Ford News and Recalls
Ford recalls model year 2017-19 Lincoln Continentals
The door latch may not fully engage
02/15/2019 | ConsumerAffairs
By James Limbach
A Washington, D.C., reporter for more than 30 years ... Read Full Bio→

Ford is recalling about 28,200 model year 2017-19 Lincoln Continentals.
The autos may have an intermittently functioning door latch motor due to the buildup of silicon contamination, resulting in the door latch not fully engaging.
This condition could increase the potential for the door to open while the car is being driven, increasing the risk of injury.
Ford is not aware of any reports of accidents or injuries resulting from this condition.
Dealers will remove and replace...
Ford recalls 1.48 million model year 2011-13 F-150s
The vehicle may experience an unintended downshift into first gear
02/14/2019 | ConsumerAffairs
By James Limbach
A Washington, D.C., reporter for more than 30 years ... Read Full Bio→

Ford is recalling 1.48 million model year 2011-13 F-150s with 6-speed automatic transmissions.
The transmission that may experience an intermittent loss of the transmission output speed sensor signal to the powertrain control module, potentially resulting in a temporary, unintended downshift into first gear.
Depending on vehicle speed, a downshift to first gear without warning could result in a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Ford is aware of five ...
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Ford's Spit-Out Spark Plugs Hit Mechanics in their Wallets
Company Covers Up Problem, Lets Consumers, Mechanics Pick Up the Tab
05/31/2007 | ConsumerAffairsBy Joe Benton
More and more Ford mechanics and technicians are siding with consumers, charging that the troubled automaker is fully aware of a major flaw in Ford engines that causes the power plant to spit out spark plugs at random and without warning.
They complain that Ford is covering up the defect while squeezing and short-changing technicians and mechanics tasked with repairing the problem for Ford consumers.
The trouble is, no one is listening to the warning and Ford continues to ...
Mazda Plans Recall of Troubled RX-8
Any engine that does not pass a specific vacuum test will be replaced according to Mazda.
08/21/2006 | ConsumerAffairsBy Unknown Author
Mazda plans a voluntary recall of all 2004 and 2005 RX-8 sports cars along with some 2006s because of damage to the catalyst resulting from oil leaks in the RX-8's rotary engine.
Mazda is preparing to replace the engines in many of its top of the line sports cars as a result of the recall. Any engine that does not pass a specific vacuum test will be replaced according to Mazda.
Engines prone to failing the vacuum test are mostly in hot climates and use synthetic oils, ac...
Massive Ford Recall to Fix Fire Hazard
Despite Earlier Recalls, Fords Have Continued to Burn
08/04/2007 | ConsumerAffairsBy Joe Benton

Ford Motor Co. is recalling as many as 3.6 million cars, truck, and vans because a switch that deactivates the speed control can overheat and catch fire according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
The agency warns in its recall notice that the switch problem can cause a fire under the hood.
The latest recall covers 16 brands of cars, sport utility vehicles and trucks from model years 1992 to 2004.
The models include the Ford Ranger, Ford Crown Victoria,...
Model year 2015-2016 Ford Edge vehicles recalled
The vehicles may have incorrect Antilock Brake System and Electronic Stability Control software
10/24/2016 | ConsumerAffairs
By James Limbach
A Washington, D.C., reporter for more than 30 years ... Read Full Bio→

Ford Motor Company is recalling 53 model year 2015-2016 Ford Edge vehicles manufactured February 9, 2015, to August 12, 2016.
During dealer servicing, the affected vehicles may be have been updated with incorrect Antilock Brake System (ABS) and Electronic Stability Control (ESC) software. This software can cause the ESC system to lose engine torque control and not provide any warning lamps to warn the driver if there was an ABS or ESC system malfunction. As such, these v...
Ford recalls older model Crown Victoria and Mercury Grand Marquis vehicles
The lighting control module may fail, resulting in a loss of headlights
01/04/2016 | ConsumerAffairs
By James Limbach
A Washington, D.C., reporter for more than 30 years ... Read Full Bio→

