NEWS:   Automaker recalls 103,000 Mazda3 for windshield wiper problem

DETROIT NEWS -- June 19,  2011 – Mazda Motor Corp. is recalling 103,000 Mazda3 and Mazdaspeed3 vehicles over potentially faulty windshield wiper motors.

The Japanese automaker told the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration it is recalling its 2008-2009 Mazda3 built between January and November 2008. In total, Mazda is recalling 408,782 Mazda3 vehicles sold worldwide to address the issue. Some of the vehicles are sold as the Mazda Axela.

Mazda in a notice posted on NHTSA's website today said the ground terminal of the windshield wiper motors may have been accidentally bent during assembly, which could cause the wipers to fail.

In bad weather, the lack of functioning wipers could raise the risk of a crash.

Mazda said it first received reports of the problem in September and December 2009.

In March 2010, because of an "increasing trend of concern," the automaker reopened its investigation, but opted not to mount a recall because the number of incidents was low.

This month, after more incidents were reported, Mazda opted to conduct a recall.

Mazda spokeswoman ...said today that there have been no crashes reported related to the issue.

In total, the company has received 132 reports of the problem worldwide through May 30, including 30 in China, 29 in Japan and 20 in North America, Mazda spokeswoman said.

Mazda dealers will install an additional harness on the wiper motor. Mazda plans to begin notifying owners on July 15. The company will reimburse owners who had previously fixed the windshield wiper motor for the problem.

MORE RECALL INFO:   

• Mazda3 and Mazdaspeed3

APRIL 2011 -- Ford is recalling certain model year 2011 E-150, E-250, E-350 and E-450 trucks for failing to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 207, "Seating Systems." It may bepossible that under unusually high loads, such as during a crash, the driver power seat track worm gear may fracture. In the event of a crash or other circumstances of severe loading, the worm gear could fracture and allow the seat to shift unrestrained forward or backward increasing the risk and/or severity of injuries to the driver. Dealers will inspect the driver's seat track assembly, and if necessary, replace it free of charge. The safety recall began on May 2, 2011.  . Ford's recall campaign number is 11C16. 11V-246

NEWS:   Ford F-150 recall greatly expanded: safety regulators

YAHOO NEWS -- April 14,  2011 – Ford Motor Co and U.S. safety regulators have agreed to a greatly expanded recall of the best-selling vehicle in North America, the Ford F-150 pickup truck, the regulators said on Thursday.

The expanded recall is for a possible short-circuit that could cause airbags to deploy unexpectedly, and involves nearly 1.2 million F-150 pickup trucks and 16,000 Lincoln Mark LT vehicles, said the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

This is in addition to a previous recall of 144,000 Ford F-150 trucks, bringing the total for this issue to 1.33 million vehicles, NHTSA said.

F-150 is the primary model of the F-series pickup trucks, the best-selling vehicles in North America for the past 34 years. Pickup trucks and SUVs generally create more profit for automakers than do smaller cars.

Ford said it knows of no crashes or injuries caused by the issue. It will begin notifying vehicle owners in May to bring the pickup trucks or Lincolns into dealers for repair at no cost. Repairs will take less than half a day, Ford said.

But owners are asked to bring in their vehicles right away if their airbag warning light is illuminated, Ford said. If the light is ignored, in some circumstances, the driver's side front airbag could deploy unexpectedly.

Ford said the airbag warning typically is illuminated for "an extended period" before the driver's side front airbag surprises a driver by deploying. Drivers should have time to safely take the vehicle to a Ford or Lincoln/Mercury dealer if they do so when the warning signal is first lit, Ford said.

Ford said its field data indicates that drivers have maintained control of their vehicles if the front side airbag deploys.

Overall, the recall affects 1.32 million trucks from the model years 2004 to 2006.

A mistake in the assembly of the vehicles could cause an airbag wire in the steering wheel to short-circuit, Ford and NHTSA said.

The expansion comes after talks between the automaker and safety regulators in Washington.

"We are pleased that Ford shares our commitment to safety and is taking action to protect consumers by expanding its safety recall," said NHTSA Administrator ...in a statement.

In February, Ford said in a response to safety regulators, "the condition does not present an unreasonable risk to motor vehicle safety" but agreed to the recall of 144,000 F-150s.

On Thursday, Ford said it held to its previous statement that the issue is not an "unreasonable risk," but agreed to the expanded recall "to reassure customers of Ford's commitment to safety and to eliminate any possible customer confusion."

Ford cooperated during the study of the airbag issue throughout the process, NHTSA said

MORE RECALL INFO:

• Ford F-150
• Lincoln Mark LT

NEWS:   Ford recalls 144,000 F-150 trucks for airbag risk

YAHOO NEWS -- March 2,  2011 – Ford Motor Co said it would recall about 144,000 F-150 models in the United States and Canada from the 2005 and 2006 model years over a risk that airbags could deploy because of a short circuit.

The automaker said a mistake in the assembly of the trucks at its Norfolk, Virginia, plant could cause an airbag wire in the steering wheel to short circuit.

Ford said that it had received an unspecified number of complaints about the airbag problem. In most cases, it said, airbags had deployed just a few seconds after the trucks were started.

A recall notice was not immediately posted on the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's website, and it was not immediately clear how many drivers had complained of the problem or if there had been any reports of related injuries.

"Ford is aware of one customer that jumped from the vehicle after a deployment that occurred in a driveway," the company said in a statement.

The F-150 is the top-selling vehicle in the United States and Ford's dominance of the lucrative truck market has contributed to its turnaround under Chief Executive Alan Mulally.

Ford said it would notify owners of the vehicles covered by the recall in early March.

The automaker said it expected that the repair to replace the potentially flawed wiring harness would take less than half a day and would be done at no charge at Ford dealerships.

