Under pressure from U.S. safety regulators, Ford Motor Co. F announced two new safety recalls in North America. One of these glitches hasreportedly led to four minor accidents.
The first recall by Ford involves 422,814 vehicles. Of these, 393,622 vehicles were recalled in the U.S and federalized territories; 25,195 in Canada; and 3,997 in Mexico. The affected vehicles include certain 2011–2013 Ford Flex and Lincoln MKT vehicles which were manufactured at the Oakville Assembly Plant from Sep 7, 2010 through Feb 28, 2012; certain 2011–2012 Ford Fusion and Lincoln MKZ vehicles produced at the Hermosillo Assembly Plant from Sep 7, 2010 through Feb 28, 2012; certain 2011 Mercury Milan vehicles built at the Hermosillo Assembly Plant from Sep 7, 2010 through Dec 10, 2010; and certain 2011–2013 Ford Taurus and Lincoln MKS vehicles built at the Chicago Assembly Plant from Sep 7, 2010 through Feb 28, 2012.
Ford is recalling these vehicles due to a problem with the power steering. Irregular electrical connection in the steering gear may lead to the loss of electric power steering assist while driving. In such a situation, the steering system defaults to the manual steering mode. This makes it difficult to steer the vehicle at lower speeds, thereby increasing the risk of a crash. Four minor accidents related to this issue have been reported.
Ford stated that dealers will either update the software of the power steering control module or replace the steering gear of the affected vehicles.
The second recall involves around 19,486 2015 Ford Mustang vehicles, featuring a 2.3 liter engine. These vehicles have been recalled in North America due to high underbody temperatures. These were produced at the Flat Rock Assembly Plant from Feb 14, 2014 through Feb 10, 2015. Of the total vehicles recalled, 19,095 vehicles were recalled in the U.S and federalized territories; and 391 in Canada.
Ford stated that extended exposure to high underbody temperatures may lead to degradation of the fuel tank and fuel vapor lines. This may ultimately lead to a fuel leak, thereby increasing the risk of a fire. Also, the exposure to elevated underbody temperatures may cause damage to the parking brake cable seals, thus affecting parking brake functions. This malfunctioning may lead to unexpected vehicle movement, which may increase the probability of injury. Meanwhile, there have been no reports of casualties related to this issue.
Ford announced that dealers will replace the current fuel tank shield with another one that has better insulating capability. In addition, the company will install thermal patches on the fuel tank and parking brake cable, and install thermal wraps on the fuel vapor lines.
Ford currently carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). Better-ranked automobile stocks include Daimler AG DDAIF, Valeo SA VLEEY and Wabash National Corp. WNC. All these stocks sport a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy).
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