After a bit of a rough year in 2018, Ford Motors is unfortunately seeing a rocky start to 2019, too: The Michigan-based auto manufacturer has issued 3 separate recalls on approximately 1.5 million Ford and Lincoln vehicles. Ford admits a transmission problem that caused several accidents prompted the recall.
A defect with select 2011-2013 Ford F-150s reportedly led to at least 5 accidents, 1 with an incidence of whiplash, when the vehicle’s 6-speed automatic transmission downshifted into first gear without warning. Ford says the transmission issue can cause the driver to lose control of the vehicle, and that they will provide software updates to the powertrain control module at Ford dealerships.
2017-2019 Lincoln Continental owners have experienced problems with the vehicle’s door latches, where an accumulation of silicon contamination can keep them from totally engaging. Ford acknowledges the “condition could increase the potential for the door to open while driving, increasing the risk of injury.” Despite the risk, this problem has not yet been blamed for any accidents. Ford dealers will replace all 4 door latches on vehicles cited in the recall.
Last on the list of recalls are select 2019 Ford Mustang, Lincoln Nautilus, and Navigator models, which sometimes display a blank instrument panel after startup. Ford dealers will update the software to fix the problem.
The recalls apply to about:
- 1.48 million Ford F-150s built in Dearborn or Kansas City between 2010 and 2013 that may experience unexpected downshifting. The recall reference number is 19S07.
- 28,200 Lincoln Continentals built in Flat Rock from late November 2015 through mid-November 2018 that could have door-latch problems. The reference number for this recall is 19S03.
- 4,200 Ford Mustangs, Lincoln Nautilus, and Navigator models built in Flat Rock, Oakville, and at the Kentucky Truck Plant respectively, between November 2018 and January 2019 that may require updated instrument panel software. This recall reference number is 19C03.
If you think your car may be included in one of these recalls, look it up on Ford’s recall web portal by providing the vehicle identification number (VIN).
You can read Ford’s full statement regarding the recalls on their media center website.