Both Ford and FCA US LLC have issued a number of recalls of vehicles for a variety of issues. Fortunately, only one of these issues is known to have caused any dangerous problems thus far, but the others remain risks.
FCA Recalls Dodge and Jeep Models with Flawed Brake Systems
FCA is voluntarily recalling approximately 154,337 vehicles in the USA for the purposes of inspecting and bleeding their brake systems. Roughly one third of these are currently the property of dealers.
An investigation by the company discovered that some shipments of a supplied brake system component had not been manufactured to specification, but were inadvertently installed on vehicles during spring of this year. In new vehicles with very low mileage, these components have the potential to cause gas bubbles to form in a vehicle’s brake fluid. While this would not eliminate brake function, it could increase stopping distances.
While no injuries, accidents or complaints have resulted from this issue so far, FCA US strongly encourages affected customers to heed the instructions on their recall notices. Customers with questions or concerns may contact their dealers or call the FCA US Customer Care Center at 1-800-853-1403.
Affected vehicles include certain 2018 Dodge Journey CUVs, 2018-2019 Dodge Grand Caravan minivans, 2018-2019 Jeep Compass SUVs and 2019 Jeep Cherokee SUVs.
Additional vehicles will be subject to recall in Canada (est. 19,066), Mexico (est. 900) and some markets outside the NAFTA region (est. 35,562).
More information and news from FCA US LLC is available at: media.fcanorthamerica.com.
Ford Recalls Charge Cords with Fire Risks
Ford is issuing a recall for approximately 50,000 120-volt convenience charge cords. Using the 120-volt convenience charge cord originally provided with the affected vehicles with an AC outlet that is not on a dedicated circuit or is damaged, worn or corroded can result in increased temperature at the wall outlet and potentially lead to a fire.
Some fires related to this issue have been reported.
Affected vehicles include:
• 2012-15 Ford Focus Electric vehicles built at Michigan Assembly Plant, Sept. 15, 2011 through March 14, 2015
• 2013-15 Ford Fusion Energi vehicles built at Hermosillo Assembly Plant, Sept. 4, 2012 through March 5, 2015
• 2013-15 Ford C-MAX Energi vehicles built at Michigan Assembly Plant, April 13, 2012 through March 14, 2015
Approximately 50,524 vehicles in North America have accompanying charge cords relating to this concern, with 49,197 vehicles in the USA and its federalized territories and 1,327 in Canada. The Ford reference number for this recall is 18S24.
Owners will be notified by mail and reminded of the requirements for adequate wall outlets, and that extension cords should not be used under any circumstance to charge their vehicles. They will be instructed to take their vehicle to a Ford dealer to have the factory-equipped 120-volt convenience charge cord replaced with the latest version of the 120-volt convenience cord, which includes a thermistor, free of charge. The thermistor can identify over-temperature conditions at the plug/outlet interface and will discontinue charging until the temperature drops to an appropriate level.
Ford Recalls Ford and Lincoln Models Due to Improperly Secured Fasteners
Ford is also recalling and estimated 100 vehicles that may feature a power supply cable fastener improperly secured to the alternator or to the starter motor.
In the affected vehicles, if the nut used to fasten the power supply cable to the starter motor or alternator is not fully tightened or is cross threaded, the interface may provide an insecure connection, which increases the potential for an electrical surge. Such a surge can could lead to a fire. However, Ford is not aware of any fires, accidents or injuries related to this condition.
Affected vehicles include 2018 Ford Edge, 2019 Ford Flex, 2018 Lincoln MKX and 2019 Lincoln MKT vehicles built at Oakville Assembly Plant on May 29, 2018.
There are approximately 87 vehicles in the USA and seven in Canada. The Ford reference number for this recall is 18S25.
Dealers will inspect the alternator and starter motor power supply cable nuts and studs for cross threading or damage and verify that the nuts are properly torqued using a torque wrench, at no charge to the customer.
For more information regarding Ford, its products and Ford Motor Credit Company, please visit www.corporate.ford.com.
To check if your vehicle is affected by any of these or other recent recalls, it’s best to contact companies or dealers directly. For older recalls, you can use an online search tool. Several options are available – try this one, compiled by the US Department of Transportation, to start.
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