Ford recalls 1.2 million SUV Explorer after fears of a suspension failure

Ford has just released a quartet of security reminders, three of which impact US customers.

The largest and most popular Ford cover SUV Explorer 2011-2017and focuses on the possibility of a break in the rear toe link in the vehicle suspension. In total, approximately 1.2 million vehicles are covered in the United States and its federated territories, as well as in Canada and Mexico.

According to a Ford official statement, fifth-generation explorers concerned "exposed to frequent rear suspension joints" may experience a pinch-link failure, a condition that can significantly affect the steering capability of the vehicle. the chances of an accident.

The automaker claims to be unaware of injuries related to this potential failure, noting that only this client's SUV struck an obstacle after breaking his toe link.

Related Assembly in Chicago Factory built models will see dealers replacing potentially defective suspension toe links on both sides and aligning the rear suspension.

Recall of F-150

Other Ford F-150 2013 pickup trucks equipped with six-speed automatic transmissions are also recalled. The security campaign, which covers approximately 123,000 North American models, is actually a reminder of a previous recall.

The affected F-150 models equipped with a 5.0 or 6.2 liter V8 gasoline engine previously had their powertrain control module reprogrammed as part of another preventive maintenance action. These vehicles may have received an incomplete software update.

According to the Dearborn-based automaker, the recalled F-series models may not have received the necessary software updates "to prevent an inadvertent downgrade to first gear". At high speed, an unexpected and unwanted first-speed pass could result in a loss of control, possibly leading to an accident.

In addition, F-150 models with faulty programming may not properly trigger the trouble light when a problem is detected.

Ford dealers will reprogram the affected powertrain control modules to remedy the problem.

Taurus Recall, Flex, MKS, MKT

Speaking of broken links, a handful of other Ford models are vulnerable to similar failure, including some high-end Lincoln derivatives. These models include the 2010-2017 Ford Taurus and the Crossover Flex 2009-2017, as good as Lincoln MKS 2009-2015 and the Lincoln MKT 2010-2017 Crossover.

Interestingly, Ford only recalls that about 12,000 vehicles in the Canadian market located in the provinces of Alberta, Manitoba and Saskatchewan. The automaker claims to know of only one accident resulting in minor injuries.

As for the recall of the Explorer, Ford dealers will replace the left and right about links with new forged units.

Econoline Recall

Finally, Blue Oval recalls approximately 4,300 units of its 2009-2016 Econoline trucks equipped with the 5.4-liter V8 transmission and the company's Torqshift 5R110W transmission. The campaign only applies to Ford E-Series models equipped with a bus or ambulance preparation kit.

According to the recall, the clutch component of the transmission could have a defective capacitive discharge weld that could fail. Although, according to Ford, "all the normal engine, braking and steering functions" remain unchanged, if the weld results in the failure of the weld, the vehicle may be immobilized, which may be a particularly bad situation. dangerous when children or patients are involved.

Ford will replace the wheel clutch cylinder of the Econoline vehicles concerned and will replace a one-way clutch with a dual clutch by the single-clutch unit currently in place.

All repairs related to recalls on all vehicles will be done free of charge.