Ford Recalling 28,000 Vehicles Over Fire, Rolling Risk

Matt Posky
by Matt Posky

A selection of Ford and Lincoln vehicles have been included in a pair of upcoming recalls. The first is involves 2020 Ford Explorer and Lincoln Aviator models suffering from a defective driveshaft. The weld seam is reportedly faulty on some vehicles and can split apart, resulting in a suddenly absent mechanical connection between the transfer case and rear axle. Drivers should be on guard for unintended vehicle creep or a sudden loss of power while moving. In truly bad instances, Ford warned that the driveshaft could come into heavy contact with the fuel tank — complicating things by introducing the always unpopular fire risk.

The second recall involves a link shaft bracket that may snap prematurely and impacts the 2014 Ford Edge as well as 2014-2016 Explorer and Taurus models. Drivers might notice a sudden loss of power while moving or the ability to safely place the vehicle in park. As this creates a roll-away risk, drivers should exercise caution and try to keep their vehicles parked on a level plane until it can be examined.

Some 15,954 vehicles are included in the recall, with another 12,298 being hamstrung by those crappy driveshafts. While recalls extend to Mexico and Canada, the vast majority were sold inside the United States. Ford told us that it’s unaware of any crashes or injuries related to either defect and wants customers to bring their automobiles into a certified dealer so technicians can make examinations and replace the parts if necessary — though the link shaft brackets sound like they’ll be swapped no matter what.

Those uncertain if their vehicle will be incorporated into either recall can go to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration website or NHTSA’s new SaferCar app to check. Just be sure to have your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) handy.

[Image: Ford Motor Co.]

Matt Posky
Matt Posky

A staunch consumer advocate tracking industry trends and regulation. Before joining TTAC, Matt spent a decade working for marketing and research firms based in NYC. Clients included several of the world’s largest automakers, global tire brands, and aftermarket part suppliers. Dissatisfied with the corporate world and resentful of having to wear suits everyday, he pivoted to writing about cars. Since then, that man has become an ardent supporter of the right-to-repair movement, been interviewed on the auto industry by national radio broadcasts, driven more rental cars than anyone ever should, participated in amateur rallying events, and received the requisite minimum training as sanctioned by the SCCA. Handy with a wrench, Matt grew up surrounded by Detroit auto workers and managed to get a pizza delivery job before he was legally eligible. He later found himself driving box trucks through Manhattan, guaranteeing future sympathy for actual truckers. He continues to conduct research pertaining to the automotive sector as an independent contractor and has since moved back to his native Michigan, closer to where the cars are born. A contrarian, Matt claims to prefer understeer — stating that front and all-wheel drive vehicles cater best to his driving style.

More by Matt Posky

Comments
Join the conversation
5 of 18 comments
  • Firestorm 500 Firestorm 500 on Nov 14, 2020

    I have had only one recall for my 2015 Super Cab F-150 XLT FX4 for a door latch shield. Otherwise it has been trouble-free. Zero problems for my 2018 Escape Titanium 4WD.

    • See 2 previous
    • Kenn Kenn on Nov 16, 2020

      I've read that the new Escape has 5 current recalls. All companies have problems, at one time or another, but Ford seems like a fundamentally troubled company.

  • Steve Biro Steve Biro on Nov 14, 2020

    I haven't been interested in any Mercedes in perhaps 40 years. So let the cool, rich kids have their overpriced EVs - which, by the way, remain not ready for prime time despite recent advances. And, until they do, I and many others won't be buying them. I think the automakers are in for a nasty surprise. Meanwhile, on a separate matter: "Traditional luxury is becoming passé now that Daimler knows splendor is incomparable with green movement." Shouldn't that be "splendor is incompatible with the green movement"? Guys, you have to edit your pieces. It's one of a number of issues that keeps this site from being taken as seriously as the automotive heavyweights.

  • B-BodyBuick84 Mitsubishi Pajero Sport of course, a 7 seater, 2.4 turbo-diesel I4 BOF SUV with Super-Select 4WD, centre and rear locking diffs standard of course.
  • Corey Lewis Think how dated this 80s design was by 1995!
  • Tassos Jong-iL Communist America Rises!
  • Merc190 A CB7 Accord with the 5 cylinder
  • MRF 95 T-Bird Daihatsu Copen- A fun Kei sized roadster. Equipped with a 660cc three, a five speed manual and a retractable roof it’s all you need. Subaru Levorg wagon-because not everyone needs a lifted Outback.
Next