Ford said that most of the vehicles with the flawed wire appeared to have been built during the first shift working at the Norfolk plant from November 2004 to June 2005.

In cases where the airbag has deployed in the trucks, Ford said that a warning light had been illuminated notifying driver's that the vehicle needed service.

MORE RECALL INFO:   Ford F-150

FEBRUARY 2011 -- Ford is recalling certain model year 2005 and 2006 F-150 pickup trucks manufactured at the Norfolk assembly plant from November 1, 2004, through June 30, 2005. If the clock spring jumper wire comes in contact with the driver side frontal air bag lower horn plate, the wire insulation may become chafed, creating a potential for a short circuit. If this occurs the air bag warning lamp may illuminate indicating that service is required. The driver side frontal air bag could inadvertently deploy increasing the risk of injury or loss of vehicle control if occurring while in motion. Ford will notify owners and instruct them to take their vehicles to a ford or Lincoln/Mercury dealer to have a new clock spring jumper wire installed that incorporates a protective mesh cover. Repairs will be performed free of charge. The safety recall is expected to begin during March 2011.   11V-107

NEWS:   Fuel leak risk, electrical issues prompt Ford recall

YAHOO NEWS -- March 2,  2011 – Ford Motor Co (F.N) recalled more than 31,000 vehicles due to the risk of a possible fuel leak and electrical issues, according to a posting on the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration website.

Ford recalled 23,688 Ford Ranger trucks saying the protective layer of an engine fuel line near the throttle body shield may not be properly installed, according to Wednesday's notice.

Eventually this could lead to a fuel leak, but Ford said it was not aware of any fires related to this problem. The trucks, which are for the model year 2010, were built from October 2009 through May 2010 at the company's Twin Cities Assembly Plant.

In a separate notice, Ford said it would recall more than 8,022 vehicles spanning seven models for the model year 2011 because their electrical system may short and prompt a vehicle fire.

The models affected by this recall include the Ford Edge crossover, the Lincoln MKX crossover and the F-series line of pick-up trucks: the F-150, F-250, F-350, F-450 and F-550.

MORE RECALL INFO:   Ford Ranger

FEBRUARY 2011 -- Ford is recalling certain model year 2010 Ford Ranger trucks manufactured from October 15, 2009, through May19, 2010. The engine fuel line in the area of the throttle body shield may not have a protective convolute (cover) properly installed. If the protective convolute on the fuel line is not assembled in the proper position, the edge of the shield may contact the fuel line. Over time this contact may chafe the fuel line, resulting in a fuel odor and a potential fuel leak. A sufficient fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source may result in a fire. Dealers will trim the throttle body shield away from the fuel line and inspect the fuel line for wear, and replace the line if necessary free of charge. The safety recall began on March 4, 2011.   11V-126

NEWS:   Ford recalls 8,022 vehicles - MY 2011 - electrical system - vehicle fire

YAHOO NEWS -- March 2,  2011 – In a separate notice, Ford said it would recall more than 8,022 vehicles spanning seven models for the model year 2011 because their electrical system may short and prompt a vehicle fire.

The models affected by this recall include the Ford Edge crossover, the Lincoln MKX crossover and the F-series line of pick-up trucks: the F-150, F-250, F-350, F-450 and F-550.

MORE RECALL INFO:

• Ford Edge
• Lincoln MKX
• Ford F-150
• Ford F-250 - F-350, F-450, F-550

FEBRUARY 2011 -- Ford is recalling certain model year 2011 Ford F-150, F-250, F-350, F-450, F-550, Edge, and Lincoln MKX trucks manufactured from October 25, 2010, through November 20, 2010. These vehicles were inspected using integrated diagnostic system (ids) that had a custom software routine to read the suspect body control module (BCM) serial number. Based on the serial number the BCM was either not affected or replaced. The custom software routine was not reading the correct set of characters, and was not able to identify a BCM that required replacement affected BCMS may have the potential for an internal short. If an electrical short develops, an overheating condition may occur which could result in a vehicle fire. Dealer will inspect the body control module and if necessary replace it free of charge. The safety recall began on March 7, 2011.   11V-128

NEWS:   Ford to recall F-150 pickups over air bags

YAHOO NEWS -- February 23,  2011 – Under government pressure, Ford Motor Co. said Wednesday it will recall nearly 150,000 F-150 pickup trucks to fix air bags that could deploy without warning.

The recall covers trucks from the 2005-2006 model years in the United States and Canada for what the auto company calls a "relatively low risk" of the air bag deploying inadvertently.

The recall, however, is much smaller in scope than what the government had requested. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, citing 77 injuries, told the company in a November 2010 memo that the recall should cover 1.3 million F-150 trucks from the 2004-2006 model years.

The F-150 is the flagship of Ford's popular F-Series pickup trucks, the best-selling vehicle in America. The government expanded its investigation into the air bag problems in January 2010.

A Transportation Department spokeswoman said the agency was currently reviewing Ford's response to see if the recall was adequate. If the government determines that the recall is too limited, it could lead to a rare public hearing to decide whether Ford should expand its safety action.

NHTSA said in a Nov. 24 memo that it knew of 238 cases in which the air bags improperly deployed and noted that Ford made production changes to the trucks in 2006 and 2007 to fix the air bag wiring and other issues.

Government regulators said in the memo that Ford did not believe the issue "warrants any corrective action" because the number of reports and incidents were low, owners received "adequate warning" from the air bag warning light and the "resulting injuries are minor in nature."

Ford spokesman ... said in a statement Wednesday that the recall covered trucks built at the Norfolk, Va., assembly plant from November 2004 through June 2005.

Ford spokesman said the majority of the complaints involved trucks built during the first shift of production at the Norfolk plant and the rates of air bags accidentally deploying were much higher in trucks built at the Virginia plant than those built at plants in Michigan and Missouri.

