2004 Ford F250 Powerstroke Diesel 4x4 Automatic on 2040-cars

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KBB 2013 Brand Image Awards has some obvious and oddball winners

The sixth edition of the Kelley Blue Book Brand Image Awards have crowned a wide range of winners - in a couple of cases the recipient of the laurels might say more about KBB users than they do about the actual winner. Compiled from the responses of more than 12,000 shoppers on KBB.com over the past year, there are 13 categories broken into non-luxury, luxury and truck segments "representing the combined wisdom of the American car-buying public."
The award categories have been revamped this year, with some dropping off, some new ones appearing and at least one other given a new term. What isn't surprising is that Honda won Most Trusted Brand for the second year running, Best Value Brand for the third year in a row and took Best Overall Brand, which wasn't on last year's list of awards.
On our own shores, in the non-luxury categories Chrysler got Most Refined Brand and Buick took Best Value Luxury Brand. Neither one of those marques won anything in last year's Brand Image Awards, while Cadillac, which won Best Interior Design Brand and Best Comfort Brand last year - those awards disappeared this year - went home without a single accolade.

Ford recalling 126,000 Fusions and Milans over wheel separation concern

Ford has announced a recall of certain Ford Fusion and Mercury Milan vehicles after an investigation by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. A total of 128,616 2010 and 2011 models equipped with steel wheels may have been manufactured with wheel studs that could crack and split over time. If that happens, the vehicle may experience a wheel separation.
According to The Detroit News, the company is aware of a total of 30 wheel separation incidents, one of which occurred on the front of the vehicle. Even so, no injuries have been reported as a result of the defect.
The problem apparently stems from the fact that the mounting pads on the vehicles' steel wheels may have been faulty from the factory. In addition, the wheel mounting face on rear disc brakes may not have been installed properly. Ford will inspect the rear disc face and replace them as necessary. In addition, the company will replace all of the vehicle's wheel studs free of charge. Head to the NHTSA website for more information, and click past the jump to view the full recall notice.

Ford is recalling more Takata airbag-equipped Ford and Lincoln models

The Basics: Takata, the beleaguered airbag supplier at the root of the largest recall in automotive history, has informed Ford of a problem with the airbags in just over 30,000 Ford and Lincoln models. The problem is not related to the non-desiccated ammonium nitrate airbag inflators that plague the other airbags ( including many Fords), meaning there isn't a risk of shrapnel flying out from the units in this particular recall. The Problem: In the event of an accident, the front airbags may only partially inflate, and the airbag may become detached from the module because of misaligned parts. The problem affects 2016 and 2017 Ford Edge and Lincoln MKX models built at the Oakville Assembly Plant. The issue also affects 2017 Lincoln Continentals that were built at the Flat Rock Assembly Plant. Injuries/Deaths: In a release, Ford stated that it is not aware of any accidents, injuries, or deaths related to the airbag issue. The Fix: Dealers will replace the driver-side front airbag module at no cost. If You Own One: Sit tight and wait for Ford to notify owners. When that happens, take your car to the dealer for a replacement. Related Video: This content is hosted by a third party. To view it, please update your privacy preferences. Manage Settings. News Source: FordImage Credit: AOL/Drew Phillips Recalls Ford Lincoln Maintenance Safety lincoln mkx