Major Recall for Tens of Thousands of Ford and Lincoln Vehicles

Recall

Ford has initiated a major recall of over 90,000 vehicles from their Ford and Lincoln brands due to a critical engine valve defect.

At a Glance

  • Ford is recalling 90,736 vehicles due to potential engine intake valve breakage while driving.
  • Affected models include 2021–2022 Bronco, F-150, Edge, Explorer, Lincoln Nautilus, and Lincoln Aviator.
  • The defect has been linked to the materials used in the engine intake valves not meeting design specifications.
  • Dealers will conduct inspections and offer free replacements to affected vehicle owners.

Details of the Recall

Ford Motor Company is recalling 90,736 vehicles due to a potentially dangerous engine defect. The recalled models include the Bronco, F-150, Edge, Explorer, Lincoln Nautilus, and Lincoln Aviator from 2021-2022, all equipped with either a 2.7L or 3.0L Nano EcoBoost engine. These vehicles have been found to have engine intake valves that may break while driving, leading to sudden engine failure and posing significant safety risks.

The recall was announced by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) on August 31. According to Ford, this issue stems from the materials used in the intake valves not meeting the necessary design specifications for hardness, resulting in brittleness. This defect was identified after 22 reported incidents where the intake valves broke, causing substantial engine damage and heightening the risk of accidents.

Steps for Vehicle Owners

Owners of the affected vehicles are strongly urged to visit their local authorized dealerships as soon as possible. Dealers will perform the necessary inspections to determine the engine cycle counts and if required, replace the engines at no cost to the vehicle owners. The recall affects vehicles manufactured before October 31, 2021, after which Ford has since changed the intake valve material to address this issue.

For additional information, Ford suggests contacting customer service or visiting their website. The replacement of faulty engines will be done at no charge, ensuring the vehicles meet the safety and reliability standards Ford is known for.

Implications for Ford

While this recall addresses a pressing safety issue, it also reflects ongoing challenges for Ford amidst its efforts toward innovation and transition to electric vehicles. Wall Street analysts have mixed views on Ford’s future, with optimism on its EV ambitions balanced by concerns over ongoing warranty issues and competitive pricing pressures in the EV market. Ford stock maintains a Moderate Buy consensus rating on TipRanks, with analysts projecting a 25.1% upside potential.

This incident underscores the importance of stringent quality controls and material checks in manufacturing to prevent such issues from arising. As for the affected owners, prompt action by getting their vehicles inspected and repaired will be crucial to ensure safety on the roads.

Sources

1. Ford recalls 90,736 vehicles due to engine valve issue

2. Recall for 2021-2022 2.7L – Broken Intake Valve