2022 Ford Recalls and Safety Alerts

Ford generated some automotive world excitement when it brought back the Ford Bronco as a rugged SUV for the 2021 model year. But for some owners that excitement quickly turned to angst.

Earlier this year the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) opened an investigation into complaints from some Bronco owners that their vehicles experienced “catastrophic engine failure” after as few as 2,000 miles.

In July, NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) reported it had received 26 complaints about Bronco engine failures. According to ConsumerAffairs researchers, at least 47 2.7L engine failures have been reported on one forum, Bronco6g.com. An estimated 25,538 2021 Broncos are equipped with 2.7L engines.

“Under normal driving conditions without warning the vehicle may experience a loss of motive power without restart due to catastrophic engine failure related to an alleged faulty valve within 2.7 L Eco-Boost Engines,” ODI said in a report.

Ford’s 2.7L EcoBoost engine is also used in the best-selling F-150 pickups, though the issues appear to primarily be affecting Ford Broncos. Complaints have come from owners of both the 2021 and 2022 Bronco models. 

What’s causing the failures?

So what’s causing the engines to fail? Karl Brauer, executive analyst at automotive site iSeeCars.com, says there are reports of the valves dropping into the combustion chamber, causing all sorts of internal damage.

“The big question is, how widespread is it, and can Ford identify the models with the problem or will they have to recall every single vehicle with that engine?” Brauer told ConsumerAffairs. “So right now we don’t know if it’s a huge problem or a minor one, but it could go either way.”

Grant Feek, CEO of automotive marketplace Tred, agrees that the engine’s valves may be the culprit.

“Speculation from owners seems to focus on the theory that valves are becoming brittle when exposed to heat, leading to their eventual failure,” Feek told ConsumerAffairs. “This could be the result of an engineering defect, or maybe inferior materials that can’t withstand engine temperatures.”

Feek says his review of online forums suggests that around 70 Broncos have suffered this fate.

Close call

There have been no injuries related to the engine failures but according to some complaints registered with NHTSA, there have been some close calls.

“My wife was driving the vehicle and was enveloped in smoke and the engine stopped and she was stuck in the middle lane of a busy road in rush hour,” one Bronco owner told NHTSA. “A dangerous section of road a few miles from our house. I drove down and gave her my SUV and then called AAA who towed it to the dealership.”

Ford has acknowledged that a “select number of engines” are failing and that the company is investigating a potential problem. At one point last year someone speculated about the faulty values on the Bronco6G forum but the post has been deleted.

Autoweek recently reported on the issue, adding more fuel to the faulty valve theory. The report suggested the root cause of the problem appears to be that the valve keepers, which lock the valve spring retainer to the valve, are failing.

Ford Motor Company is recalling 64,974 model year 2022 Mavericks.

The side-curtain airbags may not deploy properly, which increases the risk of an injury in a crash.

What to do

Dealers will replace the left and right side-curtain airbag modules with a new design for free.

Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed on September 22, 2022.

Owners may contact Ford customer service at (866) 436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 22C20.

Ford has announced that it will start taking orders again on its electric pickup truck, the Lightning F-150, this Thursday. But for consumers who have waited for the vehicle to become available again, they’ll be paying a pretty penny – up to $96,874 for the Platinum Extended Range edition. That's up to $8,500 more than they would have paid when the vehicle was originally released.

When the truck first hit the streets in May 2021, the “Pro” base model had an MSRP of $40,000. Now, its sticker price is $46,974. There are several layers of bells and whistles a buyer can get their truck decked out with, including everything from police-grade heavy-duty cloth front seats to an automatic trailer hitch mechanism. The package upgrades run anywhere from $6,000-$13,000.

In announcing the truck’s return, Ford said the higher price points came about due to “significant material cost increases and other factors.” However, it says the truck's standard range battery will improve the driving range from an EPA-estimated 230 miles to 240 miles. 

“Current order holders awaiting delivery are not impacted by these price adjustments,” said Ford official Marin Gjaja. “We’ve announced pricing ahead of re-opening order banks so our reservation holders can make an informed decision around ordering a Lightning.”

Special offers and tax credits

The automaker said consumers who made a reservation for a Lightning truck but elected to extend their reservation because their vehicle specification was unavailable will receive a “private offer for use in upcoming waves.” ConsumerAffairs reached out to Ford for an explanation as to what the “private offer” would entail or cost, but the company did not immediately respond to our request.

Consumers who don’t want to feel the sting of the higher prices on the F-150 should keep in mind that the federal government’s EV tax credit can lower the cost by $7,500. And that credit will now last a decade thanks to the Inflation Reduction Act that Congress just passed.

However, those tax credits come with their own set of requirements, such as the vehicle being assembled in North America and a requirement for the “critical minerals” in its battery to be sourced in the U.S. or in a country that the U.S. has a free trade agreement with. 