Ford said an air bag wire located in the steering wheel could have been improperly positioned so it would chafe, expose bare copper and create the possibility of a short circuit that would light up the airbag warning lamp.

Ford said most of the air bag issues happened within the first few seconds of the vehicle starting up and the company said it was aware of "one customer that jumped from the vehicle" after the air bag deployed while the truck was parked in a driveway.

The recall, which was first reported by the Detroit News, is expected to begin in early March. Owners will be notified and told to bring their truck to their dealer.

MORE RECALL INFO:   Ford F-150

NEWS:   Ford recalls 2011 Explorer over second-row seats

DETROIT NEWS -- February 7,  2011 –   Ford Motor Co. is recalling its brand new 2011 Ford Explorer vehicles over concerns they may have defective second row seats.

In a notice posted on the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's website, Ford said that a test of second row seats with manual recliner mechanisms may have components that don't meet requirements.

The recall covers 1,658 vehicles built between July 15 and December 13 of last year. Ford is also recalling 239 Explorers in Canada.

Dealers will replace the second row seats with a manual recliner mechanism.

Ford disclosed that the problem - discovered in mid-December - briefly resulted in a stop-ship of new Explorers from its Chicago Assembly plant.

The redesigned 2011 Explorer - the newest version of its iconic SUV -- is a crucial vehicle for Ford.

Ford told dealers to not sell any vehicles still at dealerships built during that timeframe until they are repaired.

Ford said in mid-December, a new Explorer was identified with a noise in the second row seat. When the seat was inspected "there was unexpected observable movement of the center recliner seatback during manual forward loading."

Ford said it isn't aware of any accidents or injuries connected to the recall.

Ford will start mailing recall notices to owners starting Feb. 14.

MORE RECALL INFO:   Ford Explorer

FEBRUARY 2011 -- Ford is recalling certain model year 2011 Explorer vehicles manufactured from July 15, 2010, through December 13, 2010, equipped with second row 60% seats with manual recliner mechanisms that may have components that are out of dimensional specification. These seats fail to conform to the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 207, "Seating Systems." In the event of a crash, the seat back may not provide the required strength, increasing the risk of injury. Ford will notify owners and dealers will repair the seats free of charge. The safety recall began on February 15, 2011. Owners may contact Ford Motor Company Customer Relationship Center at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's recall campaign number is 11C15.   11V-063

NEWS:   Ford recalling F-150 pickups to fix door handles

YAHOO NEWS -- February 3,  2011 –   WASHINGTON – Ford Motor Co. recalled nearly 365,000 F-150 pickup trucks in North America on Thursday to fix a problem with the interior door handles that could lead to the doors opening in a crash.

Ford said the recall affects about 280,000 F-150s in the U.S. from the 2009 and 2010 model years built from Jan. 18, 2008, through Nov. 30, 2009. About 68,000 of the popular trucks under recall are in Canada and about 14,000 are in Mexico.

The Dearborn, Mich., company said there have been no crashes or injuries tied to the problem. The F-150 is part of Ford's popular F-Series pickup, the best-selling vehicle in the U.S.

"Ford is committed to safety and is quickly working to address this matter with our customers," said Wes Sherwood, a company spokesman.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said on its website that a spring in the interior door handle could break, causing the door to fail to latch properly. If the truck was struck by another vehicle on the side, the government said the door latch could open.

The recall is expected to begin around Feb. 14. Ford said dealers would inspect the trucks and add reinforcements to the spring or replace the side interior door handle module.

MORE RECALL INFO:   Ford F-150

FEBRUARY 2011 -- Ford is recalling certain model year 2009 and 2010 F-150 vehicles manufactured from January 18, 2008, through November 30, 2009. The interior door handle housing embossment retaining the interior door handle spring may fracture during normal usage resulting in insufficient spring force to return the handle to the fully stowed position. In the event of a side impact crash, the door handle spring can fail causing the door latch to open. Owners will be initially notified and instructed to take their vehicles to a ford or Lincoln/Mercury dealer if any interior door handle is loose or fails to return to the stowed position after activation for replacement of the affect module. Once parts become available, owners will be refortified and instructed to take their vehicles to a ford or Lincoln/Mercury dealer for inspection of each interior door handle. Depending on the results of the inspection, the dealer will either add a spring embossment reinforcement or replace the interior door handle module free of charge. The safety recall began on February 10, 2011. 11V-049

NEWS:   2010 Ford F-150 SVT Raptor: Transmission Surgery

EDMUNDS AUTO NEWS -- January 21,  2011 –   Awhile back we noted the transmission of our 2010 Ford F-150 SVT Raptor was acting up. The hard-shift symptoms persisted so we did what we knew had to be done. We dropped the Raptor off at the local dealership.

So far the dealer is dragging its feet. We are told the pan is being pulled today and that we can slip over to take some pictures once the tranny's been surgically removed. From there, it's time to diagnose the problem. When we know more, you'll know more.

MORE RECALL INFO:   Ford F-150 RAPTOR SVT

NEWS:   Ford recalls 15,000 trucks and crossovers

YAHOO NEWS -- December 31,  2010 –  Ford is recalling nearly 15,000 trucks and crossovers due to problems with electrical systems that can short and create a fire.

The Detroit automaker said Thursday that the recall includes some 2011 model year F-150, F-250, F-350, F-450, F-550, Ford Edge and Lincoln MKX vehicles.

A Ford supplier of a control module produced the faulty product over a six-day period

Owners may call Ford at 1-866-436-7332 to see if their vehicle is included in the recall.

