Weekend Update with 2 new recalls.
Ford Motor Company is recalling select 2023 Ford Explorer models over an issue with the driveshaft. This recall is related to an ongoing issue that prompted an earlier recall, as well as an expanded action involving multiple models across Ford’s lineup.
The defect: in affected vehicles – which are equipped with a standard rearview camera – a manufacturing error in the wire harness may cause the rearview camera to display a blue image on the SYNC screen when the vehicle is placed in reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, “Rear Visibility.”
The hazards: a rearview camera that does not properly display an image can reduce the driver’s rear view, increasing the risk of a crash.
Components: rearview camera wire harness
Affected vehicles: select 2023 Ford Explorer models built at the Ford Chicago Assembly Plant between August 1st, 2023, and August 29th, 2023.
Number of vehicles affected: 2,848
The fix: dealers will inspect the rearview camera wire harness and repair any loose splices, free of charge.
Owners should: wait for communications from Ford, which will begin on November 6th, 2023. The Ford reference number for this recall is 23C31.
Ford Motor Company has issued a recall for select 2023 Ford F-53 and F-59 stripped chassis models due to a moisture exposure issue.
The defect: affected vehicles are equipped with a Smart Data Link Connector module that may have been exposed to moisture, potentially leading to corrosion in the module, connector, and wire harness. The resulting corrosion may interfere with the vehicle’s Controller Area Network (CAN) communication. As a result, the Instrument Panel Cluster may be inoperative when installed by the vehicle upfitter or another vehicle modifier. As such, these vehicles may not conform to the requirements specified by Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 101, Controls and Displays, and FMVSS No. 105, Hydraulic and Electric Brake Systems.
The hazards: an inoperative Instrument panel cluster does not provide safety-related information to the driver and increases the risk of a crash.
Ford is not aware of any injuries or accidents related to this issue.
Components: Smart Data Link Connector module
Affected vehicles: select 2023 F-53 Class A Motorhome stripped chassis and F-59 commercial stripped chassis units assembled between July 14th, 2022 and March 29th, 2023.
Number of affected vehicles: 5,558
The fix: dealers will replace the SDLC module and splice in the pigtail connector. If corrosion is present on the wires beyond the splicing point, which is approximately the first 30 cm of the wire harness, the dealership should replace the entire wire harness. If the rubber cover for the SDLC connector is missing, it also will be replaced.
Winnebago Vista Built on Ford F-53 Stripped Chassis - Exterior 001 - Front Three Quarters
Owners should: wait for communications from Ford, which are expected to begin on October 30th, 2023. The Ford reference number for this recall is 23C24.
Contacts:
Ford Customer Service: 1-866-436-7332
FoMoCo Recall Number: 23C24
NHTSA Toll-Free: 1-888-327-4236
NHTSA (TTY): 1-800-424-9153
NHTSA Website: www.nhtsa.gov