Ford Motor Company is issuing a massive recall of over 870,000 newer F-150 pickup trucks in the United States due to a potential safety issue with the electric parking brake. The recall, announced on July 28, covers certain F-150 pickups from the model years 2021 through 2023, specifically those equipped with single exhaust systems. As the F-Series pickups are among the best-selling vehicles in the U.S., the recall has raised concerns among Ford owners and the automotive community.
According to documents posted by government safety regulators, the problem stems from a rear wiring bundle coming into contact with the rear axle housing. Over time, this contact can lead to chafing of the wiring, causing a short circuit. Consequently, the electric parking brake may activate unexpectedly, even without any action from the driver. Such unintended activation increases the risk of a potential crash, posing a serious safety hazard for both drivers and other road users.
Drivers affected by the issue might notice a parking brake warning light illuminated on the dashboard along with a warning message. Ford urges all owners of the affected F-150 models to exercise caution and have their vehicles inspected as soon as possible.
The recall was initiated following 918 warranty claims and three field reports of wire chafing in North America. Of these, 299 reports indicated instances of unexpected parking brake activation, and shockingly, 19 of these incidents occurred while the trucks were in motion.
As of now, Ford claims that there have been no reported crashes or injuries related to the problem. Nevertheless, the automaker is taking the issue seriously and is working to address it promptly to prevent any potential accidents.
Starting from September 11, Ford will begin notifying owners about the recall via official letters. Owners are urged to contact their local dealerships to schedule an inspection of the rear wiring harness. If the protective tape on the wiring is found to be worn through, the harness will be replaced. However, if the tape shows no signs of wear, dealers will take preventive measures by installing a protective tie strap and applying tape wrap to mitigate the risk of wire chafing.
The company encourages F-150 owners to act swiftly and ensure their vehicles undergo the necessary inspections and repairs to eliminate any potential hazards associated with the electric parking brake issue.
The safety of its customers remains a top priority for Ford, and the automaker is committed to resolving the problem efficiently to uphold its reputation for producing reliable and safe vehicles.
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