Ford Recalls Over 870,000 F-150 Trucks in the US Over Electric Parking Brake Issue
Ford Motor has issued a recall for more than 870,000 of its F-150 trucks in the United States due to an unexpected activation problem with the electric parking brake, which could potentially cause the driver to lose control.
Wiring Harness Concerns
According to a statement from Ford, the issue is related to the rear axle wiring harness bundle making contact with the rear axle housing. In certain situations, this contact can lead to chafing of the wiring harness bundle. Over time, the chafing may wear through the abrasion-resistant tape and circuit insulation, potentially exposing the copper wiring and leading to grounding of circuits on the rear axle housing.
Model Years and Specifics
The recall covers F-150 trucks from the model years 2021 through 2023, specifically those equipped with a single exhaust system.
Potential Consequences
Ford has discovered that when the wiring harness becomes damaged from contact with the rear axle housing, it may cause the electric parking brake to activate unexpectedly, which could be hazardous for drivers.
Reported Incidents
As per the filing with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), Ford has received 918 warranty claims and three field reports concerning the wire chafing condition in North America. Among those claims, 299 reported that the electric parking brake had activated unintentionally, with 19 instances occurring while driving. Fortunately, Ford states that there have been no reported crashes or injuries related to this recall.
Preventative Measures
To address the issue, Ford dealers will install a protective tie strap, apply tape wrap, and replace the affected wiring harness assembly.
Previous Recall
This is not the first recall issued by Ford recently. In a separate recall last month, Ford recalled 125,000 sport utility vehicles and trucks due to potential engine failures that could lead to fires. The recall included various Escape and Lincoln Corsair SUVs, as well as Maverick compact pickup trucks from the 2020-2023 model years with 2.5L hybrid or plug-in hybrid engines.
Conclusion
Ford is taking proactive steps to address safety concerns and ensure the well-being of its customers. If you own an affected F-150 truck, it is essential to contact your local Ford dealer to arrange the necessary repairs.
Source: Reuters. Published in PakWeb, July 29, 2023.
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