Ford Motor Company is recalling 296,004 model year 2003-2005 Ford Crown Victoria and Mercury Grand Marquis vehicles manufactured October 3, 2001, to August 2, 2005.
The recalled vehicles have a lighting control module (LCM) that may fail, resulting in a loss of headlights.
A loss of headlights can reduce driver visibility and increase the risk of a crash.
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the LCM, free of charge. Parts are not currently available to reme...
Ford Recalls 57,000 More Trucks, SUVS for Fire Hazard
Latest recall unrelated to other fire-related Ford recalls
02/11/2008 | ConsumerAffairsBy Joe Benton
Ford Motor Co. is recalling another 57,199 trucks and SUVs warning that the vehicles might catch fire because of a design flaw.
The latest Ford fire recall covers 2006 and 2007 trucks and SUV equipped with the 5.4 liter engine. They are the 2006-2007 E-150, E-250, E-350 trucks and the 2007 Ford Expedition and Lincoln Navigator.
The fire hazard in the Ford vehicles is caused by the fuel rail cross-over hose, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administrat...
Ford recalls model year 2017 Focus vehicles
An insufficient weld may have reduced the strength of the rear left side seat back
09/13/2017 | ConsumerAffairs
By James Limbach
A Washington, D.C., reporter for more than 30 years ... Read Full Bio→

Ford Motor Company is recalling 698 model year 2017 Focus vehicles.
The rear left side seat back frame may have an insufficient weld between the outboard pivot bracket and the pivot nut joint, resulting in the seat back having reduced strength.
As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 207, "Seating Systems," and 210, "Seat Belt Assembly Anchorages."
The reduced seat back strength may increase the r...
Ford Focus Recall
02/07/2005 | ConsumerAffairsBy Unknown Author
February 7, 2005
Ford is recalling nearly 360,000 Ford Focus cars to fix a potential problem with their rear door latches. the problem involves about 358,857 vehicles from the 2000-2002 model years and stems from a build-up of corrosion around the rear door latches which can eventually prevent them from ensuring the doors are secure.
"If not latched properly, the door may open while the vehicle is in motion," NHTSA said.
The Focus has set new recall records since its introduction. This is the tenth safety recall conducted in the U.S. There have also been several defect investigations.
Less than two weeks ago, Ford recalled nearly 800,000 F-150 pickups and related SUVs and minivans because of fire risks involving their cruise control switches.
February 7, 2005 Ford is recalling nearly 360,000 Ford Focus cars to fix a potential problem with their rear door latches. the problem involves about 358,857 vehicles from the 2000-2002 model years and stems from a build-up of corrosion around the rear door latches which can eventually prevent them from ensuring the doors are secure.
"If not latched properly, the door may open while the vehicle is in motion," NHTSA said.
The Focus has set new recall records since its intro...
Ford recalls F-250, F-350, F-450 and F-550 trucks
The inner sidewall of the trucks' tires may be damaged
05/13/2016 | ConsumerAffairs
By James Limbach
A Washington, D.C., reporter for more than 30 years ... Read Full Bio→
Ford Motor Company is recalling 2,288 model year 2016 Ford F-250, F-350, F-450, and F-550 trucks manufactured April 5, 2016, to April 11, 2016.
The tires installed during assembly of the vehicles may have sustained damage to the inner sidewall, possibly resulting in a loss of air or a tire rupture.
A rapid loss of air or a tire rupture while the vehicle is being driven may cause a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
What to do
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the tires for damage and replace them as necessary, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin in May 2016.
Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 16S17.

Ford Motor Company is recalling 2,288 model year 2016 Ford F-250, F-350, F-450, and F-550 trucks manufactured April 5, 2016, to April 11, 2016.
The tires installed during assembly of the vehicles may have sustained damage to the inner sidewall, possibly resulting in a loss of air or a tire rupture.
A rapid loss of air or a tire rupture while the vehicle is being driven may cause a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Ford will notify owners, and dealers...
Ford recalls Edge vehicles with optional Panoramic Vista Roof
The windshield header may not be welded properly
04/18/2017 | ConsumerAffairs
By James Limbach
A Washington, D.C., reporter for more than 30 years ... Read Full Bio→

