Ford warns of safety issues with 2020 Escape, Mustang Shelby, Transit Connect
Phoebe Wall HowardFord Motor Co. warned Monday that certain 2019-2020 Ford Transit Connect vans have an engine flaw that could create fire risk while certain 2020 Ford Escape SUVs have tire pressure monitoring flaws that could lead to loss of control.
Both vehicles are the subject of recalls, along with the high-performance Mustang Shelby GT350 and Mustang Shelby GT500 for its light system.
The company said it is unaware of any accident or injury related to these situations.
Transit Connect
Certain Transit Connect vehicles with the 2.5L engine have a software calibration issue that fails to keep the engine adequately cooled. When the engine temperature exceeds "critical limits," it may damage the engine and increase the fire risk.
The recall involves 3,487 vans in the U.S., its federal territories and Canada. They were built at the Valencia Assembly Plant in Spain from Aug. 2, 2018, to July 30, 2020. Dealers need to update the power train control module.
Ford Escape
A failing tire pressure monitoring system in the 2020 Ford Escape may not warn drivers of low pressure in rear tires, which could affect vehicle control and increase crash risk.
The recall affects 708 vehicles in the U.S. and Canada, all built at the Louisville Assembly Plant from June 26 to Aug. 14, 2020. Dealers need to replace the body control module.
Mustang Shelby GT350, GT500
Only in Canada is Ford recalling its high-performance 2017-20 Mustang Shelby GT350 and GT500.
The daytime lights may not activate as required, reducing the visibility for other drivers and possibly increasing crash risk, Ford said.
This recall affects 833 vehicles built at the Flat Rock Assembly Plant from Sept. 22, 2016, to July 12, 2020. Dealers will update the body control module software.
Ford said in a statement, "In North America, daytime running lamps for GT350 and GT500 are only available/required in Canada."
Explorer, F-150 earlier
In recent months, Ford has issued a series of recall alerts for 2020 vehicles.
On Sept. 30, Ford recalled more than 600,000 select vehicles including most 2020 versions of the Explorer, F-150 and Super Duty trucks, Mustang, Transit, Expedition, Escape, Ranger and Edge plus Lincoln Corsair and Nautilus.
On Aug. 12, Ford recalled the F-150 for fire and battery connection issues while also warning the 2020 Lincoln Corsair had coil springs that could corrode, fracture and fall off the vehicle, creating a potential road hazard.
More:Ford recalls include some F-150s because of fire risk
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Safety commitment
Warranty, recall and repair costs were cited in the earnings report in 2019, as executives promised to step up quality control at the company.
"Quality is one of our top priorities. We work to identify and address issues quickly on behalf of our customers," Ford spokeswoman Monique Brentley told the Free Press on Monday. "These field service actions help improve quality and customer satisfaction."
Meanwhile, industry observers said Ford deserves praise for alerting customers to issues while monitoring manufacturing quality with its upcoming launches of the 2021 F-150, 2021 Ford Bronco Sport and Ford Bronco and 2021 all-electric Mustang Mach-E.
“Ford faces a double edge with the constant announcements of recalls," said market analyst Jon Gabrielsen. "On the one hand, they can be applauded for jumping on top of the issues very early in time. But on the other, Ford cannot avoid the taint on the brand that constant recalls cause."
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Current car owners appreciate the alerts but tend to be lax on getting safety repairs, said Karl Brauer, executive analyst at iSeeCars.com, a car listing and data site. "Consumers are not very good at reacting to the information."
Contact Phoebe Wall Howard at 313-222-6512 orphoward@freepress.com.Follow her on Twitter@phoebesaid. Read more on Ford and sign up for our autos newsletter.