Ford Recalls

The Ford Motor Company has announced the following recalls for its Escape, Bronco Sport, Lincoln Corsair, and Maverick vehicles:

2020-2023 Escapes and 2021-2023 Bronco Sport equipped with 1.5 liter engines.  The fuel injectors in these vehicles can crack and develop a fuel leak.  The resulting fuel leakage can ignite causing an underhood fire.  521,778 vehicles have been recalled and Ford intends to update the engine control software to indicate when a fuel leak occurs. Ford also will install a drain tube to channel fuel away from a hot engine surface.  Owner notification is expected to begin on December 19, 2022.  Ford’s recall number for this recall is 22S73.  It should be noted that this recall applies to vehicles repaired under campaign # 22V-191.  Vehicles previously repaired will have to have the new remedy installed. 

2020-2022 Escape, 2021-2022 Lincoln Corsair, and 2022 Maverick vehicles equipped with 2.5 liter HEV or PHEV engines.  Engine oil and fuel vapors can accumulate in the engine compartment.  These vapors, in the presence of an ignition source, can ignite and cause an engine fire.  Owners are advised to shut down their vehicles as soon as possible if they hear any unusual engine noises, sense a reduction in power, or see smoke.  Ford dealers will modify the under engine shield and active grille shutter free of charge.  Ford’s recall number for this recall is 22S47.  It is expected that 100,689 vehicles will be affected by this recall.  Owner notification began on August 19, 2022.

2020-2022 Escape and 2021-2022 Bronco Sport equipped with 1.5 liter engines.  The engine oil separator housing can crack and leak oil.  This recall is expected to affect 345,451 vehicles.  Owners should take their vehicles to their dealer for a free inspection.  If necessary, dealers will replace the oil separator and seals, free of charge.  Ford’s number for this recall is 22S21. Owner notification began on April 18, 2022.   

For additional information on any of these recalls, owners can contact Ford by calling 1-866-436-7332 and referencing the Ford recall number of the particular recall.

Ford Recalls Escape, Others for Roll-Away Problem

The Ford Motor company is recalling approximately 2.9 million vehicles as a result of a problem with the transmission shift cable. This recall applies to the following vehicles: 2013 to 2019 Escape, 2013-2018 C Max, 2013 to 2016 Fusion, 2013 to 2021 Transit Connect, and 2015 to 2018 Edge. The problem with these vehicles is that the transmission shift cable uses a bushing to connect the cable to the transmission, which can fail. Once the cable has detached, there is no communication link between the transmission and the vehicle. Consequently, the vehicle can roll, in an unexpected direction, and crash. Ford intends to replace the bushing and add a protective cap at no cost to the vehicle owner. Ford also intends to begin notifying owners beginning on June 27. For additional information, owners can contact ford by calling toll free 1-866-436-7332. Ford’s identification number for this recall is 22S43.

Ford Recalls Vehicles for Brakes and Driveshaft

The Ford Motor Company has recalled 2021-2022 Bronco Sport and Escape vehicles as a result of the faulty manufacture of the rear brake linings.  The linings do not meet the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 135 and as a result, vehicles require longer stopping distances.  The remedy for this particular recall is currently under development and Ford was expected to begin notifying owners on January 10, 2022.  The number of vehicles involved in this recall is approximately 114,996.  Ford’s identification number for this recall is 21C31.  For additional information, owners can contact Ford by calling 1-866-436-7332 and referring to Ford’ recall number. 

Ford has also announced the recall of 184,698 F 150 pickup trucks, year models 2021-2022.  The problem with these trucks is that heat and noise insulating shields can loosen and make contact with the driveshaft.  Contact with the driveshaft can cause damage to the driveshaft that could also lead to a fracture type failure.  Owners should take their vehicles to a Ford dealer for a free inspection.  If repair is necessary, then the dealer will repair the vehicle free of charge.  Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed on January 31, 2022.  For additional information, owners can contact Ford by calling 1-866-436-7332 and referencing recall number 21S56.     

Ford Recalls Vehicles for Latch and Brake Issues

The Ford Motor Company has issued a recall for approximately 2.1 million vehicles with a door latch issue.  The latch issue was previously addressed under recall numbers 15S16 and 16S30.  While some of the door latches might have been replaced under one of the two recalls, not all of the latches were replaced or replaced correctly.  As a result, some of the latch pawl spring tabs are still cracking or failing under high thermal loads (combination of air temperature and solar radiation). Owners will be given the opportunity to have a dealer inspect the latch or verify the latch code themselves and validate the repair online.  The following vehicles are affected:

2011 – 2014 Ford Fiesta built at Cuautitlan plant between Jan 26, 2010 and Oct 31, 2013

2012 – 2015 Ford Focus built at Michigan plant between Oct 4, 2010 and Jan 31, 2015

2013 – 2014 Ford Fusion built at Hermosillo plant between May 11, 2012 and Oct 31, 2013

2013 – 2014 Ford Lincoln MKZ built at Hermosillo plant, between July 19, 2012 and Oct 31, 2013

2013 – 2015 Ford Escape built at Louisville plant between Dec 23, 2011 and Jan 31, 2015

2013 – 2015 Ford C-Max built at Michigan plant between Feb 2, 2012 and Jan 31, 2015

2014 Ford Fusion built at the Flat Rock assembly plant between June 18, 2013 and Oct 31, 2013

2014 – 2016 Ford Transit Connect built at Valencia Plant between August 9, 2013 and Feb 1, 2016 

2015 Ford Mustang built at Flat Rock plant between Feb 14, 2014 and April 30, 2015

2015 Lincoln MKC built at Louisville plant between Nov 18, 2013 and Jan 31, 2015

For additional information, owners can contact Ford by calling 1-800-392-3673 or visit www.corporate.ford.com. Reference recall number 20S30.