MORE RECALL INFO: 

• Ford Edge
• Lincoln MKX
• Ford F-150
• Ford F-250 - F-350, F-450, F-550

NEWS:   Ford expands Windstar minivan recall

YAHOO NEWS -- December 15,  2010 –  Ford Motor Co. has expanded a recall of its Windstar minivans over concerns that their rear axles can corrode and break.

The automaker has added 37,000 vans to the recall, bringing the total number of Windstars covered to 612,000 in the U.S. and Canada.

The original recall, announced in August, included vans sold in the 1998 to 2003 model years in 21 U.S. states and Canada where heavy road salt can cause the axles to rust. The corrosion can lead to cracks that can cause the axles to break.

The recall expansion includes 2003 model year vans with heat-treated axles. It also includes vans registered in Utah, where road salt is used in some areas.

Ford had been checking state motor vehicle registration databases to find Windstar owners in the affected states.

It began notifying owners of the additional 37,000 vans about the recall on Dec. 6.

MORE RECALL INFO: 

• Ford Windstar

JANUARY 2011 - Ford is recalling certain model year 1999-2003 Windstar vehicles originally sold in or currently registered in the states of Connecticut, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Utah, Vermont, West Virginia, and Wisconsin. A separation of a front lower control arm rear attaching bracket may result in a lower control arm separation. A separation of both front subframe rear body mounts may result in separation of the steering intermediate shaft. This could result in reduced steering control increasing the risk of a crash. Dealers will inspect both front lower control arm rear attaching brackets and both body mount attachments at the rear of the front subframe and make the necessary repairs free of charge. The safety recall is expected to begin on or before February 14, 2011. 11V-030

DECEMBER 2010 - Ford is recalling certain model year 2011 F-150, F-250, F-350, F-450, F-550, Edge and Lincoln MKX Vehicles. During a six-day production period, the supplier of the body control module manufactured modules that may have the potential for an internal short. If an electrical short develops, an overheating condition may occur which can result in an unattended vehicle fire. Dealer will replace the body control module if necessary free of charge. The safety recall is expected to begin on or before January 10, 2011. 10V-659

OCTOBER 2010 -- Ford is recalling certain model year 2011 Edge and Lincoln MKX vehicles manufactured from July 1, 2010, through October 8, 2010. These vehicles were shipped with incorrectly configured electronic module settings that disable the locking function of the liftgate. Accordingly, the vehicles fail to conform to the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 206, "Door Locks and Door Retention Components." The liftgate lock may be disabled and the driver may not be able to lock the liftgate using interior lock switches or remote key fob buttons. Ford will notify owners and dealers will have the affected control modules updated free of charge. The safety recall began on November 1, 2010.   10V-516

SEPTEMBER 2010 -- Ford is recalling certain model year 2008 through 2009 F-650 and F-750 trucks equipped with Caterpillar C7 engine. The #5 and #6 fuel lines may crack at the fastening point to the common fuel rail and cause a fuel leak. A fuel leak, in the presence of an ignition source, can result in a vehicle fire. Ford is working with Caterpillar to notify owners and repairs will be performed by authorized Caterpillar dealers free of charge. The safety recall began on September 8, 2010.   10V-398

YAHOO NEWS -- July 9, 2010 – The government says ....Ford Motor Co... is recalling more than 30,000 2010 Transit Connect vans to replace pushpins holding the liners above the driver's head. The company says government testing found it failed to meet federal standards protecting the head.

Ford's recall is expected to begin in July.

MORE RECALL INFO:   Ford Transit Connect

MAY  2010 -- Ford is recalling certain model year 2010 Ranger vehicles manufactured from June 8, 2009 through February 2, 2010 equipped with manual transmission. It is possible for the parking brake cable to become disconnected from the right rear actuator during cold weather. This may occur when the parking brake is released if wet parking brake shoes have frozen in the applied position. If the right rear parking brake cable becomes disconnected, the pedal will have extended travel and may not fully apply the parking brake. A manual transmission vehicle parked in neutral without a fully applied parking brake may have unintended movement which may cause a crash. Dealers will install a revised right rear parking brake actuator to prevent cable disconnection free of charge. The safety recall began on May 21, 2010.  . Ford's recall campaign number is 10S12. 10V-202

MAY  2010 -- Ford is recalling certain model year 2010 Fusion, Milan, and Escape vehicles manufactured from February 27, through March 26, 2010. The park rod guide retention pin may not have been properly installed which fails to conform to the requirement of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 114, "Theft Protection and Rollaway Prevention". A vehicle parked without an engaged park pawl and without an applied parking brake may have unintended movement which may cause a crash. Ford will notify owners and dealers will repair the vehicles free of charge. The safety recall began on May 28, 2010.  Ford's recall campaign number is 10C12. 10V-222

YAHOO NEWS  – June 1, 2010 – U.S. safety regulators have opened a preliminary investigation into the possibility that accelerator pedals could be entrapped by floormats in Ford Motor Co (F.N) 2010 Fusion and Mercury Milan sedans.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said it had verified three complaints of accelerator pedals being trapped by unsecured "all-weather" floormats in the current production model year of the Fusion.

The NHTSA warned owners not to place unsecured floormats on top of the standard, carpeted floormat on the driver's side. It opened an investigation on Friday that covers an estimated 249,301 Fusion and Milan sedans.

Ford spokesman ... said instructions imprinted on the automaker's all-weather floormats warn owners not to place them on top of existing floormats, as does the packaging.

"We do not recommend stacking floormats in any vehicle,"... "We will cooperate fully with NHTSA as we always do."

The NHTSA said it had received no complaints involving crashes, injuries or fatalities in the Ford vehicles. Any optional all-weather floormats should be installed only after removing the standard floormats, the agency said.

Edmunds.com,, director of vehicle testing at Edmunds.com, described in mid-April an incident of unintended acceleration in a 2010 Fusion hybrid caused when the accelerator pedal became entrapped by a stacked floormat.

