INDIANA – Ford Motor Company is recalling more than 850,000 vehicles across the United States due to a defect in the low-pressure fuel pump that could lead to engine stalls and increased crash risks. The wide-ranging recall impacts various Ford and Lincoln models from recent model years, according to documents published this week by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
The affected vehicles include certain Ford Broncos, Explorers, and F-150s, as well as Lincoln Aviators and Navigators. Specifically, the recall covers:
- Certain Ford Broncos, Explorers, and Lincoln Aviators from the 2021 to 2023 model years.
- 2021-2023 model year F-250 SD, F-350 SD, F-450 SD, and F-550 SD vehicles.
- Select 2021-2022 Lincoln Navigators, Ford Mustangs, and F-150s.
- Some 2022 Expeditions.
Ford estimates that approximately 10% of the 850,318 recalled vehicles in the U.S. are at risk of experiencing this fuel pump issue.
The core of the problem lies with the low-pressure fuel pump inside the vehicles, which may fail and potentially cause the engine to stall while driving. This presents a significant safety concern, as an unexpected engine stall can heighten the risk of a collision.
Notification letters to affected owners are set to begin distribution on Monday, alerting them to the potential safety risks associated with the fuel pump defect. However, a concrete remedy for the issue is currently “under development,” as noted in the NHTSA’s recall report.
It remains unclear when a definitive fix will become available. The recall report indicates that a second letter will be sent to owners once the remedy is ready, instructing them to bring their vehicle to an authorized Ford dealer for the necessary service, which will be provided at no charge.
While Ford is not aware of any accidents or injuries directly related to this recall, the company advises owners to be vigilant for potential warning signs. Before a complete fuel pump failure, drivers may observe symptoms such as poor engine performance, illumination of the check engine light, or a noticeable decrease in engine power.
The recall report highlights that fuel pump failure is “more likely to occur” during warm weather conditions or when the vehicle’s fuel tank is low. The loss of fuel pressure and flow can be attributed to internal contamination of the car’s jet pump, among other factors. Ford’s review of the manufacturing process also identified supplier changes that may have contributed to the issue.