Ford has also issued a recall for 2014 – 2017 Ford F 150 vehicles equipped with the 3.5 liter Ecoboost engine, due to a problem with the master cylinder.  The master cylinder will leak brake fluid through the front wheel circuit into the brake booster.  The driver can experience a change in the feel in braking as well as a loss of braking effort in the front wheels.  The rear wheel brakes are unaffected.  The loss of braking power increases the risk of a crash.  292,311 vehicles are affected in the United States.  The affected vehicles have been identified as follows:

2015 – 2017 Ford F 150 built at the Dearborn plant between Oct 1, 2014 and Aug 1, 2016

2014 – 2017 Ford F 150 built at the Kansas City plant between Sept 1, 2014 and Aug 1, 2016

Dealers will replace the master cylinder and if necessary, replace the brake booster.  For additional information, owners can contact Ford at the telephone number or website address given above and reference recall number 20S31.

Ford Recalls Trucks Due to Fire Hazard

The Ford Motor Company is recalling its full sized pickups due to a problem with an engine block heater.  The recall involves approximately 874,000 trucks.  More specifically, the recall applies to 2015 to 2019 F150, 2017 to 2019 F250, F350, F450 and F550 “Super Duty” models.  The problem with the heater is actually in the heater connector cable.  Water and other contaminants can get into the connector causing corrosion to occur and subsequently short circuit the cable.  Short circuiting of the cable can lead to a fire.  Dealerships will inspect and repair or replace the cable, at no charge.  The recall was expected to begin on January 7^th of this year.  For additional information, consumers can contact Ford by calling 1-800-392-3673 or visiting www.ford.com and clicking on recalls at the bottom of the page.  Ford’s identifying number for this campaign is 18S45. 

         

Ford Recalls Trucks and SUVs

The Ford Motor Company has recalled approximately 350,000 vehicles due to a problem with the transmission.  The vehicles involved are: 2018 Ford F 150 built in Dearborn between January 5, 2017 and February 6, 2018; 2018 Ford F 150 built in Kansas City between January 25, 2017 and February 16, 2018; 2018 Ford Expedition built in Kentucky between April 3, 2017 and January 30, 2018; and 2018 Ford F650 and 750 trucks built in Ohio between April 25, 2017 and March 9, 2018.  All of these vehicles contain an automatic transmission gear shift cable locking clip that was not properly seated.  As a result, the transmission might NOT be in “Park” after the driver has shifted into “Park” and could possibly roll away after the driver has left the vehicle.  Dealers will inspect vehicles free of charge and make adjustments accordingly.  For additional information, consumers can contact Ford by calling 1-800-392-3673.

Ford Recalls Fusion and Lincoln MKZ Vehicles

The Ford Motor Company has announced that it is recalling approximately 1.3 million Fusion and Lincoln MKZ vehicles for a steering wheel problem.  Specifically, the steering wheel in these vehicles is loosening and could possibly detach from the steering column.  This recall applies to

2014 – 2017 Fusion vehicles built at the Flat Rock plant between August 6, 2013 and February 29, 2016;

2014 – 2018 Fusion vehicles built at the Hermosillo Mexico plant between July 25, 2013 and March 5, 2018; and

2014 – 2018 Lincoln MKZ vehicles built at the Hermosillo Mexico plant between July 25, 2013 and March5, 2018.

Dealers will replace the steering bolt at no cost to customers.  For additional information, customers can contact Ford by calling 1-800-392-3673 or on-line by visiting www.ford.com and searching recalls.  You have your vehicle identification number to do a search.

Ford and their Windstar Axle Problem

The Ford Motor Company has recently recalled 1998 to 2003 Winstar vehicles due to a problem with the rear axle. It seems that corrosion can attack the axle and cause it to break. When the axle breaks, the driver can lose control of the vehicle and crash. It seems to me that as long as Ford has been in business, the company has gained enough experience to know how to protect the vehicle, in general, and, the rear axle,  in particular, from the effects of corrosion.  It is well known that in climates where salt is used to melt ice, the resulting residue can corrode the undercarriage of vehicles not protected. So, how is it that a car manufacturer, who has been building cars for longer than most of us have alive, puts out a product that is not protected against a well known corrosive medium? Consider for a moment that the Windstar is the only vehicle in the Ford family of cars and trucks that is subject to this problem. Ther aren’t any other recalls for a Ford manufactured vehicle wth this problem. From Ford’s viewpoint, Ford believes that owners of Windstar vehicles who are experiencing rear axle problems are trying to get out of paying for expensive repairs by filing claims against Ford alledging a defective product. Why couldn’t the Windstar be defective?