Edmunds said the accelerator became stuck for three or four seconds after he passed slower traffic on his commute to work before returning to normal. A second experimental acceleration had a similar result, he said in a web posting.  He reported the incident to the NHTSA.

MORE RECALL INFO:   Ford Fusion   Mercury Milan

NEWS:   Ford Recalls 2010 Rangers With Manual Transmission

YAHOO NEWS -- May 20. 2010 – According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the parking brake cable can become disconnected from the right rear actuator during cold weather. This might occur when the parking brake is released if wet parking brake shoes have frozen in the applied position. If the right rear parking brake cable becomes disconnected, the pedal will have extended travel and may not fully apply the parking brake. 

A manual transmission vehicle parked in neutral without a fully applied parking brake may start moving, posing a crash risk. 

The vehicles involved in the recall were all manufactured from June 8, 2009 through Feb. 2, 2010. 

To remedy the problem, dealers will install a revised right rear parking brake actuator to prevent cable disconnection. This will be performed free of charge. The safety recall is expected to begin this month. 

DECEMBER 2009 - Ford is recalling model year 2010 F-650 and F-750 trucks. The S-cam tubes on the air brake axle assemblies were not greased and corrosion may develop over time, which may restrict release of the service brake at the affected wheel. If this occurs, it could cause excessive brake temperatures, noise, brake fade, odor, smoke, brake pull and possibly longer stopping distances which could increase the risk of a crash. Dealers will lubricate the S-cam tube and check the S-cam for free movement at all four wheel locations free of charge. The safety recall began on December 16, 2009. 09V-475

DECEMBER 2009 - Ford is recalling model years 2010 F-650 and F-750 trucks. The chassis wire harness may have been assembled without a connector seal if this seal is missing, the connector terminals may corrode affecting the proper illumination of the vehicle"s rear brake lamps, tail lamps, turn signal lamps or trailer lamps (if equipped.) Also, the function of the anti-lock brake system may be affected. Inoperative lamps may increase the risk of a crash. Dealers will inspect the connector and repair the main and rear chassis wire harness if necessary. A missing seal will be replaced and electrical grease applied to prevent future corrosion. The safety recall began on December 16, 2009. 09V-476

OCTOBER 2009 -- Ford is recalling model years 1995-2003 Windstar, 2000-2003 Excursion, 1993-1997 and 1999-2003 FSuper Suty, 1992-2003 Econoline, 1995-2002 Explorer and Mercury Mountaineer, 1995-1997 and 2001- 2003 Ranger, and 1994 F53 vehicles equipped with the Texas Instruments speed control deactivation switch (SCDS). The SCDS may leak internally and then overheat, smoke, or burn. A vehicle fire could occur. Ford will notify owners and dealers will install a fused wiring harness for the SCDS. Dealers will also inspect the abs control connector and repair as necessary. Repairs will be completed free of charge. The safety recall began on October 27, 2009.    Ford's recall campaign number is 09S09. 09V-399

(Yahoo News) -- Oct 13, 3009 -- Ford Motor Co. said Tuesday it will add 4.5 million older-model vehicles to the long list of those recalled because a defective cruise control switch could cause a fire.

• 1995-2003 Ford Windstar
• 2000-2003 Ford Excursion diesel
• 1993-1997 and 1999-2003 Ford F-Super Duty diesel
• 1992-2003 Ford Econoline
• 1995-2002 Ford Explorer
• 1995-2002 Mercury Mountaineer
• 1995-1997 and 2001-2003 Ford Ranger
• 1994 Ford F35 Motorhome vehicles

JUNE - Ford is recalling 65 MY 2008-2009 E-350 and MY 2009 E450 cutaway vehicles equipped with school bus prep packages for failing to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 301, "Fuel System Integrity." These vehicles may not have been assembled with the fuel tank protection brackets that are required for school bus applications. In certain types of very severe crashes, the fuel tank may be damaged and result in a leak. A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source could result in a fire. Dealers will inspect for proper fuel tank protection bracket installation and install brackets free of charge. The recall began on June 26, 2009. . 09V-231

MAY 2009 --  Ford is recalling 8,735 MY 2009 F-150 trucks for failing to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment." The brake stop lamp switch may be improperly adjusted. This may result in a delay in brake stop lamp illumination when the brake pedal is depressed. In situations of very mild brake application, the brake stop lamps may not illuminate. Delay or loss of brake stop lamp function may increase the risk of an accident. Dealers will inspect and have the brake stop lamp switch removed and reinstalled which will provide proper adjustment. The remedy will be performed free of charge. The recall began on May 13, 2009. Owners may contact Ford Motor Company customer relationship center at 1-866-436-7332 or through the internet at www.ownerconnection.com.   09V-150

APRIL 2009 --  Ford Motor Company is recalling 429 MY 2009 Ford Econoline E-350 and E-450 cutaway school bus prep package vehicles manufactured from April 22, 2008 through March 2, 2009, to reposition the upper fuel tank protection bracket on the frame rail. In certain types of very severe crashes, the fuel tank may be damaged and result in a leak. A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source could result in a fire. Ford will notify owners and dealers will reposition the upper fuel tank protection bracket free of charge. The safety recall is expected to begin on or before April 14, 2009. Owners may contact Ford toll-free at 1-866-436-7332 or contact a local Ford or Lincoln/Mercury dealer for more information. 09V-112

FEBRUARY 2009 --  Ford is recalling 11,134 MY 2009 4X2 ranger vehicles. Some front wheel spindles were improperly manufactured creating the risk that a spindle may fracture during the normal useful life of the truck. If a spindle fractures, the wheel may separate from the vehicle increasing the risk of a crash. Dealers will replace the front spindle if necessary free of charge. The recall began on February 27, 2009. Owners may contact Ford at 1-866-436-7332.   09V-040

