Why did Ford Motors recall 2.9 million vehicles?
Ford Motors, one of the US’ largest automobile companies, has announced a recall of 2.9 million vehicles. What prompted the decision?
On 10 June, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) which forms part of the Department of Transportation announced a recall for the Ford Motor Company that will impact more than 2.9 million vehicles. Over the last few months, the compnay has noted that some models are missing important “bushing that may prevent the vehicle from shifting into the intended gear, and may cause the vehicle to move in an unexpected location.”
What is bushing?
According to Cars.com, bushing in a vehicle are "cushions made of rubber, polyurethane (often shortened to “poly” or “urethane”) or other materials." These cushions are placed around a car's suspension and steering joints. The main purpose these serve is to "absorb road bumps, control the amount of movement in the joints and reduce noise and vibration."
Ford informed the NHTSA that they knew of six reports “alleging property damage and four reports alleging an injury” that may be connected to the issuse identified in the recall.
In the reports submitted to the NHTSA state that when the “vehicle ignition is on “a driver may see that instrument panel is not showing the same gear as what is intended when using the gear shift. This means that what is appearing to the driver could be different and thus creates a risk of the car excelerating forwards or backwards without the driver being aware.
“The driver may also notice the defect if they attempt to shift to an intended gear and the vehicle responds differently than intended based on the transmission gear state,” states the report.
What models are impacted?
While there are millions of cars that could be impacted the company expects only one percent of vehicles to be at risk. The models effected include the Ford C-Max (2013-2018), Ford Edge (2015-2018) , Ford Escape (2013-2019), and the Ford Fusion (2013-2016). To check whether your vehicle is impacted you can on Ford’s website.
What models are impacted?
While there are millions of cars that could be impacted the company expects only one percent of vehicles to be at risk. The models effected include the Ford C-Max (2013-2018), Ford Edge (2015-2018) , Ford Escape (2013-2019), and the Ford Fusion (2013-2016). To check whether your vehicle is impacted you can on Ford’s website.
If you car is impacted you will need to take it to a Ford Dealer and they “will replace the under hood shift bushing and add a protective cap over the shift cable bushing, free of charge.” Ford Motors will also be sending letters to those impacted by the recall on 27 June, 2022. Drivers impacted will not be charged for the service.
If you have questions about the recall and would like to speak directly with the company, you can reach out to them at 1-866-436-7332. When asked which recall you are calling in reference to, you can use the following number: 22S43.
How many recalls has Ford Motor Company made this year?
The 2.9 million vehicle recall is one of thirty-eight that has occurred this year. In 2021, the company made a total of fifty-three recalls, with one that impacted more than 2.6 million vehicles.