed multiple fires and warranty claims. 

The repair

Dealers will inspect and replace the front headlamp assembly free of charge. Ford will reimburse owners who paid for their own repairs before the recall was announced. 

Owners will receive letters with more information on October 9, 2023.  

Is your vehicle a part of this recall?

More than 8,000 vehicles are affected by this Ford headlamp 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 Edge SUVs over excessively bright headlights

Ford recalls F-150s whose parking brakes may activate on their own   

Dearborn, MI – August 19, 2023 – Ford (NYSE:F) is recalling 870,701 2021-2023 Ford F-150 pickup trucks with a single exhaust system over unexpected parking brake activation. This may lead to a crash, upping the risk of an injury.  

The recall comes on the back of almost 1,000 warranty claims and field reports.

Recall summary  

All listed vehicles are equipped with an electric parking brake, which is activated at the push of a button, while the mechanical work is performed by an electric motor. 

In the affected trucks, the wiring that connects to the said motor may rub against the rear axle, which is a shaft that delivers power to the car’s wheels, propelling the car forward.

Over time, this may damage the wires and cause a short circuit, which would result in the inadvertent application of the parking brake.

Recall risks

Unexpected parking brake activation while driving may block the rear wheels and destabilize the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash and injury. 

Warning signs 

If the parking brake is activated, there will be a corresponding warning light and message on the dashboard. 

Background of the recall

The recall comes on the heels of 918 warranty claims and three field reports alleging unexpected application. No injuries or crashes have been reported.

Other Ford recalls

Earlier this month, Ford recalled close to 40,000 super-duty pickup trucks and SUVs because of faulty instrument panels, as reported.

Separately, some of the F-150s involved in the current recalle may have been affected by a recall from November 2022 caused by windshield wiper issues

The repair

Dealers will replace the wiring harness with an upgraded one if it is damaged. If it is not, dealers will use protective wrap to prevent damage. All repairs will be free of charge.

Owners should be notified between September 11, 2023 and September 15, 2023. 

Is your vehicle a part of this recall?

This Ford parking brake recall affects more than 850,000 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 F-150s whose parking brakes may activate on their own