Ford Motor Company is recalling 1,000 model year 2022 Explorers and Lincoln Aviators.

The engine rails may have been improperly heat-treated.

Improperly heat-treated engine rails may reduce the vehicle's structural protection in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.

In addition, an engine rail may detach and contact the road while the vehicle is moving, increasing the risk of a crash.

What to do

Dealers will perform an engine rail strength test and replace the rails -- as necessary -- free of charge. If the engine rails require replacement, owners will have the option of a vehicle replacement or buyback.

Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed on August 1, 2022.

Owners may contact Ford customer service at (866) 436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 22C13.

Ford Motor Company is recalling 30,244 model year 2022 Transit vehicles.

The Instrument Panel Cluster may not properly illuminate telltales, gauges, the speedometer, or tachometer pointers.

Failure to illuminate the cluster display could render safety-related telltales and gauges unreadable, increasing the risk of a crash.

What to do

Dealers will update the instrument panel cluster software free of charge.

Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed on July 25, 2022.

Owners may contact Ford customer service at (866) 436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 22C11.

Ford Motor Company is recalling 53,103 model year 2021-2022 four-door Broncos.

The passenger-side rear door may be opened from the inside of the vehicle when the child safety lock is in the "ON" position.

A malfunctioning child safety lock increases the risk of injury to a child occupant.

What to do

Dealers will inspect the passenger-side child safety lock and latch and replace them -- if necessary -- free of charge.

Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed on July 25, 2022.

Owners may contact Ford customer service at (866) 436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 22S44.

Ford Motor Company is recalling 100,689 model year 2020-2022 Escapes, model year 2022 Mavericks, and model year 2021-2022 Lincoln Corsairs with 2.5L HEV or PHEV engines.

In the event of an engine failure, engine oil and fuel vapor may be released into the engine compartment and accumulate near ignition sources, such as a hot engine or exhaust components. This could cause an engine compartment fire.

What to do

Owners are advised to park and shut off the engine as quickly as possible if they hear unexpected engine noises, notice a reduction in vehicle power, or see smoke.

Dealers will modify the under-engine shield and active grille shutter free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be sent on August 8, 2022.

Owners may contact Ford customer service at (866) 436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 22S47.

Ford Motor Company is recalling 48,924 model year 2021-2022 Mustang Mach-Es.

The high voltage battery main contactors may overheat.

An overheated high voltage battery contactor may cause the vehicle to lose drive power, increasing the risk of a crash.

What to do

Dealers will update the onboard software free of charge.

Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed on July 18, 2022.

Owners may contact Ford customer service at (866) 436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 22S41.

Ford Motor Company is recalling 965 model year 2022 Lincoln Navigators.

The headlight control module software may cause the side marker and daytime running lights to fail.

A loss of exterior lighting can reduce visibility and increase the risk of a crash.

What to do

Dealers will update the headlight control module software and recalibrate the headlights free of charge.

Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed on July 11, 2022.

Owners may contact Ford customer service by phone at (866)436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 22C14.

Ford Motor Company is recalling about 66,221 model year 2021 Ford Expeditions and Lincoln Navigators.

The vehicles may pose a risk of an under-hood fire, even when the vehicle is parked and turned off.

The automaker has received 21 reports of under-hood fires.

Ford says the cause of these vehicle fires can be traced to a change in manufacturing location by a supplier.

What to do

Ford is advising owners to park their vehicles outside and away from structures until the dealer services their vehicle. However, it has not issued instructions to stop driving the vehicles.

Dealers will first inspect the battery junction box for melting damage. If it finds evidence of damage, it will replace the entire component. The company will then remove the engine fan ground wire from the battery junction box in affected vehicles with an 800-watt cooling fan system, which represents about one-third of the recalled vehicle population

The repair is the same for the remaining affected vehicles with a 700-watt cooling fan system except for the installation of an auxiliary box with a wire jumper.

Parts for this repair are expected to be available starting in early September. Owners may contact Ford customer service by phone at (866) 436-7332 for more information.

Ford Motor Company is recalling 63,294 model year 2022 Broncos and Rangers.

The windshield may not have been properly bonded to the vehicle, which could allow it to detach.

A windshield that separates from a vehicle during a crash can increase the risk of injury.

What to do

Dealers will remove and reinstall the windshield free of charge.

Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed on July 11, 2022.

Owners may contact Ford customer service at (866) 436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 22C12.

Ford Motor Company is recalling 2,666 model year 2022 F-150 BEVs equipped with 20" or 22" all season tires.

The tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) light may not illuminate as intended and could fail to warn the driver of low tire pressure.

Low tire pressure can lead to poor vehicle handling and a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.

What to do

The body control module (BCM) software will be updated by a dealer or through an over-the-air (OTA) update free of charge.

Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed on July 11, 2022.

Owners may contact Ford customer service at (866) 436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 22C15.

