Ford is recalling some 48,000 vehicles in three separate service actions involving vans, crossovers and heavy duty trucks.
First on the recall block are Lincoln MKC crossovers from 2015-16, and 2016 Ford Explorers to replace engine block heaters that might overheat and lead to an underhood fire. The problem arises from the difference between the engine block design and currently installed block heater, which could lead the heater to overheat when left plugged in for a long time. The company is aware of two underhood fires in Canada that could be related to the issue, but is not aware of any injuries resulting from the incidents. Dealers will replace the block heater and the cord connector (if necessary).
Of the 5,536 affected vehicles (3,129 Lincolns and 2,407 Explorers), 3,993 are in Canada and 1,543 are in the United States. The MKCs were built in Louisville between Nov. 25, 2013 and Jan. 25, 2016, and Explorers are sourced out of Chicago, built from Oct. 20, 2014 and Jan, 28, 2016.
2015-16 Ford Transit vans are being called back to dealerships to inspect and adjust side curtain airbags that may be positioned incorrectly on one or both sides of the cabin. If that is the case, the airbag will not offer the proper protection to seat occupants in the event of a crash, though Ford is not aware of any incidents or injuries arising from the issue. Dealers will reposition the affected airbags as needed.
The recall is aimed at low-roof models built in Kansas City over the past two years. The vast majority of the 37,905 recalled vans are in the U.S., with only 839 in Canada.
The third recall affects 4,764 Ford F-650 and F-705 Super Duty trucks from model years 2015 and 2016 to replace parking brake cable connector clips that aren’t up to spec and could break, resulting in unintended vehicle movement and a potential for injury. Ford is not aware of any incidents or injuries related to the problem, but will replace all the clips as a preventative measure.
The trucks were built at the Escobedo Assembly plant in Mexico between Jan. 28 and April 23, 2015, and at the Ohio Assembly Plant between Jan 31 and Nov 30, 2015. The vast majority are again in service in the U.S., with just 110 in Canada.