Alert for Ford users. The American automaker is facing (again) another massive recall. This time it includes more than 200,000 vehicles that have serious safety issues. Iconic models like the Ford Expedition, Super Duty, or Lincoln Navigator are under public scrutiny: they have problems in the brake system and failures in the rear cameras, they are not missing anything.
It was in the month of April when this news was made public, another chapter added to Ford’s history of defects. What is happening to this brand?
Recall 1: the rear cameras
The NHTSA (The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) has issued two separate recalls for this brand. The first refers to those vehicles that present failures in the rear camera.
As you may know, in the United States there is a law, FMVSS 111 (Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 111 – Rear Visibility Rule) that requires manufacturers to equip rearview cameras so users can see at least 10 feet deep behind the vehicle and it must turn on in less than 2 seconds after shifting into reverse.
In some Ford models, the camera does not turn on, appears white, or the image is distorted, which makes the failure very problematic (even more so when the failure is regulated by law).
The models affected by this error are:
- Ford F-250, F-350, F-450 (2015)
- Ford Expedition (2015)
- Lincoln Navigator (2015)
- Lincoln MKC (2015)
It is estimated that the affected units could reach 160,700 vehicles.
Recall 2: brake fluid leaks
Of course, a brake fluid leak is a rather serious problem. Apparently, it has been detected that the brake system has leaks in the front circuit, and this could reduce braking capacity.
The affected models are:
- Ford Expedition (2017-2018)
- Lincoln Navigator (2017-2018)
- Ford F-150 (2017-2018, manufactured outside Kentucky)
And an estimated total of 123,611 affected units.
What is Ford doing?
For both the first and the second recall, Ford has already taken action, for the first recall they are replacing the cameras at no cost (since May 5), and for the second, they are replacing the brake master cylinder (since April 22).
What should you do if you have one of these models?
Very easy, you have your vehicle’s VIN (Vehicle Identification Number), with that number (which is the clearest identification of your vehicle) you can go to the official NHTSA page (by clicking here) or by calling 1-888-327-4236, or alternatively, Ford 1-866-436-7332 and check if your vehicle is included in this recall or not.
If you notice any of these failures with your vehicle, do not wait and go to your nearest dealer or official workshop so they can do a check-up as soon as possible. Ford has been issuing recall notices since last April 22, accepting the problem and showing a more “human” side, as they are aware that the company’s main asset is the trust users place in them.
Although Ford is not going through its best streak, it is clear that they are still very attentive with routine safety checks to find possible faults that can save consumers from unpleasant surprises. We will have to see if they manage to stay afloat after this massive recall.