Driverge Vehicle Innovations is recalling 22 model year 2021 Ford Transit 350s.

Exposed copper may cause the Programmable Relay Power Center (PRPC) module to fail and short-circuit.

An electrical short-circuit increases the risk of a fire.

What to do

Driverge will work with the equipment manufacturer to provide a fused data link harness free of charge.

Owners may contact Driverge customer service at (330) 861-1118 or Intermotive Warranty at (530) 823-1048 ext.103.

Ford Motor Company is recalling 27 model year 2020 Escapes and model year 2021 Lincoln Corsairs with 2.5L hybrid powertrains.

Insufficient welds inside the high voltage battery may fail, resulting in a loss of drive power and increasing the risk of a crash

What to do

Dealers will replace the high voltage battery free of charge.

Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed July 5, 2022.

Owners may contact Ford customer service at (866) 436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 22S33.

Ford Motor Company is recalling 310,203 model year 2016 Super Duty F-250s, F-350s, F-450s and F-550s.

Dust may accumulate in the steering wheel clock spring, causing a disconnection in the electrical connection, resulting in the driver airbag not deploying as intended.

Failure of the driver airbag to deploy as intended increases the risk of injury in a crash.

What to do

Dealers will replace the steering wheel clock spring free of charge.

Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed July 5, 2022.

Owners may contact Ford customer service at (866) 436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 22S35.

Ford Motor Company is recalling 2,925,968 model year 2013-2019 Escape, model year 2013-2018 C-Max, model year 2013-2016 Fusion, model year 2013-2021 Transit Connect, and model year 2015-2018 Edge vehicles.

The bushing that attaches the shifter cable to the transmission may degrade or detach.

A damaged or missing bushing may prevent the vehicle from shifting into the intended gear, and cause it to move in an unexpected direction.

Additionally, the vehicle may roll after the driver selects the 'Park' position.

Either situation increases the risk of a crash or injury.

What to do

Dealers will replace the under hood shift bushing and add a protective cap over the shift cable bushing free of charge.

Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed June 27, 2022.

Owners may contact Ford customer service at (866) 436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 22S43.

Ford Motor Company is recalling 25,032 model year 2019-2020 Mustangs with 5.0L engines and manual transmissions.

The Powertrain Control Module (PCM) may broadcast an unintended faulted signal to the modules controlling the reverse camera, reverse light and driver assist features, which may disable all of these functions.

A rearview camera or reverse light that is disabled reduces the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash.

Disabled driver assist features (traction control, forward collision warning, blind spot warning, cross traffic indicator) may increase the risk of a crash.

What to do

Dealers will update the PCM software free of charge.

Owners may contact Ford customer service at (866) 436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 22S37.

Ford Motor Company is recalling 5,247 vehicles because their Safety Certification Labels are missing the tire size, rim type, and tire pressure values for both the front and rear axles. This violates the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard numbers 110 and 120.

This missing information could lead to an incorrect tire or rim being installed, or incorrect tire pressure being set, on the vehicle. All of these factors increase the risk of a crash. 

The following vehicles and model years are affected by this recall:

• 2022 F-Super Duty F-250, F-350, F-450, F-550, and F600 vehicles
• 2023 E-Series vehicles
• 2016 E-Series vehicles
• 2017 F-450 vehicles
• 2019 F-450 vehicles
• 2021 F-350 vehicles
• 2021 Transit vehicles

What to do

Dealers are being advised to replace the Safety Certification Labels on affected vehicles for free. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed on June 27, 2022.

Consumers can contact Ford's customer service by phone at 1-866-436-7332 for more information. Ford's number for this recall is 22C09.

How consumers buy electric vehicles could be in for a big-time evolution if Ford has its wish. In a speech made Thursday at an IBM conference, CEO Jim Farley said his company’s electric vehicles may shift completely away from a showroom and move solely online – and at haggle-free, fixed prices.

Farley sees Ford moving away from showroom-laden inventories where consumers can browse for vehicles and kick the tires. The only purpose a dealership would serve in his future vision is being the pickup point for people who bought a vehicle online and as a place to go for repairs.

The world may be watching gas prices, but EVs are already showing up in Ford’s progress reports. In May, the automaker said its battery electric vehicle sales totaled 6,254 for the month, up 222% over last year and growing almost 4 times faster than the overall U.S. electric vehicle segment. The Mustang Mach-E was the hottest seller, with sales up 166% percent over last May. 

Separating EVs from gas-powered

Earlier this year, Ford announced plans to spin electric vehicle production into its own auto division so that it could focus on electric vehicle growth while maintaining strength with its gas-powered vehicles. 

One of Ford’s emphasis points in the EV market is the battery that drives its cars and trucks. It recently announced plans to build a massive battery factory in rural Kentucky. If you count patents as an indicator of progress, Ford and Toyota were last seen leading all of their automaking peers. An example of that is a patent that Ford filed for a removable, range-extending generator that sits in the bed of a pickup, sort of like a toolbox would.

