Safety advocates encouraging a recall of certain 2002-2004 Ford Escape vehicles are also asking the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to include the 2002-2004 Mazda Tribute in their investigation. According to the group, both sport utility vehicles (SUV) are similar vehicles built on the same assembly line. In 2004 Ford and Mazda issued identical recalls for unintended acceleration caused by an accelerator cable that may not return to the idle position. Ford later issued a technical service bulletin that warned dealers that an improper repair could lead to an adjacent cruise control cable being damaged and snagging on the engine cover causing unintended acceleration. The Center for Auto Safety say that because the vehicles are so similar and there is no way of knowing whether the recalls were carried out correctly, Ford and Mazda should issue a recall to ensure the safety of the vehicles.
Category Archives: Ford
Ford Escape Investigated
The Center for Auto Safety (CAS) is encouraging the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to open an investigation into certain 2002-2004 Ford Escape vehicles that could be susceptible to unintended acceleration after being repaired for another recall. According to the consumer safety group, the original recall involved accelerator cables snagging on the accelerator pedals, preventing the engine from returning to idle. The group says that almost a year later, Ford issued a technical service bulletin (TSB) which cautioned dealers to take extra care when correcting the recall because the adjacent cruise control cable could be damaged in the process. The damage could allow the cable to snag on a ridge in the engine cover causing unintended acceleration. There have been over 130 complaints from owners claiming they experienced sudden acceleration before and after the original recall was performed. The recall petition also mentions a case in Payson, Ariz., where a 17 year old died in a crash that was blamed on a snagged cruise control cable. According to Ford, they are currently working with the NHTSA to investigate the problem.
Chrysler And Ford Vehicles Investigated
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has opened an investigation into certain Chrysler 200 vehicles after receiving 15 complaints alleging the engine stalled without warning. The vehicles investigated are the 2011 Chrysler 200 vehicles equipped with 3.6L V-6 engines. All complaints reported the vehicle stalling without warning during low speed decelerations. If the investigation leads to a recall, almost 90,000 automobiles could be involved.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has also opened an investigation into certain 2011 Ford Explorer SUVs with Electric Power Assisted Steering (EPAS ), after receiving 15 complaints of power steering loss. Owners reported power steering warning messages as the failure occurred and in some cases the problem was corrected by turning off and restarting the vehicle. There have not been any reported accidents related to the problem, but if the investigation should lead to a recall, over 80,000 vehicles could be affected. Owners with concerns about their vehicle are asked to contact their Ford dealer.
Lincoln MKT Potential Wheel Separation
Ford has announced that they will be recalling certain 2013 Lincoln MKT cars used as hearse or limousine vehicles. These vehicles may have been manufactured with rear brake rotor bolts that are not fully seated allowing the head to protrude above the wheel mounting surface. The raised bolt could lead to torque loss in the wheel joint which could lead to wheel separation. Most vehicles have been quarantined at the coach builder’s facility and will be repaired before delivery and notices were sent out on May 24, 2012 to owners already receiving delivery of their vehicles. Owners wanting more information about the problem can contact Ford Motor company customer relationship center at 1-866-436-7332.
Ford F150 Airbag Problem
Ford will be recalling certain 2012 F-150 trucks to replace the Occupant Classification System Module (OCSM). The OCSM is a system that classifies the size of the occupant in the passenger seat and deploys the airbag accordingly. In certain F-150 trucks, the incorrect software for the system may have been installed. The result would be the airbag not deploying properly increasing the risk of injury to the passenger. Ford will notify owners of the problem and will replace the OCSM free of charge. Owners wanting more information can contact the Ford Motor Company Customer Relationship Center at 1-866-436-7332.
Inaccurate Reverse In Ford Transmission
Ford has announced that they will be recalling certain vehicles because the transmission range selector (TRS) may have been calibrated out of specification for reverse gear. The transmission may not go into reverse as expected, “R” may not be illuminated on the dashboard to signal to the driver that the vehicle is in reverse, and the back up lights may not illuminate when the vehicle is in reverse. These conditions will increase the chance of injury for drivers and pedestrians. Ford will be notifying owners of the problem starting at the end of June, and dealers will inspect and replace the TRS as necessary. Owners wanting more information about the problem can contact Ford Motor Company Customer Relationship Center at 1-866-436-7332. The vehicles involved in the recall include:
Corrosion Affects Seating In Ford Minivans
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is upgrading an investigation into complaints of severe corrosion in the rear wheel wells of certain 2004 Ford Freestar and 2004 Mercury Monterey minivans. The anchor plate for the rear seats on these minivans is mounted on the rear wheel well and difficulty latching the seats is being blamed on the corrosion. There have also been complaints of the anchor mounts detaching from the vehicle completely. The upgraded investigation will include 2005-2007 Freestar and Monterey vans bought and registered in both salt belt and non salt belt states. If the investigation should lead to a recall, almost 83,000 vehicles could be affected.
Ford Windshield Wiper Failure
Ford has announced that they will be recalling certain 2012 Focus vehicles because the passenger side motor could fail. According to the recall report filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), a seal in the wiring harness connector on the passenger side could be missing. Water and contaminant could accumulate in the connector resulting in an intermittent or inoperative passenger side wiper. Ford will inspect, clean, and properly seal the connector, or replace the wiper motor as necessary. Ford will be notifying owners starting May 21. For more information on the problem, contact Ford Motor Company customer relationship center at 1-866-436-7332.