JULY 2008 -- Ford is recalling 142 MY 2008 Edge and Lincoln MKK all wheel drive vehicles. The fuel tank weld fixture may have been exposed to a contaminant during production which could cause a dimple in the bottom of the fuel tank at a spot weld. This dimple could result in fuel leakage or a fuel drip from the tank. Fuel leakage, in the presence of an ignition source, could result in a fire. Dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the fuel tank. The recall is expected to begin during August 2008.  08V301

MAY 2008 -- Ford is recalling 605,684 MY 2005-2006 F-150 and Lincoln Mark LT vehicles equipped with 5.4L 3-Valve engines. The brake booster vacuum supply hose attached to the intake manifold fitting may swell over time and lose retention force. This condition could allow the hose to become detached from the fitting during an intake manifold backfire. Should the hose detach from the intake manifold, several brake applications with power assist will be available before the vacuum reserve is depleted. Once the brake booster vacuum reserve is depleted, the driver will have foundation brake function, but with increased brake pedal effort. Reduced vehicle braking could lead to a crash. Dealers will replace a rubber hose on the brake booster vacuum supply tube assembly. The recall is expected to begin on or about July 7, 2008. This recall was the subject of a Preliminary Evaluation, PE08-001, conducted by the Office of Defects Investigation. 08V208

APRIL 2008 -- Ford is recalling 158 MY 2008 Expedition and Lincoln Navigator vehicles equipped with a tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) and the limo builders package. These vehicles fail to conform to the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 138, "Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems." The tire pressure was increased from 35 psi to 40 psi without a commensurate update to the TPMS calibrations. The TPMS indicator light will not illuminate when a tire pressure is 25 percent below the 40 psi value stated on the tire placard label occurs. Dealers will reconfigure the TPMS thresholds to the appropriate pressures. The recall began on April 24, 2008.  08V-166

APRIL 2008 -- Ford is recalling 3,331 MY 2008 E-350 vehicles built with a 138 inch wheel base. The drive shaft may have been manufactured with a slip yoke that has cracks. The effect of the cracks on fatigue performance is variable, but on some yokes with cracks, the performance is reduced below design specification. Cracks in the slip yoke would progress over time and the slip yoke could fracture without warning while the vehicle is being driven allowing the drive shaft to separate from the vehicle increasing the risk of a crash. Dealers will have the drive shaft inspected for manufacturing date and replace it free of charge. The recall is expected to begin during May 2008. Owners may contact Ford at 1-800-392-3673. 08V165

APRIL 2008 -- Ford is recalling 64,754 MY 2008 F-250 and F-350 single rear wheel, 4x4, 156 inch wheel base pickup trucks equipped with a two piece drive shaft for failing to conform to the fuel spillage requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 301, "Fuel System Integrity." During a 30 mph frontal impact into a rigid barrier, the fuel tank can move forward and contact a frame cross member, potentially causing damage to the fuel delivery module which can result in fuel spillage. Fuel spillage, in the presence of an ignition source, could result in a fire. Dealers will install a bracket on the affected vehicles free of charge. The recall is expected to begin on or before May 26, 2008. Owners may contact Ford at 1-800-392-3673. 08V191

FEBRUARY 2008 -- Ford is recalling 57,199 MY 2006-2007 E-150, E-250, E-350, and MY 2007 Expedition and Lincoln Navigator vehicles equipped with 5.4L engines. The fuel rail cross-over hose may contain weak areas. As a result, the hose may crack, which could cause a fuel odor and/or fuel leak. Fuel leakage in the presence of an ignition source could result in a fire. Dealers will replace the fuel rail assembly. The recall is expected to begin during March 2008.  08V057

FEBRUARY 2008 -- Ford is recalling 123,632 MY 2007-2008 Expedition and Lincoln Navigator vehicles. The door handle housing embossment retaining the bottom of the interior door handle spring on all side doors may fracture during normal customer usage. This can result in insufficient spring force to return the handle to the fully closed position. The handle may be loose causing a rattle or noise and the handle may not return to the fully closed position. This condition may also provide a delayed resistance when actuating the handle prior to opening the door. In the event of a side impact crash, the interior door handle may cause the door latch to open increasing the risk of injury to a vehicle occupant. Dealers will replace the interior handle spring on all side doors. The recall is expected to begin during March 2008.  08V058

FEBRUARY 2008 -- Ford is recalling 434,593 MY 2005-2008 Mustang vehicles for failing to comply with one of the neck injury requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 208, "Occupant Crash Protection," for an unbelted 5th percentile female sitting in the passenger seat while it is in the full forward position. During an air bag deployment, if a small female in the front passenger seat is not wearing the safety belt, and has the seat in the full forward position, there may be an increased potential for a neck injury. Dealers will reprogram the restraint control module free of charge. The recall is expected to begin during March 2008. This recall was the subject of an investigation, OA-208-061002F, conducted by the Office of Vehicle Safety Compliance. Owners may contact Ford at 1-866-436-7332 or through email to www.ownerconnection.com. 08V-082

FEBRUARY 2008 -- Ford is recalling 87,515 MY 2008 F250, F350, F450, and F550 vehicles for failing to comply with all the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 207, "Seating Systems." Some 40% split and captain's chair driver's seats, equipped with lumbar supports, may have improper welds at the joint of the seat back pivot bracket and the seat back frame. In the event of a crash, the seat side pivot bracket may crack or break, increasing the risk of injury to the seat occupant. Dealers will add reinforcement to the driver's seat back frame on the 40% split or captain's chair seat equipped with lumbar support or, if necessary, the seat back frame will be replaced. The recall is expected to begin on or about March 24, 2008.  08V096