FordAuthority says the proposed product has everything a vehicle needs – an engine, fuel tank, exhaust system, and electronics – all in one package. It also has a unique feature that would allow a vehicle to be moved autonomously by using a “Following Mode.”

Ford Motor Company is recalling 22 model year 2022 Mustangs with an Image Processing Module A (IPMA) or forward-facing camera.

The camera is misaligned to the vehicle and not functioning as intended.

A front-facing camera that is not functioning properly may restrict or disable certain features including Pre-Collision Assist, Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Keeping System, Driver Alert, and Auto High Beam Control, increasing the risk of a crash.

What to do

Dealers will realign the front-facing camera free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed on May 30, 2022.

Owners may contact Ford customer service at (866) 436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 22S34.

Ford Motor Company is recalling 464 model 2021 Mustang Mach-Es with all-wheel drive.

The powertrain control module (PCM) functional safety software may fail to detect a software error, resulting in unintended acceleration, unintended deceleration, or a loss of drive power.

Any of these conditions increase the risk of a crash.

What to do

The PCM software will be updated by a dealer or through an over-the-air (OTA) update free of charge.

Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed on May 30, 2022.

Owners may contact Ford customer service at (800) 436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 22S29.

Ford Motor Company is recalling 39,013 model year 2021 Expeditions and Lincoln Navigators.

An engine compartment fire may occur while the vehicle is being driven or parked, even when the ignition is in the "Off" position.

A vehicle fire increases the risk of injury.

What to do

A remedy for this issue is still under development. Owners are advised to park their vehicles outside and away from structures until a remedy becomes available and is performed.

Letters notifying owners of the safety risk are expected to be mailed on May 23, 2022. A second letter will be mailed once the remedy is available.

Owners may contact Ford customer service at (866) 436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 22S36.

Ford Motor Company is recalling 23,165 model year 2020 Super Duty F-250, F-350, F-450, and F-550 trucks with 6.7L diesel engines.

A washer within the vehicle's transmission can disintegrate, causing metallic debris to become lodged in the 'Park' mechanism.

Debris lodged within the 'Park' mechanism may prevent the vehicle from achieving or holding 'Park,' increasing the risk of a vehicle rollaway and a crash.

What to do

Dealers will replace a gearset within the transmission free of charge.

Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed on May 30, 2022.

Owners may contact Ford customer service at (866) 436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 22S22.

Ford Motor Company is recalling 21,904 model year 2019 F-150, Super Duty F-250, F-350, F-450 and F-550 trucks.

Due to a poor electrical connection, the rearview camera may intermittently display a blank or distorted image.

A rearview camera that displays a blank or distorted image can reduce the driver's view of what is behind them, increasing the risk of a crash.

What to do

Dealers will replace the rearview camera free of charge.

Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed on May 16, 2022.

Owners may contact Ford customer service at (866) 436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 20C19.

Ford Motor Company is recalling 933 model year 2022 Lincoln Aviators.

The front-row driver and passenger seat power head restraint cushion may detach from the head restraint assembly when adjusted to the full forward position.

A detached head restraint cushion can increase the risk of injury in a crash.

What to do

Dealers will replace the front-row passenger and driver head restraints free of charge.

Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed on May 9, 2022.

Owners may contact Ford customer service at (866) 436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 22S23.

Ford Motor Company is recalling 96,015 model year 2015 Escapes equipped with 2.0L engines.

The bushing that attaches the shifter cable to the transmission may degrade or detach.

A damaged or missing bushing may prevent the vehicle from shifting into the intended gear and cause it to move in an unexpected direction. The vehicle may also roll after the driver selects the 'Park' position. Both incidents increase the risk of a crash or injury.

What to do

Dealers will replace the under hood shifter bushing and add a protective cap over the shift cable bushing free of charge.

Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed on May 9, 2022.

Owners may contact Ford customer service at (866) 436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 22S25.

Ford Motor Company is recalling 19,175 model year 2022 F-150 pickup trucks.

The power-adjustable telescoping steering column connector wiring may be too short and become damaged or separated if the adjustable steering column is extended all the way.

Damaged or separated wiring may result in the steering column not moving as intended in certain crash conditions, increasing the risk of injury in a crash.

What to do

Dealers will inspect the steering column wiring harness and repair the wiring -- as necessary -- free of charge.

Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed on May 9, 2022.

Owners may contact Ford customer service at (866) 436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 22S24.

Motor Company is recalling 652,996 model year 2020-2021 F-150s & Expeditions, model year 2020-2022 Super Duty F-250s, F-350s, F-450s & F-550s, and model year 2020-2021 Lincoln Navigators.

The windshield wiper arms may break, causing the windshield wipers to fail.

Inoperative windshield wipers can reduce visibility in certain driving conditions, increasing the risk of a crash.