Ford Motor Company is recalling 84 model year 2017 Edge vehicles equipped with the optional Panoramic Vista Roof.
The vehicles may have an improperly welded windshield header, reducing the vehicle's lateral structural integrity.
As such, they vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 214, "Side Impact Protection."
If the vehicle has reduced lateral structural integrity, the occupants are at an increased risk of in...
Ford recalls model year 2017 Ford F-250 Super Duty trucks
The vehicles may move unexpectedly while in 'Park'
04/17/2017 | ConsumerAffairs
By James Limbach
A Washington, D.C., reporter for more than 30 years ... Read Full Bio→

Ford Motor Company is recalling 48,443 model year 2017 Ford F-250 Super Duty trucks equipped with 6.2L engines and six-speed automatic transmissions.
The transmissions may have a damaged park rod actuating plate that can result in unexpected vehicle movement even though the transmission has been shifted to 'Park.'
As such, the vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 102, "Transmission Shift Lever Sequence/Start...
Ford recalls nearly 1 million vehicles with air bag issue
The air bags may not function as intended in the event of a crash
09/29/2014 | ConsumerAffairs
By James Limbach
A Washington, D.C., reporter for more than 30 years ... Read Full Bio→

Ford Motor Company is recalling approximately 850,000 2013-2014 Ford C-MAX, Fusion, Escape and Lincoln MKZ vehicles in North America for a potential issue with the restraints control module.
The restraints control module in the recalled vehicles may experience a short circuit, illuminating the air bag warning indicator. Depending on the location of the short circuit, the deployable restraint systems (e.g., airbags, pretensioners, side curtains) may not function as intended in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
The short circuit also may affect the function of other systems that use data from the restraints control module, including stability control. In these cases, the corresponding warning indicator lamps would also illuminate.
Ford says as of Sept. 24, 2014, it is aware of approximately 745,000 vehicles in the U.S. and federalized territories, approximately 83,000 in Canada and approximately 20,000 in Mexico.
The company says there are no reports of any accidents or injuries related to this condition.
Affected vehicles include:
- 2013-2014 C-MAX vehicles built at Michigan Assembly Plant, Jan. 19, 2012, to Nov. 21, 2013;
- 2013-2014 Fusion vehicles built at Hermosillo Assembly Plant, Feb. 3, 2012, to Aug. 24, 2013;
- 2013-2014 Escape vehicles built at Louisville Assembly Plant, Oct. 5, 2011, to Nov. 1, 2013; and
- 2013-2014 Lincoln MKZ vehicles built at Hermosillo Assembly Plant, April 25, 2012 to Sept. 30, 2013.
Dealers will replace the restraints control module at no cost to the customer.

Ford Motor Company is recalling approximately 850,000 2013-2014 Ford C-MAX, Fusion, Escape and Lincoln MKZ vehicles in North America for a potential issue with the restraints control module.
The restraints control module in the recalled vehicles may experience a short circuit, illuminating the air bag warning indicator. Depending on the location of the short circuit, the deployable restraint systems (e.g., airbags, pretensioners, side curtains) may not function as intende...
Ford recalls model year 2017 F-150s with ten-speed transmissions
The transmission may not respond to movement of the shift lever
11/27/2017 | ConsumerAffairs
By James Limbach
A Washington, D.C., reporter for more than 30 years ... Read Full Bio→

