Ford Motor Co. has issued six separate recalls on August 9, affecting approximately 200,000 vehicles, as reported by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. These recalls cover a range of models including the Ford Explorer, Ranger, Maverick, Bronco Sport, Transit, Mustang Mach-E, and Lincoln Nautilus. This marks the 43rd recall for Ford in 2024, potentially impacting up to 3.8 million vehicles, making it the automaker with the most recalls this year.
The largest recall involves 85,238 model year 2020-2022 Ford Explorer vehicles equipped with the Police Interceptor Utility Package. These vehicles are at risk of engine failures that could lead to engine block breaches, releasing oil or fuel vapor and increasing the risk of fire. The root cause of the connecting rod failures in these vehicles has not been identified, so Ford dealers will update the powertrain control module software as an interim solution.
Another recall affects 70,483 model year 2024 Ford Ranger and Lincoln Nautilus models due to a problem with the global closing feature for power windows. The power windows may fail to reverse when detecting an object, posing a safety risk. The door module control software version used in these vehicles has been discontinued.
Additionally, Ford is recalling 37,371 model year 2023-2024 Mavericks, Ford Bronco Sport, and Mustang Mach-E vehicles for windshield wiper motor issues. The wiper motors may fail due to missing sealer between the gear cover and housing, leading to a loss of visibility in rainy conditions. The wiper motors were supplied by Bosch, and Ford has received global warranty reports related to water intrusion.
The 2024 Mustang is also subject to a recall affecting 4,595 vehicles due to casting imperfections in the rear suspension knuckle. This defect can cause a loss of vehicle handling and steering control. The suspension knuckles were supplied by Citic Dicastal Co., and Ford is aware of two reports of fractured or cracked rear suspension knuckles.
Furthermore, the recall of 2023 and 2024 Ford Transit models is related to an incorrect bolt used to secure the steering column intermediate shaft to the steering gear pinion shaft. This issue could lead to stripped threads, bolt breakage, and separation of steering components, resulting in a loss of vehicle control. The affected Transits are equipped with the optional Transit Trail package.
Lastly, Ford is recalling 757 Maverick trucks from the 2022 model year that were previously included in a recall in April. These vehicles were part of a recall related to powertrain and body control modules that may fail to detect changes in the vehicle’s battery state of charge. Some of the 2022 Mavericks may still have this issue if they did not receive the remedy for the initial recall.
In conclusion, Ford’s recent recalls highlight the importance of addressing potential safety issues promptly to ensure the well-being of vehicle occupants and road users. It is crucial for vehicle owners to stay informed about recalls and take necessary actions to address any identified defects to maintain safe driving conditions.