What to do

Dealers will replace both front windshield wiper arms free of charge.

Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed on May 23, 2022. Owners may contact Ford customer service at (866) 436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 22S26.

Ford Motor Company is recalling 47,084 model year 2021 F-150 pickup trucks.

The Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) for low transmission fluid pressure may falsely activate and cause the transmission to unexpectedly shift into neutral.

An unexpected shift into neutral will cause a loss of drive power and increase the risk of a crash.

What to do

Dealers will update the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) software free of charge.

Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed on May 2, 2022.

Owners may contact Ford customer service at (866) 436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 22S15.

Ford Motor Company is recalling 119 model year 2022 Transit vehicles.

The rearview camera supplied in the Rear Video Camera and Prep Kit will not function when installed by the final stage manufacturer (upfitter), resulting in a blank rearview image.

A camera that does not display a rearview image while in reverse can reduce the driver's view of what is behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.

What to do

Dealers will update the audio control module configuration settings free of charge.

Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed on April 25, 2022.

Owners may contact Ford customer service at (866) 436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 22S18.

Ford Motor Company is recalling 305 model year 2022 Transit vehicles.

The image processing module for the 360-degree camera system may not process the image from the rearview camera under certain rear-loading vehicle conditions.

Loss of the rearview camera image while reversing can reduce the driver's view of what is behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.

What to do

Dealers will update the Image Processing Module B (IPMB) software free of charge.

Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed on April 25, 2022.

Owners may contact Ford customer service at (866) 436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 22S16.

Ford Motor Company is recalling 39,720 model year 2016 and 2020 Transit Connect vehicles.

The windshield may have been manufactured with inadequate adhesion to the vehicle body structure.

This could cause the windshield to detach from the vehicle in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.

What to do

Dealers will inspect the windshield and -- if necessary -- remove and reinstall the windshield free of charge.

Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed on April 18, 2022.

Owners may contact Ford customer service at (866) 436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 22S20.

Ford Motor Company is recalling 585 model year 2022 Lincoln Aviators with the 3.0L plug-in hybrid powertrain.

The inlet charge port harness bus bar may become unseated, leading to a loss of drive power.

A loss of drive power can increase the risk of a crash.

What to do

Dealers will inspect the inlet charge port harness date code label and replace the harness -- if necessary -- free of charge.

Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed on April 18, 2022.

Owners may contact Ford customer service at (866) 436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 22S19.

Ford Motor Company is recalling 345,451 model year 2020-2022 Escape and model year 2021-2022 Bronco Sport vehicles with 1.5L engines.

The engine oil separator housing may crack and develop an oil leak.

An oil leak in the presence of an ignition source such as hot engine or exhaust components can increase the risk of a fire.

What to do

Dealers will inspect the oil separator for damage or oil leaks and replace the oil separator and seals -- as necessary -- free of charge.

Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed on April 18, 2022.

Owners may contact Ford customer service at (866) 436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 22S21.

Ford Motor Company is recalling 391,836 model year 2021-2022 F-150s, and model year 2022 Mavericks, Expeditions, Lincoln Navigators, F-250s, F-350s, F-450s, and F-550s.

Due to a software error, a towed trailer equipped with an electric or electric-over hydraulic brake system may not brake.

Loss of trailer brake functionality could result in an extended stopping distance, increasing the risk of a crash.

What to do

Dealers will update the integrated trailer brake control module software free of charge.

Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed on April 18, 2022.

Owners may contact Ford customer service at (866) 436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 22S17.

Ford Motor Company is recalling three model year 2022 Lincoln Corsairs and model year 2021-2022 Ford Escapes equipped with a 2.5L Hybrid powertrain.

The high-voltage battery may fail, resulting in a sudden loss of drive power.

A sudden loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash.

What to do

Dealers will replace the high-voltage battery free of charge.

Owners may contact Ford customer service at (866) 436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 21S48.

Ford Motor Company is recalling 195,864 model year 2016-2017 Ford Expeditions, Lincoln Navigators, and model year 2016-2018 F-150s with 3.5L Ecoboost engines.

The brake master cylinder may allow brake fluid to leak from the front wheel circuit into the brake booster.

A loss of brake fluid may result in a change in brake pedal travel, increased pedal effort, and reduced front brake function, requiring greater effort and distance to stop the vehicle. These conditions can increase the risk of a crash.

What to do

Dealers will replace the brake master cylinder. If the master cylinder is leaking, the brake booster will also be replaced. Repairs will be performed free of charge.

Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed on April 25, 2022.

Owners may contact Ford customer service at (866) 436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 22S11.

Ford Motor Company is recalling 78,376 model year 2021-2022 Edge vehicles.

A software error may cause the rearview camera to display a blank or distorted image when the vehicle is in reverse.

A rearview camera that displays a blank or distorted image can reduce the driver's view of what is behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.

