Ford Recalls 440K Vehicles To Correct Fire Hazard, Door Latch Issues

(Updated) DEARBORN, MI — Ford Motor Co. said it is recalling about 440,000 SUVs, sedans and vans due to under-the-hood fire hazards and problems with latches that can fly open while the vehicles are in motion. The problems were addressed in three recalls announced Wednesday by the Dearborn-based automaker.

In a recall of about 230,000 vehicles, Ford said engines can overheat when coolants don’t circulate properly, resulting in a crack in the cylinder head that allows oil to leak onto hot engine surfaces. The recall was for certain 2014 Ford Escapes, 2014 and 2015 Ford Fiesta STs, 2013-14 Ford Fusions and 2013, 2014 and 2015 Ford Transit Connect vehicles all equipped with 1.6-liter GTDI engines.

At least 29 vehicle fires in the United States and Canada have been reported, but Ford said it is not aware of any injuries.

Affected vehicles equipped with 1.6-liter GTDI engines include:

• 2014 Escape – Louisville Assembly Plant, Feb. 12, 2013 to Sept. 2, 2014
• 2014-15 Fiesta ST – Cuautitlan Assembly Plant, Jan. 22, 2013 to May 27, 2014
• 2013-14 Fusion – Hermosillo Assembly Plant, Feb. 15, 2012 to June 6, 2014
• 2013-15 Transit Connect – Valencia Assembly Plant, June 13, 2013 to Dec. 14, 2014

There are approximately 230,756 vehicles equipped with 1.6-liter GTDI engines located in North America, including 208,584 in the United States and federalized territories, 21,854 in Canada and 318 in Mexico. The Ford reference number for this recall is 17S09.

Ford said it will mail customers instructions from the owner’s manual on how to check and refill coolant. Customers can continue to drive their vehicles but should see their dealer if their vehicle exhibits a coolant leak, overheating or frequently needs coolant added.

When service kits are available, dealers will install a coolant level sensor with supporting hardware and software at no charge to the customer, Ford said.

Ford also said it was expanding a safety recall for certain 2014 Ford Fiesta, 2013-14 Ford Fusion and 2013-14 Lincoln MKZ vehicles to replace door latches to include 211,000 more vehicles.

Affected vehicles include 2014 Ford Fiestas, 2013 and 2014 Ford Fusions and 2013 and 2014 Lincoln MKZ vehicles.

In the affected vehicles, the pawl spring tab in the side door latch could break. A door latch with a fractured pawl spring tab typically results in a “door will not close” condition. A door that opens while driving increases the risk of injury.

Ford said it is not aware of any accidents or injuries associated with this issue in the vehicles included in this supplement to safety action 15S16.

Affected vehicles include:

• 2014 Fiesta – Cuautitlan Assembly Plant, June 1, 2013 to Oct. 31, 2013
• 2014 Fusion – Flat Rock Assembly Plant, June 18, 2013 to Oct. 31, 2013
• 2013-14 Fusion – Hermosillo Assembly Plant, June 1, 2013 to Oct. 31, 2013
• 2013-14 Lincoln MKZ – Hermosillo Assembly Plant, June 1, 2013 to Oct. 31, 2013

There are 210,619 vehicles affected in this expanded recall in North America, including 191,432 in the United States and federalized territories, 10,996 in Canada and 8,191 in Mexico. The Ford reference number for this recall is 15S16.

Dealers will replace all four side-door latches with a more robust service-door latch at no cost to the customer.

Finally, the automaker said it is recalling about 548 2017 Ford F-450 and F-550 trucks to replace the driveshaft.

Affected vehicles may experience driveline vibration caused by a powertrain system resonance condition at speeds faster than 75 mph. Continued operation of a vehicle at these speeds could result in a resonance frequency that may fracture transmission and/or driveline components, Ford said.

Fracture of the transmission and/or driveline components may result in a loss of motive power without warning while driving or unintended vehicle movement in park if the parking brake is not applied, increasing the risk of injury or crash.

Ford said it is not aware of any accidents or injuries associated with this issue.

Affected vehicles include:

• 2017 F-450/F-550 – Kentucky Assembly Plant, June 6, 2016 to Feb. 21, 2017
• 2017 F-450/F-550 – Ohio Assembly Plant, Feb. 16, 2016 to Feb. 21, 2017

There are approximately 548 vehicles located in North America, including 509 in the United States and 39 in Canada. The Ford reference number for this recall is 17S08.

Dealers will replace the two-piece driveshaft with a new three-piece driveshaft and two center bearing brackets at no charge to the customer.

Photo via Ford Motor Co.