Ford Motor Company has announced a massive recall affecting nearly 400,000 vehicles, including over 295,000 Super Duty trucks, due to significant safety concerns related to high-pressure fuel pumps. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) revealed this extensive recall effort, which encompasses several models, amid increasing scrutiny over vehicle safety.
According to filings posted by the NHTSA on December 20, 2024, the recall primarily involves certain 2020-2022 Ford Super Duty trucks. These trucks are equipped with the 6.7-liter Power Stroke turbodiesel engine, known to have issues with the Bosch CP4 RP7 fuel pump, which has been linked to serious performance faults. The problem: biodiesel deposits may accumulate on the pump drivetrain roller components, leading to potential fuel pump failures.
The scope of the affected vehicles is vast, covering models such as the F-250, F-350, F-450, F-550, F-600, and commercial variants like the F-650 and F-750, totaling 295,449 trucks. The recall also includes over 20,000 hybrid electric Ford Escapes from the 2020-2024 model years and 4,000 Lincoln Corsairs from 2021-2024, where concerns about high-voltage battery short circuits have surfaced. Additional recalls encompass 30,317 Ford Flex vehicles due to possible issues with distorted rearview camera images and nearly 48,000 Lincoln Nautilus SUVs over potential errors with their automatic window reverse systems.
Ford's recall is fueled by past investigations. The company first began examining fuel pump failures on these turbodiesel engines three years prior. Initial inquiries conducted as early as September 2021 attributed some fuel pump failures to biodiesel degradation stemming from extended fuel sitting during the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite evidence related to the increased risks of engine stalls or no-start scenarios, Ford initially decided against broad-scale recalls.
The NHTSA has underscored the seriousness of this situation, stating, “Failure of the high-pressure fuel pump may result in loss of motive power, which can increase the risk of a crash.” Warning signs of the defect include persistent crank during starting, illuminating “check engine” lights, and unusual noises from the engine.
To remedy the situation, Ford plans to update the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) software, aimed at enhancing pump performance and minimizing the buildup of biodiesel deposits. Importantly, the recall does not involve replacing the fuel pumps themselves—an approach starkly different from GM’s recall, where they agreed to replace the defective pumps after facing similar dilemmas with the Bosch CP4 units. Ford is offering repairs at no charge to affected vehicle owners, and notices are slated for mail distribution between January 13 and 17, 2025.
Marking the start of 2025, Ford is well aware of the growing impact this issue may have on its customer base. They are prepared to reimburse owners for recalls if they incurred repair costs prior to official notification. The automaker has reportedly received 3,070 warranty claims associated with the faulty pumps, signaling widespread concern among owners of the affected models.
The move to update the PCM is part of Ford’s broader strategy to address numerous technical issues facing their vehicles. The automaker has faced criticism over how they have handled recalls, with rivals like GM settling class-action lawsuits related to similar fuel pump issues, leading some industry experts to wonder if Ford’s approach is sufficiently proactive.
With the automotive industry increasingly focused on safety standards and consumer trust, Ford's impending recall could not come at a more pivotal moment. Vehicle owners are advised not only to watch their mailboxes for updates from Ford but also to remain vigilant about any warning signs indicative of fuel pump issues. Affected vehicle owners can contact Ford customer service at 866-436-7332 for additional guidance or repair inquiries.
This significant move by Ford highlights the necessity of addressing vehicle safety and reliability, especially as technological advancements continue to evolve at such rapid paces within the auto industry.