Ford is recalling its vehicles one after the other. They have recalled almost 91000 Ford and Lincoln models equipped with 2.7 and 3.0 Liter turbocharges. This has caused a risk of faulty engines in the intake valves, which may fail EcoBoost engines.
In August 2023, Ford documented the file with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to recall the 2021 and 2022 models. The list of recalled models includes the F-150, Edge, Bronco, Aviator, and Nautilus. The Ford-150 is one of the most affected vehicles, with 47,719 vehicles. The line is followed by the Bronco and Explorer, with 15,835 and 14,262 vehicles, respectively. On the other hand, 2366 Edge, 3355 Lincoln Nautilus, and 7199 Aviators are also included.
Ford disclosed in the chronology document submitted to NHTSA that the investigation was initiated in January 2022 after 22 cases were reported related to engine failure. The instances of engine failure began within 3 months of equipping Aviator and Nautilus with 2.7 and 3.0L EcoBoost engines. The report also highlighted that the fractured intake valves fell into the combustion chamber, leading to catastrophic engine damage. The supplier of the valves has not used up to the mark material, which led to the issue. However, the models manufactured after 31st October 2021 are equipped with specified materials.
In 2021, 251 cases related to fractures in the intake valves have been recorded in the Bronco model. Considering this, in 2022, NHTSA launched a “Defect Position,” which spiked the number of complaints in the Bronco models. This was done after the number of complaints increased in 2021 Ford Bronco models. In response to NHTSA, Ford stated that the vehicles manufactured between May 1 and October 31st, 2021, require a higher level of vehicle repair.
The company has known all 811 warranty claims related to fractured intake valves. Considering that, they have approved the solution, where dealers inspect each model by analyzing their cumulative engine cycles.
For improvement, Ford will change the engine of the vehicle that does not pass the inspection. They also constructed a reimbursement plan for the owners who have paid money from their pocket to repair the vehicle. The letters related to this plan will be issued to the dealers on September 30 and to owners on October 7. Till September 5, Ford has recalled nearly 4 million vehicles of different models.