Ford is being pelted with figurative tomatoes over its latest debacle. A whopping eight recalls were issued on the same day, and to add insult to injury, most of these are recalls on recalls.
Statistics show that Ford is the leader in recalls in the US, an enduring position based on several years of frequent, inconvenient faults requiring drivers to make an effort to have them resolved. A total of eight separate faults affect multiple models, and dealership technicians are likely to see some overtime pay over the next few months.
Ford Mavericks are part of 5 recalls
Maverick drivers are going to be the most put out by these recent recalls on their vehicles, seeing as the issues that need to be seen to are related to previous recalls that weren’t correctly resolved.
993 Mavericks re-recalled for a digital instrument cluster fault
A total of 993 Maverick trucks manufactured between August 20, 2021, and October 9, 2023, have already been recalled once to fix the digital instrument cluster, which wasn’t displaying important safety info. This wasn’t done properly the first time around in some units, so they need to go to a dealer for an update.
2 Mavericks re-recalled for a powertrain issue
Only two single trucks need to go back to sort out a Powertrain Control Module fault that wasn’t sorted out the first time. This solution also involves only a software update, otherwise their vehicle’s computer will not be able to detect changes in the 12 V battery’s charge and the system may stall.
141 Mavericks re-recalled to address a brake lights problem
Just under 150 units produced between August 18, 2021, and October 6, 2022, went in to have a brake lights issue resolved, but it wasn’t. These vehicles’ brake lights were coming on without touching the pedal. Once again, a software update is required.
Mavericks are among 10,627 vehicles also re-recalled over brakes
This recall involves more models than just the Maverick, which are the 2021-2022 Ford F-150, 2022 Ford Maverick, the Expedition, Lincoln Navigator, and F-Series Super Duty trucks. These Fords were previously repaired for a software issue that affected the functioning of electric or electric-over-hydraulic brakes on towed trailers. The integrated trailer brake control module software needs to be updated.
Mavericks are among 207 units re-recalled over the HCPM
The last recall that the Maverick is a part of involves the 2022-2024 Maverick, 2021-2022 Lincoln Corsair, and 2022 Escape. These were previously recalled but the Hybrid Powertrain Control Module software wasn’t correctly updated. This problem could cause the vehicle to unexpectedly shift into neutral gear, which would lead to a loss of drive power.
Mustang Mach-E and F-150 Lightning are under recall
Two of Ford’s electric models have had to be recalled, both for battery issues.
234 Mustang Mach-E crossovers re-recalled over battery connectors
Some Mustang Mach-E crossovers produced between May 2020 and May 2022 have to go into a dealership again after high-voltage battery main connectors were not properly fixed during a prior “fix.” A software update is needed to prevent the connectors overheating.
950 F-150 Lightnings have been recalled for faulty battery cells
Ford is recalling 950 2022-2024 F-150 Lightning EVs (a model that has also been assessed as a poor choice for driving in icy conditions). The process has to do with a high-voltage battery cell manufacturing defect, which could lead to an internal short circuit. Drivers are being advised to limit charging to 80% until the defect is resolved. Dealers will replace the high-voltage battery array at no charge if found to be defective during assessment.
EcoSport is in the spotlight for repetitive faults, 18,648 being recalled
The Ford EcoSport is the last on the list of the batch of eight recent recalls. EcoSport models built between April 1, 2021, and July 20, 2022, have to go in because the front half shafts might not have been properly fitted to the transmission. This may cause the vehicle to roll away, even in Park. The half shafts have to be inspected and will be replaced if required.
Ford will be grateful that it has such a loyal following of true-blue, committed customers who seem quick to forgive a lot of unreliability on the brand’s part. This doesn’t apply to all buyers, though, as Ford was hit with a lawsuit over the EcoBoost.