Those who own or lease a Ford Expedition, Ford Mustang Mach-E electric vehicle, or Lincoln Navigator should know that new safety recalls have been issued concerning several defects and potential risks. Although these safety recalls were announced in late May, affected customers may need to wait a few weeks before they receive official notification of the recall. Once the notice arrives, customers should take their vehicle to the local dealership to obtain the necessary repairs. Here’s what we know so far about these latest auto safety recalls.
Ford Expedition and Lincoln Navigator Engine Issues
On May 19, 2022, Ford Motor Company announced that it was recalling nearly 40,000 Ford Expedition and Lincoln Navigator SUVs because of an increased risk of fire in the engine compartment. While the exact cause of the engine fires has not been determined, Ford’s Critical Concern Review Group (CCRG) reported that eight reports of underhood engine fires had been made by concerned Ford customers. So far, Ford has identified both the 2021 Ford Expedition and the 2021 Lincoln Navigator as the vehicles impacted by this recall.
Reports From Concerned Ford Customers
So far, eight reports of engine compartment fires in these two makes and models have arisen from concerned Ford customers. Of these eight reports, six happened when the SUVs were parked and shut off, while the other two occurred when the vehicles were driving and in motion. Additionally, Ford received a complaint from a customer whose vehicle sustained a melted battery junction box. Since these initial reports, more customers have experienced underhood engine fires—the majority of which occurred when the vehicles were parked and turned off. Customers who experienced engine fires while driving reported a burning smell and excessive smoke emanating from the engine compartment.
How Ford is Responding to the Recall
While Ford Motor Company has yet to identify the source of these engine fires, the company is urging customers to take additional precautions until a solution is found. For now, owners of the 2021 Ford Expedition and 2021 Lincoln Navigator would park their vehicles outside and away from any structures to reduce the potential for fire damage. As of late May, Ford maintains that it has only been made aware of one potential injury related to this issue.
Ford Mustang Mach-E Electric Vehicle Software Problems
In late May, Ford Motor Company issued a small safety recall over software issues in the 2021 Ford Mustang Mach-E electric vehicle. Fortunately, Ford thinks that it can offer the recall repair by performing an over-the-air software update, making it easier for affected customers to receive the fix. With over-the-air software updates, car owners do not need to take their vehicles to the dealership to obtain the recall repair.
Glitchy Software Increasing Risk of Crash
So far, Ford has identified a software issue in 2021 Ford Mustang Mach-E electric crossover vehicles that can increase the risk of a crash. This glitch can make it so that the car’s safety software consistently reports a torque value of zero on the secondary axle. When this happens, the vehicle “may ignore a possible unintended acceleration, unintended deceleration, or unintended vehicle movement on the secondary axle,” increasing the risk of a crash. Alternatively, this software defect may incorrectly detect a lateral hazard on the primary axle, leading the vehicle to switch into a speed-limited limp mode, further putting the vehicle occupants at risk of a crash. So far, Ford Motor Company has not been made aware of any accidents or injuries associated with this software defect.
Next Steps for Affected Ford Customers
Ford is working on an over-the-air software update to address this defect. The company announced that it would start notifying customers affected by this issue by mid-June 2022. Ford plans to send the updated software to the affected vehicles within the next few weeks, so many customers may not need to leave their homes to receive the necessary repair. Of course, customers still have the option of taking their vehicle to the dealership, where technicians can perform the update. Both of these services will be offered to affected customers free of charge.
Keeping Drivers and Passengers Safe
As drivers, we trust that our vehicles will adhere to the safest standards. However, defects can and do occur, so it’s essential that we obtain the recommended repairs as soon as possible. If you are having trouble accessing a recall repair, or if you are experiencing a recurring problem with your vehicle with no clear solution in sight, reach out to a dedicated and experienced lemon law attorney to discuss your situation.
Call Lemon Law Partners, LLP, today at (510) 944-0336 to schedule a free case evaluation with a trusted and friendly Berkeley attorney.
