Ford Motor Company issued three safety recalls, while details about the potential issue in each of the affected vehicles have also been released.
The 2020-2021 Ford F-350 Super Duty vehicles, 2013-2017 Ford Explorer vehicles, and 2020-2021 Lincoln Aviator vehicles (with 3.0 litre gas engines) have been the focus of the company’s latest recalls.
The first recall affects 34,855 vehicles in North America. The problem is believed to be the result of a welding issue that could cause affected vehicles to experience a rear driveline disconnect. Indications of a potential problem could include shaking or vibrations while driving at highway speeds and shuddering when accelerating.
Should the driveshaft disconnect, customers will be at an increased risk of crash due to loss of motive power or loss of transmission park function. To date, the company is not aware of any injuries due to this issue, and will begin notifying owners the week of August 16, 2021. Customers will be advised to connect with their dealership, who will inspect the rear axle to determine if there is an issue. The reference number for this recall is 21531.
The second recall affects approximately 774,696 Ford Explorer vehicles (2013-2017). They were recalled due to the potential of a seized cross-axis ball joint that can result in a fractured rear suspension toe link. This issue would reduce steering control and subsequently increase the risk of a crash.
To date, the company has noted that there have been six allegations of injury related to this problem. Owners will be contacted the week of August 23, 2021 and will be asked to visit their dealership for an inspection of the cross-axis ball joint.
The last safety recall is for 2020-2021 Lincoln Aviator vehicles that have a 3.0 litre gas engine. These vehicles could have an improperly secured battery cable wire harness. Approximately 40,995 vehicles have been affected by this particular recall.
This issue could cause the battery cable wire to contact the A/C compressor pulley which could, over time, result in a short circuit and potential fire. To date, Ford isn’t aware of any injuries related to this issue, and owners will be notified beginning the week of July 30, 2021 and asked to visit their dealership.