What to do

The rearview camera software will be updated by a dealer or through an over-the-air (OTA) update free of charge.

Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed on April 25, 2022.

Owners may contact Ford customer service at (866) 436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 22S14

Ford Motor Company is recalling 157,306 model year 2021 F-150 pickup trucks.

The front windshield wiper motor may become inoperative, causing the wipers to fail.

Inoperative windshield wipers can reduce visibility in certain conditions, increasing the risk of a crash.

What to do

Dealers will replace the front windshield wiper motor free of charge.

Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed on April 18, 2022.

Owners may contact Ford customer service at (866) 436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 22S12.

Ford Motor Company is recalling 18,078 model year 2022 Explorers and Lincoln Aviators.

The fuel filler tube may detach in a crash.

A detached fuel filler tube can result in a fuel leak, increasing the risk of a fire.

What to do

Dealers will install a fuel vapor line redundant locking clip free of charge.

Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed on April 4, 2022.

Owners may contact Ford customer service at (866) 436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 22C02.

Ford Motor Company is recalling 44,219 model year 2021-2022 E-350s and E-450s with dual rear wheels.

An inadequate connection between the power steering pressure line and the brake Hydroboost unit may result in a sudden loss of power steering fluid.

A sudden loss of power steering fluid can result in a loss of power steering and power brake assist, increasing the risk of a crash.

What to do

Dealers will inspect the connection between the power steering lines and the Hydroboost unit and replace the power steering lines -- as necessary -- free of charge.

Owners may contact Ford customer service at (866) 436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 22S08.

The chip shortage plaguing automakers may be getting worse. Ford says it plans to ship some Explorer SUVs without the rear seat temperature controls because of the shortage of computer chips.

Consumers who purchase one of these vehicles will receive an unspecified price break, Ford said.

The company said it’s taking this step as a way to get more of its vehicles onto dealer lots and alleviate the new vehicle shortage that has persisted since mid-2020. The vehicles without rear seat controls will be standard in all other respects, with full temperature controls in the dashboard.

Ford said its only other alternative was to park the unfinished vehicles and wait. That’s what most manufacturers did last year, resulting in 11.3 million fewer new cars and trucks on the market because of the shortage of computer chips.

“There’s no clear path to solving this yet,” Karl Brauer, executive analyst at iSeeCars.com, told ConsumerAffairs. “If anything, the last two or three weeks suggest it could get worse before it gets better.”

The Ukraine factor

The recent trouble that the automotive industry is facing is being caused by the war in Ukraine. While that country does not produce computer chips, it does supply half of the world’s neon gas, which is used in semiconductor production. Gas production facilities in Ukraine have closed amid the Russian invasion.

With no end to the chip shortage in sight, other automakers could adopt Ford’s model by finishing cars and trucks that lack non-critical functions. Ford previously took that step with its best-selling F-150 pickup.

Last year, Ford gave buyers the option of purchasing an F-150 without a feature called automatic stop-start, which turns off the entire when the vehicle comes to a complete stop. To compensate buyers, the automaker offered a $50 credit.

Previously, General Motors eliminated wireless device charging on some models and some infotainment features that require computer chips.

Ford Motor Company is recalling 247,445 model year 2017-2022 F-250 and F-350 Super Duty trucks with gasoline engines and aluminum driveshafts.

Underbody heat and noise insulators may loosen and contact the aluminum driveshaft, which could damage it and cause it to fracture.

A fractured driveshaft can cause a loss of drive power or a loss of vehicle control if it contacts the ground. Unintended movement could also occur while parked if the parking brake is not engaged. Either of those situations can increase the risk of a crash.

What to do

Dealers will inspect and repair the driveshaft -- as necessary -- and properly attach the underbody insulators free of charge.

Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed on April 4, 2022.

Owners may contact Ford customer service at (866) 436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 22S09.

Ford Motor Company is recalling 327 model year 2021-2022 Mustangs.

An insufficient weld on the front passenger knee airbag may result in an improper airbag deployment.

An improper airbag deployment can increase the risk of injury in a crash.

What to do

Dealers will replace the front passenger knee airbag free of charge.

Owners may contact Ford customer service at (866) 436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 22S07.

Ford Motor Company is recalling 155 model year 2021 Escape Hybrids.

The engine crankshaft may have been manufactured incorrectly, which can result in engine damage.

Engine damage can cause a vehicle stall or fire, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.

What to do

Dealers will inspect the crankshaft and replace the engine -- as necessary -- free of charge.

Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk were expected to be mailed on March 2, 2022. Second letters will be sent once the remedy is available.

Owners may contact Ford customer service at (866) 436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 22S10.

Ford Motor Company is recalling 330,784 model year 2015-2017 Mustangs.

The rearview camera wiring may be loose or damaged, which can result in a blank or distorted image.

A rearview camera that displays a blank or distorted image can reduce the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash.