Ford Motor Company is recalling 11,783 model year 2017 F-150s equipped with ten-speed transmissions.
The pin that attaches the transmission shift linkage to the transmission may come out, preventing the transmission from responding to movement of the shift lever.
The disconnected linkage may cause the vehicle to not move forward or backward as selected by the driver with the shift lever.
Additionally, despite selecting 'Park', if the parking brake is not applied, the vehic...
Feds probe engine stalling problem in Ford SUVs, sedans
"Limp home mode" is just what its name implies
02/25/2013 | ConsumerAffairs
By James R. Hood
ConsumerAffairs' founder and former editor, Jim Hood formerly headed Associated ... Read Full Bio→
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration says it will investigate problems with stalling and surging engines in nearly 725,000 Ford Escape and Mercury Mariner SUVs and Ford Fusion and Mercury Milan sedans from the 2009 through 2011 model years.
The most commonly-cited problem is aptly called the "limp home mode." It's the condition in which the car suddenly drops to 20 mph and about 900 rpms.
The function is built into the engine control system. It's supposed to be triggered only by a serious engine problem and is meant to allow the driver time to maneuver to a safe place before stopping.
ConsumerAffairs has been hearing about this problem too. Randy of Jacksonville, Fla., posted a complaint in January about his 2010 Ford Escape Limited.
"On January 23, 2013, the engine shut down on the highway while going 65 mph. Was is in the middle lane but was able to nurse it to the shoulder," he said. "Turned it off and restarted. Ran fine for another 20 minutes and the engine shut down again. Restarted and made it to the house. Don't tell me that there is nothing wrong Ford!"
Katherine of Ellwood City, Pa., had a similar experience in her Ford Escape.
"I was driving on the highway about 65 mph when suddenly it lost acceleration and went to 20 mph. I was on a bridge at the time with no shoulder and coasted to the end of the bridge to pull over. I could see the cars behind me fearing I would get hit," she said. "When the tow truck arrived he checked under the hood and started the car back up with no problem. I was able to get home. I am very worried now after reading hundreds of incidents of this same occurrence! This is unsafe and I am very upset."
NHTSA said it has recorded 1,500 complaints about the problem, with three crashes and one injury so far.
Besides stalling, NHTSA siad the affected vehicles may also surge unexpectedly as the rpms increase to prevent stalling during limp mode.
An earlier throttle problem in the Ford Escape has been fixed, Ford said. It is not thought to be related to the stalling problem.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration says it will investigate problems with stalling and surging engines in nearly 725,000 Ford Escape and Mercury Mariner SUVs and Ford Fusion and Mercury Milan sedans from the 2009 through 2011 model years.
The most commonly-cited problem is aptly called the "limp home mode." It's the condition in which the car suddenly drops to 20 mph and about 900 rpms.
The function is built into the engine control system. It's s...
Ford Agrees to Settle Plastic Manifold Lawsuit
Owners may get reimbursement of at least $735
06/21/2005 | ConsumerAffairs
By Truman Lewis
A former reporter and bureau chief for broadcast outlets and ... Read Full Bio→
Ford Motor Co. has agreed to settle customer lawsuits over alleged defects in the intake manifoldsof as many as two million vehicles.
The settlement was filed in federal court in Oakland, Calif. Ford will pay owners of some Mercury Grand Marquis, Lincoln Town Cars and Ford Crown Victorias at least $735 to reimburse them for repairs made because of faulty manifolds, which route air to an engine's cylinders.
Car owners claimed in a class action that Ford installed plastic intake manifolds that were prone to cracking and causing coolant leaks on some 1996 to 2001 models. The settlement could cost Ford as much as $375 million if every customer files a claim.
Ford doesn't admit liability by settling the lawsuit.
Under the agreement, Ford will reimburse consumers with receipts for repairs related to the intake manifold. The Dearborn-based company will also pay $735 to anyone without receipts who verifies with a company dealership that the repair was made, the agreement said.
Ford will also extend the life of warranties of customers who haven't had manifold failures, according to the agreement. This could cost Ford additional money to replace manifolds in the future. Ford will also pay for notifying car owners about the settlement. The settlement is subject to court approval.
The settlement covers 1996 through 2001 models of the Mercury Grand Marquis, Lincoln Town Car and Ford Crown Victoria, as well as certain Mercury Cougars, Ford Thunderbirds and Mustangs built before 2002.
Ford Motor Co. has agreed to settle customer lawsuits over alleged defects in the intake manifoldsof as many as two million vehicles.
The settlement was filed in federal court in Oakland, Calif. Ford will pay owners of some Mercury Grand Marquis, Lincoln Town Cars and Ford Crown Victorias at least $735 to reimburse them for repairs made because of faulty manifolds, which route air to an engine's cylinders.
Car owners claimed in a class action that Ford installed plastic in...