Category Archives: Ford

News about Ford automobile manufacturer. News about Ford recalls, technical service bulletins (TSB), and problems regarding Ford vehicles.

Ford Improves On MyFord Infotainment Usability

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Consumer complaints about Ford’s new infotainment system, MyFord Touch, are not going unnoticed, as Ford prepares to send customers a free upgrade to make their system more user friendly. When the digital control system was launched last year, Ford said that it would combine modern consumer electronic screens and controls that will eventually become the industry standard. Instead, the new technology resulted in Ford dropping considerably in quality by both Consumer Reports and JD Power & Associates annual quality rankings.

Fortunately for Ford, the digital technology also makes it easy and affordable for Ford to improve the usability of the system. According to Ford’s director of electronics engineering, Graydon Reitz, the new system will be less cluttered and easier to use, with virtual buttons and voice recognition responding more rapidly in the new version. Customers with an earlier version of MyFord Touch systems will be able upgrade the systems themselves through a USB port in the car.

Ford Quality Rating Drops

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Consumer Reports’ 2011 annual car reliability survey, seems to mimic JD Power & Associates annual automobile quality study, by reporting that the overall quality of 2011 vehicles has dropped. Ford, suffering the biggest drop, went from 5th to 23th spot, the biggest drop for any major automaker in Consumer Reports’ 2011 Annual Auto Survey. According to the report, the new Ford Explorer, Fiesta, and Focus all had below average reliability, but the problems were attributed to new technologies like the new MyFord Touch infotainment system and the new automated manual transmission. Chrysler had better results with its new Chrysler 200 (formerly Sebring) sedan, the redesigned Dodge Durango and the Jeep Grand Cherokee SUVs. Of the 91 Japanese models for which Consumer Reports collected data, 96%, were rated average or better in predicted reliability. These vehicles, however, offered little in new technology from previous models.

NHTSA Investigates Ford Mustang Transmissions

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Complaints of the inability to shift gears on some 2011-2012 Ford Mustangs, equipped with six speed manual transmissions, has lead the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to open an investigation to see if the sports car should be recalled. Erratic shifting behavior while merging into traffic or turning left across oncoming traffic, were reported to have caused near collisions with other vehicles on the road. The NHTSA’s preliminary evaluation will assess the scope, frequency and potential safety consequences associated with the alleged defect. If the investigation should lead to a recall, almost 30, 000 2011-2012 Ford Mustangs could be recalled.

NHTSA Decides No Recall For Ford Minivans

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The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has decided to not issue a recall for some 2004-2007 Ford Freestar and 2004-2007 Mercury Monterey minivans after a year long investigation. The NHTSA started the investigation in August 2010 after receiving complaints that water could run down onto the cowling under the hood in the windshield wiper area and would drip onto the power train control module (PCM). The module would short, causing a variety of problems including stalling, poorly shifting transmission, erratic power, and a lit malfunction light. The NHTSA found that the failure rate was below what would be considered a defect trend and decided not to issue a recall. The agency will continue to monitor complaints and take further action in the future if warranted.

Ford Recalls Trucks For Brake Lights

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Ford will be recalling over 26,000 trucks for a component in the brake light switch that does not comply with the federal motor vehicle safety standards. The multifunction switch shipped with a sub-component (slider) could become deformed resulting in the loss of turn signals, tail lights, hazard warning flashers and brake lights. Loss of any of these lights could increase the chances of an accident. Owners wanting more information about the recall can contact the Ford Motor Company customer relationship center at 1-866-436-7332. The vehicles involved in this recall include:

Ford Recalls Sedans For Fuel Tanks

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Ford has announced a recall that will involve certain 2007 Ford Five Hundred and 2007 Mercury Montego Sedans built between September 5th -11th, 2006, for problems with the fuel tanks. The welds between the fuel tank and the filler neck were not done properly which could affect the strength of the joint. In the event of a rear impact, the welds could break allowing fuel to leak out and possibly cause a fire if there is an ignition source. Owners can expect to start receiving their recall notice starting August 15, where dealers will replace the fuel tank free of charge. Anyone wanting more information on the recall can contact the Ford Motor Company customer relationship center at 1-866-436-7332 .

Californians Turn To Domestic Cars

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Historically, imported vehicles have dominated the market in California, but a recent trend is seeing more and more consumers turn to domestic auto makers when replacing their old vehicles. Companies like Ford, Chrysler and GM have improved their sales in the state last year with the introduction of new models of small cars and compact SUV’s. The improved reliability, fuel economy, advanced electronics and added luxury options are starting to give domestic brands an advantage over once popular rivals like Honda and Toyota. Some of the more popular vehicles being sold in California are GM’s Chevrolet Volt , Cruze and Camaro, and Ford’s Fiesta, Focus and Fusion. The growth in California is important to local car dealers who have experienced sluggish auto sales for almost three years now. Some analysts, however, question whether traditional buyers of Japanese cars are switching to domestic brands, or just waiting for depleted inventories to be replenished.

Ford Offers Better Fuel Economy With Google

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Ford and Google are working together to develop a tool that will help make Ford’s hybrid vehicles even more efficient. The Application Program Interface (API), also known as Google Predictions, will analyze driver habits using cloud based computing, in order to come up with customized strategies for saving energy. The driver would input their destination and the car would use its stored traffic information to determine the best route. The API would adapt to the drivers driving habits allowing the best fuel efficiency for the driver. The technology is still in a research phase, but Ford hopes to have a working prototype ready for production in four to eight years.