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Ford Motor Co. on Wednesday announced six new recalls covering about 380,000 vehicles for 10 various models over safety defect concerns, including axle breakage and sudden braking, that have resulted in a “small number” of accidents.
The latest Windstar recall includes 1998-2003 models. Dealers will inspect the rear axles of the minivans to make sure the fixes were made correctly.
The original recall of the minivans involved installation of a reinforcement bracket on the rear axle that would keep things under control if rust and stress caused the axle to break.
“A bracket incorrectly installed could limit the effectiveness of that recall repair,” the company said, adding it has reports of a small number of crashes related to the issue but no injuries.
Owners whose vehicles had the bracket installed incorrectly will have the rear axle replaced. If the bracket was correctly installed, customers will receive a $300 incentive to replace their rear axle at a reduced cost. The offer is good for one year with unlimited mileage.
The other recalls include:
■37,000 2015 F-150 trucks for a potential problem with the adaptive cruise control. Ford says that hen passing a large, highly reflective truck, the adaptive cruise control radar in some of these vehicles could incorrectly identify the truck as being in the F-150 lane of travel when it is not. As a result, the vehicle might mistakenly apply the brakes incorrecly. Ford said it has one report of a crash related to the issue. Dealers will update the adaptive cruise control module software.
■70 2001-2008 Ford Escapes and Mercury Mariners with a remanufactured transmissions. The shift control lever bolt might not have been tightened properly, which could cause the shift lever to disengage from the transmission without warning. This can result in the loss of transmission gear selection and the vehicle could roll away, increasing the risk of an injury or crash. Ford is not aware of any accidents or injuries associated with this issue. Dealers will check to ensure the bolt is tightened properly.
■250 2015 Ford Taurus and Lincoln MKS vehicles, and 2016 Ford Explorers for potential fuel tank attachment bolt issue. The bolts may not have been tightened improperly. As a result, the fuel tank straps could break, causing the fuel tank to come loose and cause a fuel leak or fire. Dealers will properly tighten the bolts.
■1,500 2016 Ford F-53 and F-59 stripped chassis vehicles for a potential shift control bracket issues. The shift control bracket might not have been manufactured properly, so the vehicle might be able to be shifted into reverse without applying the brakes.Dealers will replace the bracket.
■700 2016 Ford Fusion and Lincoln MKZ vehicles for a fuel tank issue. The fuel tank might not have been manufactured properly and could crack in a crash, which would violate a U.S. safety standard. Dealers will replace the tank.
Agencies/Canadajournal
