Ford's F-Series truck was the best-selling vehicle in the U.S. in 2016 – the 35th year in a row.
Ford Motor Co. is issuing its second large recall in a week with its action on about 52,000 2017 F-250 trucks that may move while in park.
The automaker advises owners of trucks with the 6.2-liter models of the truck built at the Louisville, Kentucky plant from October 2015 until March 30, 2017, to use the vehicle’s parking brake in addition to putting it in park.
“A damaged park rod actuating plate might not achieve mechanical park within the automatic transmission after the driver moves the shift lever to park,” Ford said in a statement.
“If the parking brake is not applied, this could result in unintended vehicle movement with the gear selector in park without warning, increasing the risk of injury or crash.”
Ford officials said they are unaware of any accidents or injuries related to the defect.
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The recall involves approximately 52,608 vehicles located in North America, including 48,421 in the United States and federalized territories, and 4,143 in Canada. The Ford reference number for this recall is 17C06. Dealers will inspect and replace the park rod actuating plate as necessary at no cost to the customer.
This action comes on the heels of the Dearborn, Michigan-based maker’s recall of nearly 450,000 cars last week. Ford recalled 231,000 vehicles equipped with 1.6-liter inline 4-cylinder engines, which pose a potential fire hazard. The vehicles with these engines include the 2013-2014 Fusion built at the Hermosillo, Mexico, factory, 2014-2015 Fiesta ST, 2014 Escape and the 2013-2015 Transit Connect.
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The problem centers on a coolant problem. After the engine overheats, due to a lack of circulating coolant, the engine block can crack. Oil may leak from the crack and catch on fire. The automaker says there are 29 reports of fires in North America, but no injuries or deaths.
The second recall involves approximately 211,000 cars with broken door latches. Ford says the “pawl spring tab” in the latch could break, leading to the door opening unexpectedly while driving. No injuries or deaths have been reported as a result of the broken latch.
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The affected vehicles are the 2014 Fusion built at the Flat Rock, Michigan, plant, 2013-2014 Fusion built at the Hermosillo site, 2014 Fiesta and 2013-2014 Lincoln MKZ. The company will replace all door latches on all affected cars with a stronger version at no cost.