Ford Issues Two Separate Recalls for F-150

Ford just announced a safety compliance recall and a safety recall for F-150 pickup trucks from the 2015-16 and 2018-20 model years, affecting up to 250,718 units in North America.

According to documents, the front LED lighting on the 2018-20 F-150s were incorrectly set up, while the 2015-2016 F-150s have defective engine block heater cables that could lead to an electrical short.

With regard to the 2018-20 Ford F-150s, it was discovered the select models with LED headlamps have daytime running lights that might not meet federal safety standards.

“When the daytime running lamps on affected vehicles are illuminated and the master lighting switch is manually rotated from the auto lamp position to the headlamp-on (low-beam) position, the daytime running lamps remain activated instead of dimming to parking lamp intensity,” Ford said in a statement.

By law, the daytime running lights should be able to dim as they can create visibility issues for surrounding drivers.

The recall affects a total of 166,196 trucks in the United States and 50,989 in Canada, although Ford clarified no accidents or injuries have been reported.

To fix the problem, Ford dealerships will update the body control module software configuration of affected vehicles.

The other safety recall involves 2015-16 F-150s with engine heater elements and 3.5-liter GTDI engines that could have defective engine block heater cables. It is believed the cables might not have the proper length and heat protection, leaving them vulnerable to degradation that could eventually result in a short circuit.

Ford said: “Prolonged exposure to high temperatures can cause a resistive short, inoperative engine block heater, and/or tripping of household breakers or GFCI-equipped outlets while the vehicle is parked and the block heater is plugged in.”

In case a short circuit transpires, the risk of melting wiring and fire also increases, although the automaker said there are no reports of such instances. Ford further stated the risk only exists when the vehicle is parked and the engine block heater is plugged in.

The problem affects up to 13,854 trucks in the U.S. and 19,679 in Canada. Ford dealerships are due to inspect the affected vehicles and replace the cables when necessary.

Moreover, a third small safety recall was also added in the same announcement, where the company is recalling the 2020 F-Series Super Duty and 2021 E-Series for axles that might not have enough lubricant. This issue could lead to bearing seizure, which could fracture some parts and cause the driveshaft to separate from the rear axle.

If this happens, the vehicle could lose propulsion and the ability to park, increasing the chances of the vehicle moving on its own while parked. The recall affects 319 vehicles in the U.S. and seven in Canada.