This is not the first time this year the F150 has been put under the microscope of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Only three months ago 1.4 million Ford F150 models from 1997 to 2001 were being investigated as complaints arrived about the fuel tank falling from the frame due to the corrosion of straps, which caused the tank to to drag underneath the vehicle.
[Rewind: Ford F150 Being Investigated by National Highway Traffic Safety Administration]
Back in 2009, Ford F-Series Super Duty was hit hard with recalls along with seven other Ford vehicles like the Ford Windstar, altogether totaling 14 million vehicles. This recall included a glitch in Ford’s cruise control system and had the possibility of causing a fire even while the car was turned off. Two deaths were linked to these fires, and home fires were also reported.
It is obvious that Ford is not new to problems with its vehicles, and this recall will be added to the list. At one point, the Michigan automaker felt strong enough about the power and stability of its Ford F150 MI trucks that it declined a Truck vs. Truck challenge with General Motors, stating there was no need to have a competition when the top sales reports did all the talking for the trucks. Ford may be seeing a shift in F150 sales after this recall.
[Recall: Detroit MI Challenge from General Motors Declined By Ford]
The Ford F150 MI vehicles are joined in the current recall by the Ford Edge, Ford F250, Ford F350, Ford F450, Ford F550 and the Lincoln MKX; all of the 2011 model year.
On Nov. 16, a 2011 Ford F150 truck was found at the Dearborn Assembly Plant smoking with flame. It was then that Ford started an investigation believing the issue to be the Body Control Module (BCM).
On Dec. 5 another Ford F150 MI truck was found in the same condition. At this point Ford put a stop ship on the trucks. According to the NHTSA report, it was then found that a new operator failed to properly clean a soldering machine during four production shifts from Oct. 25 to Oct. 30 which resulted in a small number of printed circuit boards with contaminants that could result in a short circuit. This short circuit could cause overheating which could then lead to an unattended vehicle fire.
Owners with any of these Ford models can visit MI Ford dealers to get the BCM replaced if necessary for no charge. The recall is going to begin Jan. 10. All owners can contact Ford at 866-436-7332. Also for more information, owners can call the NHTSA at 888-327-4236 or visit ww.safercar.gov.
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