Ford Recall 2020: Pickup Trucks, SUVs Recalled Over Safety Issues

On the same day that Ford (F) will launch the 2021 F-150 pickup truck, the automaker has issued a recall for a series of SUVs and trucks within its lineup.

The first recall is for select 2020 Ford Expedition and Lincoln Navigator SUVs that may have an attachment bracket for the second-row driver’s seat headrest that may not have been properly welded to the seat frame.

Ford said the faulty welded bracket may have reduced strength and may not adequately restrain a passenger during a crash, which could increase the risk of injury.

The recall affects over 2,600 vehicles produced at its Kentucky Truck Plant. The Ford Expeditions were produced from Feb. 26 to March 18, while the Lincoln Navigators were produced from Feb. 27 to March 16.

To repair the bracket issue, Ford dealers will inspect the seat structure and replace it, if required.

The second recall from Ford is for 15 2020 Ford F-Series Super Duty trucks that are equipped with a 6.7-liter engine and 10R140 transmission. In these vehicles, the transmission torque-converter damper plate may not have been properly tempered, which could cause it to become brittle and fracture.

If the damper plate fractures, the engine could stall, requiring increased brake pedal effort to stop. The driver will be able to regain mobility and restart the engine if they shift into neutral or park, but reengagement into drive or reverse may be aggressive and cause the engine to stall again.

Ford said the trucks will continue to display these issues until a repair has been completed. The automaker also said the engine stall or loss of mobility of the vehicle could increase the risk of a crash.

The affected F-Series Super Duty trucks were produced at Ford’s Kentucky Truck Plant from Jan. 13 to Feb. 19, and also at its Ohio Assembly Plant on Jan. 29.

To remedy the damper plate problem, Ford dealers will replace the transmission.

Ford said it has not received any reports of accidents or injuries related to the recalls.

Ford stock was trading at $5.97 per share at 1:53 p.m. EDT, up $0.03 from 0.42%.