NOVEMBER 2007 -- Ford is recalling 1,176,000 MY 1997-2003 F-Super Duty, E-Series and Excursion vehicles equipped with 7.3L diesel engines. The camshaft position sensor located on the engine of the vehicle may function intermittently, possibly resulting in an engine stall. In the event of an engine stall, a crash could result without warning. Dealers will inspect the sensor and replace it with an improved camshaft position sensor. The recall is expected to begin during January 2008. 07V553

NOVEMBER 2007 -- Ford is recalling 45 MY 2008 Focus, Expedition, F250 and F350 vehicles for failing to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 208, 'Occupant Crash Protection.' The driver air bag module may not have been properly assembled. This condition may prevent the driver air bag from properly deploying and reduce occupant protection in the event of a crash. Dealers will replace the driver air bag module. The recall began on November 20, 2007. 07V541

SEPTEMBER 2007 -- Ford is recalling 1,497 MY 2008 Explorer, Explorer Sport Track and Mercury Mountaineer sport utility vehicles equipped with the 4.6L engine and 6R transmission. The bolt securing the transmission oil cooler line fittings at the transmission may not have been sufficiently tightened during vehicle assembly. As a result, the bolt may loosen and the transmission oil cooler lines may disengage from the transmission, causing a transmission fluid leak. If leaking transmission fluid contacts the catalytic converter, it may pose a risk of fire. Dealers will inspect and have the transmission cooler line attachment bolt tightened. The recall began on August 30, 2007. 07V-453

SEPTEMBER 2007 -- Ford is recalling 3.6 million MY 1993 Bronco, MY 1992-1998 Crown Victoria, MY 1997-2003 E-150, E-250, E-350, Econoline, MY 2003 E-450, MY 1992-1993 E-150, E250, E350, E450, Econoline, MY 1999-2001 Explorer, MY 2001-2002 Explorer Sport, MY 2001-2002 Explorer Sport Trac, MY 2003-2004 F-150 Lightning, MY 1993 F150, F250, F350, F450, MY 1995-2002 F53, MY 1998-2002 Ranger, MY 1993-1995 Taurus SHO, MY 1993-1998 Lincoln Mark VIII, MY 1992-1998 Town Car, MY 1994 Mercury Capri, MY 1992-1998 Grand Marquis and MY 1999-2001 Mountaineer pickup trucks, passenger vehicles, sport utility vehicles, and motor home chassis. The speed control deactivation switch may, under certain conditions, leak internally and then overheat, smoke, or burn. This could result in an underhood fire. Dealers will install a fused wiring harness. Owners of the passenger cars included in this campaign will be instructed to return their vehicles to their dealers to have the speed control deactivation switch disconnected as an interim repair as soon as repair parts are available (expected October 2007), Owners will be instructed to return to the dealers for installation of a fused wiring harness. The recall began on August 13, 2007, and mailing completed by September 19, 2007. This recall was the subject of an Engineering Analysis, EA05-005, conducted by the Office of Defects Investigation. 07V336

WASHINGTON (AP)  - Sept 9 --  The government is urging owners of 5 million recalled Ford vehicles to bring them to dealerships to repair a cruise control switch system that has been tied to engine fires.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration on Tuesday issued a second consumer advisory to owners of certain unrepaired Ford, Lincoln and Mercury sport utility vehicles, pickup trucks, vans and passenger cars who have not responded to previous recalls.

NHTSA said about 12 million vehicles have been part of the recall and nearly 5 million still have not been fixed. A similar warning was issued in February but officials said the rate of the vehicles being repaired has declined.

The recalls have affected Ford's popular F-Series pickup trucks and led to hundreds of complaints and dozens of lawsuits over engine fires.

Ford spokesman Wes Sherwood said the Dearborn, Mich., company supported the effort to communicate with owners. He said owners have received several recall notices but "the return rate has been lower than expected or hoped (for)."

Dealers have installed a fused wiring harness into the speed control electrical system as part of the recall, and the government said replacement parts are available. Owners can take their vehicle to a dealer to have the cruise control deactivated until the parts arrive.

NHTSA issued a lengthy list of older vehicles covered by the consumer advisory, including 1993-2004 Ford F150 trucks, 1994-2002 F250 through F550 Super Duty trucks with gasoline engines, and 1998-2001 Ford Explorer and Mercury Mountaineer SUVs, which were among the best-selling vehicles in the nation during those years.

MORE RECALL INFO: 

• Ford F-150
• Ford F-250/350/450/550
• Ford Explorer
• Mercury Mountaineer

Defective hose could affect braking power on F-150 and Lincoln Mark TL pickup trucks.

WASHINGTON (AP) -- May 14, 2008 -- Ford Motor Co. is recalling more than 655,000 Ford F-150 and Lincoln Mark LT pickup trucks to fix a hose that could affect the vehicles' braking power.

The automaker is issuing the recall of 2005-2006 versions of the trucks with 5.4 liter 3-valve engines. This is according to a posting Wednesday on the Web site of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Ford spokesman ....says more than 600,000 of the trucks are in the United States and about 50,000 are in Canada. About 1,500 are in other countries around the world.

Ford says there have been 11 minor accidents and no injuries tied to the issue.

Dealers will replace the hose at no charge to consumers. Owners are expected to be notified in late June, and the recall is expected to begin in July.

MORE RECALL INFORMATION:    Ford F-150      Lincoln Mark LT

Consumer Affairs -- April 29, 2008 --  The Ford Motor Company is recalling 64,754 of its heavy duty 2008 F-250 and F-350 trucks because of a potential fire hazard.

Federal safety regulators at the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) report that the trucks do not conform to Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard imposed to maintain “fuel system integrity” and prevent fuel spills.

