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

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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 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

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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:   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

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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 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

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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:   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

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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

 

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.  09V-150

NEWS:  Feds warns Ford owners about recalled vehicles

WASHINGTON (AP) — 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

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

NEWS:   Ford recalls over 650,000 pickups for brake hose

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

WASHINGTON (AP) -- March 5, 2007 -- Ford Motor Co. recalled about 155,000 pickup trucks and sport utility vehicles on Monday to repair a cruise control switch system that already had led to millions of recalls.

Ford said the latest recall involved 2003 versions of the F-150, F-250, F-350, F-450 and F-550 Super Duty truck, the Ford Excursion SUV and the Lincoln Blackwood pickup.

The No. 2 U.S. automaker previously had recalled 5.8 million vehicles in the past two years because of engine fires linked to the cruise control systems in trucks, SUVs and vans. That recall, one of the largest in history, covered vehicles from the 1994-2002 model years.

Ford officials said Monday an internal check found the switch systems in some early 2003 trucks and SUVs and the company acted to allow owners to get it repaired. The switch system could corrode over time, overheat and ignite.

• Production delays hamper Ford recall

WASHINGTON -- (December 21, 2005)  - Ford Motor Co. said Tuesday that replacement parts used in its recall of 3.8 million pickup trucks and sport utility vehicles would not be available until February because of production delays. In September, the automaker recalled 1994-2002 model-year vehicles amid complaints of engine fires linked to the cruise control switch system. The recall covered the F-150 pickup, Ford Expedition, Lincoln Navigator and Ford Bronco. (AP)