Concerns related to improperly welded second row headrest attachment brackets will have some 2020 Ford Expedition and 2020 Lincoln Navigator vehicles recalled for repairs. Dealers are required to inspect and repair the problem before demonstrating or delivering any new stock.

According to the defect report, an in plant inspection found that the headrest to seat back frame attachment bracket was out of position during assembly and some welds did not properly penetrate the headrest bracket. As a result, the strength of the headrests are weakened and they do not meet the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards for head restraints. An improperly welded headrest bracket may not adequately restrain an occupant during a crash.

Those receiving notices will be asked to return to their dealership to have the seat structure inspected and replaced as needed. Ford’s number for this recall is 20C12 and the NHTSA campaign number is 20V-366.

Ford had decided that a problem affecting the collision avoidance system exists in certain 2020 Ford Expedition and 2020 Lincoln Navigator vehicles. The condition affects models equipped with the standard camera-only pre-collision assist built within a certain time period. Vehicles with optional radar plus camera pre-collision assist systems are not affected.

According to the defect report, the affected vehicles are equipped with pre-collision assist features that are not functional. This includes: Forward Collision Warning, Dynamic Brake Support and Automatic Emergency Braking. There is no warning to the driver that these features are not functional, increasing the risk and severity of a frontal collision.

Dealers will correct the problem by reprogramming the software affecting the Body Control Module, Anti-lock Braking System, Instrument Panel Cluster, Headlamp Control Modules and reset the Tire Pressure Monitor System. Ford’s number for this recall is 20S20 and the NHTSA campaign number is 20V-262.

Ford will be contacting the owners of certain 2019 Ford Fiesta vehicles regarding a problem affecting the braking system in their cars.

According to the defect report filed with the NHTSA, the brake calipers were incorrectly labeled at the manufacturer and may have been filled with an incompatible brake fluid. This incompatible lubricant could cause to the seals to swell and develop leaks, which could lead to reduced braking, brake drag and overheating of the brake pads. If the brake fluid becomes low, drivers will be alerted through an illuminated low fluid warning light.

Ford will notify owners instructing them to return to their dealers to flush the brake fluid and replace the front brake calipers. Ford’s number for this recall is 19S27 and the NHTSA campaign number is 19V629000.


Ford will also be contacting the owners of certain Ford and Lincoln vehicles because of a problem affecting steering. The vehicles affected include:

  • 2015-2016 Ford Edge
  • 2013-2016 Ford Edge
  • 2016 Lincoln MKX
  • 2013-2016 Lincoln MKZ

According to the defect report, an improper application of anti corrosion wax on the steering gear motor attachment bolts may result in corrosion of the bolts. As a result, the steering gear motor could become loose or detaching from the gear housing and power steering assist would be lost.

Owners will be asked to return to their Ford or Lincoln dealers to have the wax sealer applied to the steering gear motor bolts. Ford’s number for this recall is 19S27 and the NHTSA campaign number is 19V629000.

Ford is asking the owners of certain 2018 Ford Escape and 2018 Lincoln MKC vehicles to return to their dealership for a problem affecting the brakes. According to the defect report, incorrect front brake jounce hoses may have been installed and could contact adjacent components during normal driving conditions. This could result in premature wear of the hoses and a potential brake fluid leak. Loss of brake fluid will increase the distance needed to stop the vehicle. Drivers will be alerted of a problem through an illuminated brake fluid warning light.

Dealers will inspect the brake hoses, replacing incorrect ones as necessary. Owners wanting more information about the problem can contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford’s number for this recall is 18S04 and the NHTSA campaign number is 18V-104.

Ford will be contacting the owners of certain 2013-2016 Ford Fusion and 2013-2015 Lincoln MKZ vehicles regarding a problem that could cause the front seat belt anchor cable to fail. According to the defect report, the strength of the cable can be degraded due to internal pretensioner temperatures created during deployment. If the driver or front passenger seatbelt cables cannot properly restrain occupants, they would be at an increased risk of injury during a crash.

Owners will be notified of the safety issue beginning on January 20, 2017, and a second notice will be mailed when parts become available. For more information about the problem, owners can contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford’s number for this recall is 16S42 and the NHTSA campaign number is 16V-875.

Ford will be contacting the owners of certain 2016 Ford Explorer and 2015-2016 Lincoln MKC vehicles equipped with 2.3L GTDI engines and block heaters, about a problem that could result in an engine fire. According to the defect report, the design of the block heater area, coupled with the engine installation angle and the length of the block heater element, could result in overheating. Drivers may notice engine coolant leaks, an illuminated check engine light, poor vehicle heater performance and /or heat damage to the electrical connector on the engine block heater. Continue reading

A defect affecting certain 2014 Ford Escape and 2015 Lincoln MKC SUVs will have approximately 10,000 owners returning to their dealers to have their fuel pump replaced. According to reports filed with the NHTSA, contamination due to improper nickel plating could cause excessive pump friction and eventual pump failure. The engine could stall without warning and/or fail to start. An engine stall without warning while driving could increase the risk of an accident. Continue reading

A poorly placed ignition button will have owners of certain 2015 Lincoln MKC returning to their dealership to have the problem repaired. According to reports, the ignition button could be accidentally pressed as drivers reach to shift gears or use the dashboard touch screen. The engine may shut off while the vehicle is in motion, increasing the likelihood of an accident. There have been no reports of injury related to the problem, but two complaints by consumers on the NHTSA website say they have accidentally pushed the button and shut off the engine while driving. Continue reading