Ford's Police Interceptor Utility is part of a recall of SUVs due to suspension issues.
Ford is recalling more than 280,000 sport-utility vehicles and pickup trucks due to suspension and transmission issues.
The Dearborn, Michigan-based automaker will recall 201,900 pickups due to a flaw in the transmission. A faulty speed sensor can cause it to downshift into first gear at the wrong time, potentially causing the driver to lose control or affect the vehicles around it.
Thus far, the automaker is aware of three accidents that have occurred due to the sensor on transmission model6R80. It is found on 2011-12 Ford F-150, 2012 Expedition and Mustangs built in Michigan from Aug. 19, 2011 through Feb. 12, 2012.
Also affected are Lincoln Navigators built in Kentucky from Aug. 19, 2011 to Dec. 17, 2011. The repairs will be handled at no cost to the owners.
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The automaker is also recalling 81,000 sport-utes due to a problem with the rear suspension. In certain 2014-15 Ford Explorer and Police Interceptor SUVs, the rear suspension toe links were poorly welded and could fracture, resulting in loss of steering.
Thus far, the problem has caused one accident and one injury. Dealers will replace the left and right rear suspension toe links and align the rear suspension at no cost to owners.
Ford is also issuing a safety recall for approximately 2,600 2016 Ford F-Series Super Duty vehicles for possible tire problems. Dealers will inspect and replace tires as needed. In some cases, tires could have been damaged while traveling on a conveyor.
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The automaker will replace the driver’s side airbags on 199 older sedans and SUVs, including the 2007-2012 Ford Flex, Taurus, Lincoln MKS, and Mercury Sable. A “chemical enhancer” required to deploy the airbag in the second stage, which is a higher force required for more severe accidents, may be missing.
The airbag will still deploy and the first stage won’t be affected, it may not offer enough protection when needed. Ford is unaware of any accidents or injuries due to the problem. Dealers will replace the faulty airbag, which is not related to the Takata recall.
Lastly, Ford issued a safety compliance recall for certain 2016 Ford Fusion vehicles to replace driver seat track assembly. In certain vehicles, the seat mounting bracket attachment to the seat track rail may have been improperly welded, resulting in reduced seat track strength. Only about 40 vehicles sold in the U.S. are believed to be affected.
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