An investigation into fuel tank problems could have the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) recalling Ford F-150 pickup trucks. The investigation was started a year ago after 32 complaints of fuel tanks falling off. Today over 240 complaints have been received, with 95% of the reported incidents resulting in fuel spillage. If the investigation leads to a recall, almost three million 1997-2001 F-150 trucks could be recalled. Ford is cooperating with the NHTSA and encourages owners to contact their local dealer if they have any questions about the investigation.
Category Archives: Ford
Shattering Windows In Ford SUVs
A preliminary investigation into shattering rear windows for 2010-2011 Ford Escape and Mercury Mariner sport utility vehicles (SUV) has been opened after the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) received 18 complaints that the rear lift-gate window shattered while opening or closing the lift-gate. Many of the incidents were reported to have happened during cold weather conditions and one alleged cut injuries to a 10 year old boy.
In 2004, Ford issued a recall for certain 2001-2005 SUV’s because the rear lift-gate latching system did not meet the inertia load requirements of the federal motor vehicle safety standards. There were over 150 reports of minor injuries when the door hinges failed allowing the glass to break.
Owners wanting more information about Ford vehicle recalls can contact Ford at 1-800-392-3673.
Ford Announces Two Truck Recalls
Ford has issued a recall for certain 2010 Ranger trucks manufactured from October 15, 2009 to May 19 2010 for a problem that could lead to an engine fire. A fuel line in the area of the throttle body shield may not have a protective cover installed properly The edge of the shield may contact the fuel line and chafe through resulting in a fuel leak. Dealers will inspect for fuel line and trim the shield back to give proper clearance.
Ford will also be recalling certain vehicles manufactured between October 25, 2010 to November 20, 2010 for body control modules (BCM) that could develop an electrical short which could lead to a fire. The vehicles recalled for this problem includes:
- 2011 FORD F-150
- 2011 FORD F-250
- 2011 FORD F-350
- 2011 FORD F-450
- 2011 FORD F-550
- 2011 FORD EDGE
- 2011 LINCOLN MKX TRUCKS
Owners wanting more information may contact the Ford Motor Company customer relationship center at 1-866-436-7332, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s (NHTSA) vehicle safety hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to http://www.safercar.gov.
Investigation Leads To Ford F150 Recall
Investigations started by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) last September has lead the government agency to urge a recall that could affect almost 140,000 F-150 trucks in the United States. The recall is over concerns that the air bags could deploy without warning. The NHTSA said that they have received almost 240 complaints of unwanted airbag deployment on 2004-2006 F-150 vehicles with almost 80 leading to injuries.
According to Ford spokesman Wes Sherwood, an improperly installed wire in the steering wheel may chaff, causing a short and an illuminated seat belt warning lamp. If it is not serviced, it could lead to deployment of the airbag. The recall will cover 2004-2006 Ford F-150 trucks, built in their Norfolk, Virginia assembly plant, for a relatively low risk of inadvertent air bag deployment. The NHTSA said they will review the recall and determine if it is sufficient.
Ford Fusion Wheel Stud Fractures
After four complaints, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has opened an investigation into 2010 Ford Fusion vehicles that allegedly had one or more wheel stud fractures. Three of the complaints came from a fleet of vehicles, but different drivers were assigned to each vehicle. All four of the complaints had low mileage and the wheels had never been serviced prior to the problem. All vehicles were equipped with steel wheels with decorative wheel covers and are attached on five wheel studs. If the wheel studs should fracture and break off, it could result in loss of wheel and vehicle control.
Ford Recall For Fire Hazard
At the end of December, Ford announced a recall that will affect some 2011 model year F-150, F-250, F-350, F-450, Ford Edge and Lincoln MKX vehicles. There have been no consumer reports of problems due to the defective part, but Ford experienced two vehicles fires at the assembly plant while the vehicles were being built. The problem is being blamed on a faulty Body Control Module (BCM). During a six day period, the module may have been installed in over 15,000 vehicles. Ford will notify customers of the recall beginning January. Owners wanting additional information about the recall can contact Ford at 866-436-7332.
The 2011 Detroit Auto Show
Detroit’s showcase of the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) is one of North America’s most prestigious auto exhibitions. Besides being home to the “Big Three” (the three major American automotive companies: General Motors, Ford, and Chrysler ), the show serves as a locale for international automakers to show off their most innovative designs and give consumers the experience of North America’s largest and most prestigious automotive showcase. This year’s show is expected to see over 30 all new reveals of the 500 vehicles on display.
Toyota plans to capitalize on their green image as they launch three new Prius models in an attempt to shift public attention to their innovative new products. There will be many other electric and hybrid vehicles as consumers move toward more efficient and zero emission modes of transportation. Ford will introduce their new Focus electric vehicle as well as their Ford Explorer, North American truck of the year. GM’s Chevrolet Volt, named North American car of the year will also be there.
Experience the next generation of transportation at the 2011 North American International Auto Show at the Cobo Conference and Exhibition Center . Doors will be open to the general public: Saturday, January 15 to Saturday January 22, 9 am – 10 pm and on Sunday, January 23, 9 am to 7 pm.
Corrosion Investigation For Ford Windstar
A recall for corrosion of Ford’s Windstar and a recently expanded recall for the same issues, has lead the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to upgrade their investigation into front end corrosion problems with the minivan. The NHTSA is now reviewing almost 350 complaints related to the vans front engine cradle. This sub-frame which carries the engine, trans-axle, steering and some front end suspension components, is reported to suffer cracking because of excessive corrosion. Almost 100% of complaints have come from salt belt states.
Ford spokesman Wes Sherwood said the company is cooperating with the NHTSA investigation and that they are committed to safety and notifying customers of recalls. According to Ford’s Safety director, The failure rate for the minivan is quite low when considering the age of the vehicles and the amount of miles they have accumulated.