What to do

Dealers will inspect and repair the decklid wiring harness and/or replace the rearview camera -- as necessary -- free of charge. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk are expected to be mailed on March 7, 2022. Second letters will be sent once the remedy is available.

Owners may contact Ford customer service at (866) 436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 22S06.

Ford Motor Company says it’s reorganizing its operations by splitting its gas-powered vehicles and its electric vehicles into two different divisions – a move intended to strengthen operations and take full advantage of the accelerating growth of the EV market.

While this may sound like a striking change for the 117-year-old company, it’s actually not. “This isn’t the first time Ford has reimagined the future and taken our own path,” said Ford Executive Chair Bill Ford, echoing similar changes Henry Ford made when his company began focusing on its Model T.

“We have an extraordinary opportunity to lead this thrilling new era of connected and electric vehicles, give our customers the very best of Ford, and help make a real difference for the health of the planet.”

The possible changes Ford customers will see

The two new businesses will be called Ford Blue and Ford Model e. The company said the idea for the Ford Model e division came from the smaller, mission-driven teams that developed the Ford GT, Mustang Mach-E SUV, and F-150 Lightning pickup. Company officials said having smaller, more nimble teams will enable Ford to incubate ideas quickly and develop them faster. 

Electric vehicle customers will also see a different Ford when they go to purchase a Model e product. The company didn’t pull the curtain back all the way on its planned changes, but it did say Ford Model e buyers will have an “exciting new shopping, buying and ownership experience.” It also hinted that showrooms may become a thing of the past for the electric vehicle crowd, saying that “simple, intuitive e-commerce platforms” will be the standard purchasing method going forward. 

As for Ford Blue, Ford President and CEO Jim Farley said having the company's F-Series, Ranger and Maverick trucks, Bronco and Explorer SUVs, and Mustang cars in a separate division will allow the company to focus on consumers who prefer branded vehicles and experiences like off-roading and family activities – a niche where internal combustion-driven vehicles thrive.

Ford Blue will also purportedly be able to use the electric division’s breakthroughs by building in new, connected, personalized, and always-on experiences that Ford Model e develops.

Ford Motor Company is recalling 19,697 model year 2021 Super Duty F-250s, F-350s, F-450s, F-550s, F-600s, and Medium Duty F-650s and F-750s with 6.7L diesel engines.

A small void may be present in the top-center of the pickup truck's underhood secondary fuel filter cap. That void may progress to a pinhole over time, allowing fuel to leak from the top of the secondary fuel filter.

A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire or injury.

What to do

Dealers will replace the primary and secondary fuel filters free of charge.

Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed on February 21, 2022.

Owners may contact Ford customer service at (866) 436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 22S01.

Ford Motor Company is recalling 199,085 model year 2014-2015 Fusions, Lincoln MKZs, and model year 2015 Mustangs originally sold or ever registered in Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, Virginia, and Hawaii.

Exposure to certain environmental conditions, such as high temperatures, high humidity, and salt air can cause the brake pedal bumper to corrode and separate from the brake pedal.

A separated brake pedal bumper can cause the brake lights to illuminate continuously, causing confusion to other drivers and increasing the risk of a crash.

On automatic transmission vehicles, a missing brake pedal bumper can allow the driver to shift the vehicle out of the "PARK" position without depressing the brake, allowing the vehicle to roll away and increasing the risk of injury.

What to do

Dealers will replace the brake pedal bumpers and clutch pedal bumpers free of charge.

Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed on March 3, 2022.

Owners may contact Ford customer service at (866) 436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 22S02.

Ford Motor Company is recalling 93 model year 2021 Mustangs.

The side curtain airbag inflators may have been manufactured with the incorrect amount of compressed gas, which can result in improper inflation.

An airbag that does not inflate properly can increase the risk of injury in a crash.

What to do

Dealers will replace the side curtain airbags free of charge.

Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed on February 1, 2022.

Owners may contact Ford customer service at (866) 436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 21C37.

Used cars have gotten historically expensive. There are plenty of stories about people selling their late-model used cars for more money than they paid for them new.

That’s great if you have a car to trade in but not so good if you must purchase a car or truck and can’t put it off until supplies increase and prices fall. To help navigate the used car buying process, iSeeCars, an online automotive marketplace, analyzed over 12 million cars and narrowed down the “best used cars for the money” across all vehicle types.

The company also determined the best cars at various pricing levels -- such as under $10,000, $15,000, $20,000, and $25,000 -- to help consumers find the best used cars within their budget.

Older, with more miles

When looking at the cars on these lists, one thing stands out. On the list of used cars you can purchase for $15,000 or less, nearly all are 2013 models. Karl Brauer, executive analyst at iSeeCars.com, says that’s older than you might have considered in the past.

“Compared to a year or two ago, the age or the mileage of the vehicle you are going to get at the previous price points are going to be older and higher in terms of age and mileage,” Brauer told ConsumerAffairs.