NHTSA warned on its Web site that single-rear-wheel versions of the trucks with 4-wheel drive and the 156-inch wheel base, equipped with a two-piece drive shaft contain a fuel tank system that can rupture or leak in a crash.

“During a 30 mph frontal impact into a rigid barrier, the fuel tank can move forward and contact a frame cross member, potentially causing damage to the fuel delivery module which can result in fuel spillage,” according to the NHTSA Web site.

The federal safety agency warned that “fuel spillage in the presence of an ignition source could result in a fire.”

Ford dealers will install a bracket in the trucks to remedy the safety problem when the recall gets under way in late May. The recall number is 080C04. Truck owners may contact Ford at 1-800392-3673 or NHTSA at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153).

Ford Recalls About 100,000 2008 F-Series Trucks

DETROIT-- February 27, 2008 -- According to the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), Ford has recalled potentially 470,000 Mustangs, years 2005-2008, due to a concern with the front-passenger air bag.

 A recall notice on the NHTSA's Website said small females riding in the front-passenger seat, without a seat belt on, could be at an increased risk of neck injury if the seat were to be in the full forward position during air bag deployment.

NEWS:   Ford Recalls 57,000 More Trucks, SUVS for Fire Hazard

Latest recall unrelated to other fire-related Ford recalls

ConsumerAffairs.Com -- February 11, 2008 -- Ford Motor Co. is recalling another 57,199 trucks and SUVs warning that the vehicles might catch fire because of a design flaw.

The latest Ford fire recall covers 2006 and 2007 trucks and SUV equipped with the 5.4 liter engine. They are the 2006-2007 E-150, E-250, E-350 trucks and the 2007 Ford Expedition and Lincoln Navigator.

The fire hazard in the Ford vehicles is caused by the fuel rail cross-over hose, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

NHTSA reports that the hose may crack, which could cause a fuel odor or a fuel leak. “Fuel leakage in the presence of an ignition source could result in a fire,” NHTSA warns.

More Recall Info: 

 Ford Expedition  -   Lincoln Navigator  -  E-150, E-250, E-350

WASHINGTON (AP) -- 2/11/2008 The Associated Press- Ford Motor Co. said Monday it was recalling more than 180,000 sport utility vehicles and vans in two separate recalls to fix interior door handles and faulty fuel hoses.

The larger of the two recalls involves nearly 124,000 Ford Expedition and Lincoln Navigator SUVs from the 2007-2008 model years. The Dearborn, Mich.-based automaker said the spring system in the inside door handles could break.

The problem could prevent the door handles from returning to a closed position, but the latches work properly, said Ford spokesman. However, in a side crash, there could be a risk of the door latch opening because of the problems, he said.

Ford spokesman said there were no reports of injuries or accidents tied to the recall.

Dealers will replace the interior handle spring on all side doors, he said. The recall involves 2007-2008 Expedition and Navigator vehicles built from March 3, 2006 through Aug. 9, 2007....

The second recall involves more than 57,000 2006-2007 E-150, E-250 and E-350 vans, and 2007 Expedition and Navigator SUVs with 5.4 liter engines.

The automaker said the engine's fuel rail crossover hose, which connects the fuel rails, could crack and leak fuel, potentially leading to a fire......there have been no reports of fires, injuries or crashes. Dealers will replace the fuel rail assembly.

More Recall Information:   Ford Expedition  -   Lincoln Navigator

- Parts shortages delay repairs of fire-prone Fords

ConsumerAffairs.Com -- January 18, 2008 -- More than 1.8 million Ford Motor Co. cars and trucks remain at risk of erupting into flames 5 months after the automaker recalled an additional 3.6 million vehicles because of a fire hazard in the cruise control system.

Ford initially promised parts would be available for the massive recall to repair the vehicles by October 2007. The automaker then said the parts will not be available until later in 2007.

DETROIT (Reuters) - December 6, 2007 - Ford Motor Co. said on Thursday it had recalled about 1.2 million vans, sport utility vehicles and heavy-duty pickup trucks because of a flaw in an engine sensor that could cause sudden stalling.

In a notice posted with the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration, the No. 2 U.S. automaker said vehicles equipped with a 7.3-liter diesel engine could stall without warning, causing a crash.

The recall covers vehicles built between 1997 and 2003 including Ford's E-Series full-size van, the Excursion SUV and the F-450 Super Duty pickup truck.

Ford said its dealers would inspect the potentially flawed camshaft sensor in the affected vehicles and replace the part with a new version without charge

NEW YORK (CNNMoney.com) - August 3 2007 -- Ford Motor Co. will recall 3.6 million vehicles to remove a cruise control switch that has been associated with fires in other vehicles. Vehicles being recalled range from the 1992 to 2004 model years and include the Ford Bronco, Lincoln Town Car, Ford Explorer, Ford Ranger and Mercury Grand Marquis among others.

The company is doing this in order to respond to customer concerns about the safety of the switch, which has been the subject of previous recalls.  The reason for this recall is different from any other recall we've done in the past related to cruise control deactivation switches," said Ford spokesman ...

None of the vehicles involved in this recall have experienced an abnormal number of fires, Jarvis said. The company is recalling the vehicles so that customers will not be concerned about the switch, he said.  In 2005 and 2006, the company recalled nearly 6 million vehicles because of problems with the cruise control cut-off switch.

The switch shuts off the cruise control when the driver firmly steps on the brakes. The switch is located under the hood of the vehicle and is attached to the brake master cylinder on one end and wired to the cruise control on the other.  The switch is powered at all times, even when the vehicle is turned off. In some cases fluid leaking the switch could cause it to short circuit resulting in a fire, which led to the earlier recalls

The recall will begin on August 13. Vehicle owners will have the cruise control switch, also called the speed control switch, deactivated as an interim repair. When new parts are available, which is expected to be October, dealers will begin installing new parts