Ford has issued five new recalls, including four over previously botched recalls. A majority are software-related, but Explorers can roll away. Company has issued more recalls than GM, Stellantis, and VW combined. Ford is showing why they’re the undisputed recall king, as there are five new campaigns, including four involving previously botched repairs. This is pretty embarrassing, but it’s become a common theme for the beleaguered automaker that used to claim quality was Job 1. Since there are so many recalls, we’ll keep things brief and note that the automaker is recalling 5,252 vehicles for a transmission clutch that can fracture and leak fluid. This increases the risk of a fire. More: Ford Admits Thousands Of Dashboards Can Still Go Blank Seven Years After The Fix The new recall impacts the 2015-2018 Focus and 2013-2016 Fusion, which were “repaired incorrectly” under two previous campaigns. 100% of the vehicles are believed to be impacted as they didn’t get the correct software update installed. The second recall involves 10,742 F-150s from the 2018 model year. The government says quickly moving the shifter can cause a loss of the gear indicator on the instrument cluster. It can also lead to “momentary selection of an unintended gear, such as Reverse or Neutral.” These vehicles were also incorrectly repaired and need to get their powertrain control module software updated to address the issue. Continuing with the recall redux, 18,124 crossovers have windows that can pinch occupants because their automatic reversal system can malfunction. The problem impacts the 2017 Escape, and the government says the “power-operated windows may exert excessive force when encountering an object, before they automatically reverse.” This means they fail to comply with federal safety standards. As a result of a previously botched recall, they need to get their power window operating software updated. The fourth recall impacts 91,198 F-150s from 2018-2020. They have daytime running lights that can remain fully bright instead of dimming to parking lamps as intended when switching from “Auto lamps” to “Headlamps On.” They run afoul of federal safety standards and were also incorrectly repaired as part of a previous recall. This means owners need to return to the dealership to have the body control module software updated – hopefully correctly. Explorers That Can Rollaway Since four recalls about previous campaigns are a little boring, Ford decided to spice things up with a brand-new recall involving Explorers that can rollaway. The 2024 models are equipped with 2.3-liter EcoBoost engines. The issue is a tad complex, but the safety recall report said the crossovers can experience unintentional powertrain control module resets. If these occur while the vehicle is in motion, the parking system can become damaged. This can prevent the vehicle from shifting into park, which can cause it to unexpectedly rollaway. The problem is being blamed on a Diagnostic Identifier data packet that is too large for the Powertrain Control Module to handle. This can result in buffer overflow, which trips a reset. The reset causes the transmission to shift to park, even if the vehicle is in motion. Ford became aware of the issue in May and has found 27 warranty claims potentially related to the issue. However, there have been no accidents or injuries. As part of the recall, dealers will inspect the parking system for damage and replace parts as needed.
