Ford Recalls 230K Vehicles for Fire Risk

Ford has issued three separate recalls, with the most serious being one that covers roughly 230,000 late-model Escape, Fiesta ST, Fusion, and Transit Connect models for an under-hood fire risk.

The Problem: A lack of coolant circulation can cause Ford’s turbocharged 1.6-liter GTDI engine to overheat and possibly crack the cylinder head. If cracked, pressurized oil can leak from the head and come into contact with a hot engine surface, increasing the risk of a fire in the engine compartment.

The Fix: Ford will first mail customers instructions from the vehicle’s owner’s manual on how to check and refill coolant levels. Customers can still drive their vehicles but should visit their Ford dealer if the engine starts to overheat, the vehicle develops a coolant leak, or coolant needs to be frequently added. Once service kits are available, the dealership will install a coolant level sensor with supporting hardware and software at no charge.

Number of Vehicles Potentially Affected: The recall covers approximately 230,000 vehicles and includes certain 2014 Ford Escape models, 2014-2015 Ford Fiesta ST models, 2013-2014 Ford Fusion and 2013-2015 Ford Transit Connect models equipped with the turbocharged 1.6-liter GTDI engines.

Door Latch Defect

The second expands a previously announced recall and now includes an additional 211,000 late-model Fiesta, Fusion, and Lincoln MKZ models due to the risk of a door latch breaking.

The Problem: A “door will not close” situation may occur if the pawl spring in the side door latch breaks. A door that cannot close can potentially open while driving, increasing the risk of an injury.

The Fix: At no extra cost to the customer, dealerships will replace all four side door latches with more parts of an improved design.

Number of Vehicles Potentially Affected: In this expanded recall, 210,619 vehicles are affected, including 191,432 vehicles in the U.S. Affected vehicles include certain 2014 Ford Fiesta models and 2013-2014 Ford Fusion and Lincoln MKZ models.

Faulty Driveshaft

Lastly, specific 2017 Ford F-450 and F-550 trucks are being recalled due to bad driveshafts that can potentially stall the truck.

The Problem: At speeds above 75 mph, affected vehicles may experience driveline vibration caused by a powertrain system resonance. If the truck is continuously operated at these speeds it could result in a resonance frequency that may fracture the transmission and/or driveline components. A transmission or driveline component fracture can cause loss of power without warning while driving, or unintended movement when in park if the parking brake is not applied, increasing the chance of injury.

The Fix: The two-piece driveshaft will be replaced with a new three-piece driveshaft in addition to the replacement of two center bearing brackets at no extra charge.

Number of Vehicles Potentially Affected: Approximately 548 vehicles in North America are affected, including 509 in the United States and 39 in Canada.

Source: Ford

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