Ford Motor Company has recalled 10 models for safety issues, which may cause injury in a crash. The massive recall was issued on August 30 and included several best-selling models.
Ford Models Impacted by Recall
Over 665,000 Ford vehicles are part of the recall notice. Issues are divided into four categories, but no injuries have been noted at this time. Models included in the recall are the following:
- 2018 – 2020 Ford F-150
- 2019 – 2020 Ford F-Series Super Duty
- 2018 – 2019 Ford Explorer
- 2019 – 2020 Ford Expedition
- 2020 Lincoln Aviator
For these vehicles, some of the seats are missing an important component that will help restrain a person in an accident. The seats may detach, which could lead to injury.
The second category is the loss of power steering assist. The gear motor may loosen and detach from its housing. Vehicles that are involved in this notice include the following:
- 2013 – 2016 Ford Fusion
- 2013 – 2016 Lincoln MKZ
- 2015 – 2016 Ford Edge
- 2016 Lincoln MKX
If the power steering assist stops working, it would require more effort in steering, which could increase the risk of an accident. The greatest risk is at lower speeds, where more assistance is needed.
The third category for the recall is with the loss of brakes. This affects the 2019 Ford Fiesta. There is the concern of a leak with the front brake calipers, which could cause them to malfunction. The brake could overheat and cause a crash.
For the fourth category, Ford recalled 2012 – 2013 Ford Fiesta models for corrosion of the battery junction box. The result would be the low beam headlights and daytime running lights would stop working.
What to Do
Ford is sending out notices to all known customers. However, anyone who owns one of these models and doesn’t receive a notice should contact their local Ford dealer. They can also go online to find out about recent recall notices to determine if their vehicle might be included. Not all vehicles in the affected years will have issues. The dealership will schedule an inspection and repair of any faulty parts at no charge to the customer.
Not all vehicles within the affected years will have issues. However, there are problems with vehicles built in the Kentucky, Chicago, and Dearborn plants as well as some of those built in Canada and Mexico.
It’s important to have a vehicle checked out even if it’s not causing any problems at the time. Safety issues can lead to a car crash as in the case of faulty brakes, loss of power steering and headlights not working. If the vehicle with the seat issue is involved in a crash, the occupants could suffer more serious injury than normal because the seats didn’t protect them the way they were designed. When a person isn’t restrained correctly in a seat, they can suffer whiplash, broken bones, head and neck injuries, and more. Properly designed seats in a vehicle help protect the occupant and hold them in place, so they are less likely to suffer a severe injury.