Ford Recall 2019: Automaker Recalls Trucks And SUVs For Crash, Fire, And Safety Issues

Following its recall for Ranger pickup trucks over a tail lamp issue, Ford (F) has issued safety recalls for its F-Series Super Duty trucks and Explorer and Lincoln Aviator SUVs.

The first recall affects select 2017 to 2019 F-250, F-350, and F-450 Super Duty trucks that have a tailgate issue that could increase the risk of a crash or loss of cargo. A total of 261,617 trucks in North America are affected by the recall, which were built at Ford’s Kentucky Truck Plant from Oct. 8, 2015 to Nov. 3, 2019.

In the affected trucks, the electric tailgate latch-release switch is mounted in the tailgate handle. This can cause water to reach the electrical wiring system, resulting in a short circuit and activation of the switch, releasing the tailgate latches. The tailgate could open unintentionally when the vehicle is in motion or stopped.

To repair the issue, Ford dealers will modify the tailgate frame wiring harness by adding jumper pigtails that will isolate the tailgate release control circuits. They will also install a new tailgate handle release switch.

Ford said that trucks with a mechanical tailgate release handle are not affected by the recall. The automaker has not received any reports of injuries or accidents related to the tailgate issue.

The recall number is 19S48.

The second recall affects select 2020 Ford Explorer and Lincoln Aviator SUVs that have a 3.0-liter engine. The recall is for a fuel line issue that could increase the risk of fire through leaking fuel.

A total of 3,900 vehicles in North America are affected by the recall. The SUVs were built at Ford’s Chicago Assembly Plant with the Explorers being built from Jan. 18 to July 17, and the Lincoln Aviators being built from Jan. 15 to July 17.

The fuel line issue stems from a convolute protective sleeve on the liquid fuel line, which Ford said is not long enough and could cause hard contact with the convolute-protected vapor fuel line. Through vibration and engine roll, hard contact between the two fuel lines could occur, causing the convolute on the vapor line to rub through the plastic liquid fuel line, leaking fuel.

To repair the issue, Ford dealers will inspect the SUVs’ full-length, yellow-colored protective convolute on the liquid fuel line. If the convolute doesn’t cover the full length of the fuel line, it will be removed and replaced with a convolute that is the correct length. It will then be secured with a tie strap.

Ford has not received any reports of injuries, accidents, or fires related to the fuel line issue.

The recall number is 19S49.

Shares of Ford stock were up 1.01% as of 3:44 p.m. EST on Friday.