Ford recalls select Explorer, E-Series vans

Tue, 21 Jan 2014

Just a few days ago we brought you news that Ford had issued a recall on 28,000 units of the Edge crossover for problems related to the fuel line. But now the Blue Oval has issued recall notices on two more of its larger vehicles.

The first relates to the Explorer, 395 examples of which from the 2011 and 2012 model years were found to have problems with their steering systems if they underwent service after September 1, 2013. An apparent software glitch could lock the steering gear, preventing the driver from steering the vehicle and thereby increasing the risk of a crash. As a result, Ford dealers are being instructed to check their records to identify the problematic vehicles and bring them in to have the steering gear replaced. Details of the recall can be found in the PDF linked here.

The second problem revolves around E-Series vans that may develop bubbles in their windshields under hot temperatures. The decrease in visibility through the problematic windshield could – you guessed it – "increase the risk of a crash." As a result, Ford is calling in 4,532 units of the E-150, E-250, E-350 and E-450 vans built in the relatively short window between May 12 and May 26, 2011. Details of this recall can be found in the notice below from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

RECALL Subject : Bubbles in the Windshield/Decreased Visibility
Report Receipt Date: AUG 26, 2011
NHTSA Campaign Number: 11V445000
Component(s): VISIBILITY
Potential Number of Units Affected: 4,532

Manufacturer: FORD MOTOR COMPANY

SUMMARY:
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2011 Ford E-150, E-250, E-350, and E-450 vehicles built from May 12, 2011, through May 26, 2011. Due to improper manufacturing conditions, some of the windshields may form bubbles after an extended time in hot temperatures. As such, these vehicles fail to conform to the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 205, "Glazing Materials."

CONSEQUENCE:
The presence of bubbles may hinder driver's visibility thereby increasing the risk of a crash.

REMEDY:
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the windshield if bubbles are present, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin on, or about, January 27, 2014. Owners may contact the Ford customer relationship center at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's recall campaign number is 11C20.

NOTES:
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

By Noah Joseph