We are weighing in on this massive recall! September 2024, Ford Motor Company issued a significant recall affecting approximately 90,736 vehicles due to an engine issue that could lead to serious safety concerns. The recall impacts select 2021-2022 models, including the Ford Bronco, F-150, Edge, Explorer, and the Lincoln Nautilus and Aviator. Vehicles equipped with the 2.7-liter or 3.0-liter EcoBoost V6 engines—specifically from the 'Nano' EcoBoost series—are subject to this recall.
Ford’s recall addresses a defect in the engine’s intake valves, which can crack and break during operation. This issue is linked to intake valves that may have become excessively hard and brittle due to overheating during the machining process, making them susceptible to fractures. If an intake valve breaks, it can lead to engine failure and a sudden loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash. The affected Ford Bronco and F-150 models were manufactured between May 1, 2021, and October 30, 2021. Ford Edge and Lincoln Nautilus models included in the recall were produced between May 10, 2021, and October 29, 2021. The Ford Explorer and Lincoln Aviator vehicles under recall were made between June 7, 2021, and October 31, 2021.
The number of affected vehicles are astronomical!!
- Ford F-150: Approximately 47,719 units
- Ford Bronco: Approximately 15,835 units
- Ford Explorer: Approximately 14,262 units
- Ford Edge: Approximately 2,366 units
- Lincoln Aviator: Approximately 7,199 units
- Lincoln Nautilus: Approximately 3,355 units
To address this issue, Ford has directed its dealerships to perform an engine cycle test on affected vehicles. This test will help determine the cumulative number of engine cycles completed by each vehicle. For those that do not meet the necessary engine cycle threshold, dealerships will accumulate high-revolutions-per-minute (RPM) engine cycles through a specialized service procedure. If the engine does not pass this cycle accumulation test, Ford will replace the engine entirely at no cost to the vehicle owner. This replacement is essential for vehicles that may have been compromised due to faulty intake valves, ensuring both safety and optimal engine performance.
Ford began notifying owners of affected vehicles in early October 2024. Owners should receive a recall notification letter, but those who want to check their vehicle's status sooner can use the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) lookup tool on Ford’s official recall website. Ford urges all owners of the impacted models to contact their local Ford dealership to schedule an inspection appointment. Promptly addressing this issue is crucial to maintaining the safety and functionality of these vehicles. As with any recall, SAFETY is the utmost priority as we covered the importance of completing recalls back in March. Putting off a recall is something that should never be done, no matter how small and insignificant it may seem.
For assistance, Ford customers can reach out to Ford Customer Service at 1-866-436-7332. Alternatively, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) offers additional support via their Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or by visiting their official recall website at www.safercar.gov.
Ford's commitment to promptly notifying and addressing these engine-related issues highlights the importance of maintaining vehicle reliability and safety standards. Owners affected by this recall should act swiftly to ensure their vehicles are inspected and, if necessary, repaired.
For more detailed information on specific recalls, affected vehicle owners please visit nhtsa.gov/recalls, carfax.com/recall or autocheck.com.