Many older used cars will have a lot of miles on them, but Brauer says there is some good news for used car shoppers. Some of these older vehicles still pack a lot of value.

“Cars keep getting more durable and reliable,” he said. “A car with 90,000 miles from the last five years is probably about as reliable as a 50,000-mile car from 2000 to 2010.”

Vehicles made the various lists based on three primary factors: value retention, durability, and safety. Only one car – the 2013 Kia Soul – makes the list of cars available for under $10,000.

Toyota, Subaru, and Honda

When the price point is raised to $15,000, there are a lot more choices. Three Toyotas, three Subarus, and two Honda models make the list – three brands with a reputation for quality. In fact, Toyota is well-represented on the other lists of cars available at different price points.

“Not surprisingly, when value retention and durability are major factors, Toyota and its Lexus division are going to do rather well,” Brauer said.

Despite these brands’ reputation for quality, Brauer said it is reasonable for anyone buying an older vehicle to have it inspected by an independent mechanic. While that might not be possible before the sale, there may be opportunities after the papers have been signed if you choose the right dealer.

“Take Carvana, a digital online retailer, you can’t get near the vehicle until after you purchase it,” Brauer said. “But it allows a seven-day period in which you can return the vehicle for a refund.”

He says consumers purchasing an older, higher-mileage used car should buy from a dealer that gives you time – even seven days – to drive the car to make sure you like it. He says buyers should also take advantage of that time to get a mechanic to look it over.

Ford Motor Company is recalling 184,698 model year 2021-2022 F-150s.

Underbody heat and noise insulators may loosen and contact the aluminum driveshaft, which could damage the driveshaft and cause it to fracture.

A fractured driveshaft can cause a loss of drive power or a loss of vehicle control if the driveshaft contacts the ground. Additionally, unintended movement could occur while parked if the parking brake is not engaged.

Any of these situations can increase the risk of a crash.

What to do

Dealers will inspect and repair the driveshaft -- as necessary -- and properly attach the underbody insulators free of charge.

Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed on January 31, 2022.

Owners may contact Ford customer service at (866) 436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 21S56.

Ford Motor Company is recalling 2,622 model year 2021-2022 Mustang Mach-Es and model year 2022 Mavericks.

The rear seat belt buckles may not be properly attached to the rear floor assembly.

Improperly attached seat belts may not adequately restrain an occupant in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.

What to do

Dealers will repair the rear seat belt buckle attachments free of charge.

Owners may contact Ford customer service at (866) 436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 21C36.

Ford Motor Company is recalling 311 model year 2014 Transit Connect vehicles with a Panoramic Fixed-Glass Vista roof.

An improper bond may exist between the panoramic roof and the vehicle body, which may result in the panel separating from the vehicle.

Panoramic roof panel separation that happens while the vehicle is in motion can increase the risk of an injury or crash.

What to do

Dealers will remove, clean, and reinstall the panoramic roof panel free of charge.

Owners may contact Ford customer service at (866) 436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 16S35.

Ford Motor Company is recalling 839 model year 2021 Rangers and Broncos.

The cruise control radar module was misaligned during production.

A misaligned radar module may prevent the vehicle from maintaining a safe distance from other vehicles when adaptive cruise control is active.

In addition, the automatic emergency braking (AEB) system may react slowly, or not react at all, during a pre-collision assist braking event.

Any of these conditions can increase the risk of a crash.

What to do

Dealers will adjust the angle of the cruise control radar module free of charge.

Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed on February 7, 2022.

Owners may contact Ford customer service at (866) 436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 21S52.

Ford Motor Company is recalling 57,591 model year 2018 F-150s with manual and power release tailgates.

The tailgate latches may unlatch unexpectedly while the vehicle is being driven.

An unexpected tailgate opening may allow unrestrained cargo to fall out of the truck bed and become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.

What to do

Dealers will replace the left-hand and right-hand tailgate latches free of charge.

Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed on January 31, 2022.

Owners may contact Ford customer service at (866) 436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 21S53.

Ford Motor Company is recalling 114,996 model year 2021-2022 Bronco Sports and Escapes.

The rear brake linings may have been manufactured incorrectly, which can affect braking performance.

The driver may have to apply more brake pedal force in certain situations, extending the distance required to stop the vehicle and increasing the risk of a crash.

What to do

The remedy is currently under development.

Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed on January 10, 2022.

Owners may contact Ford customer service at (866) 436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 21C31.

Ford Motor Company is recalling five model year 2022 Super Duty F-250s and F-350s.

The strength of the driver-side air bag cover may be insufficient and may break apart in a crash, projecting fragments towards occupants and increasing the risk of injury.

What to do

Dealers will replace the driver-side air bag module free of charge.

Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed on January 17, 2022.

Owners may contact Ford customer service at (866) 436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 21S49.