Ford Transit Recall Expanded Over Risk Of Wiring, Corrosion Damage

Ford is expanding a recent recall for Transit vans, due to a risk that water may enter the trailer tow module and cause corrosion or electrical shorts, which may increase the risk of an accident or vehicle fire. 

The Ford Transit recall expansion was announced by the manufacturer on May 2, after another recognizing that additional vehicles could be subject to water intrusion at the tow module. To date, Ford is aware of at least two confirmed reports of vehicle fires on Canadian fleet vehicles related to the problem.

Ford Motor Company first announced the Transit vehicle recall in October 2017, after receiving warranty claims from vehicle owners indicating a series of issues including loss of instrument cluster readings, rapid turn signal blinking, inoperable heating and ventilation controls and a malfunctioning infotainment system.

After prolonged exposure to water intrusion, the wiring to the tow module could start to corrode and cause an electrical short to the ground wire, which could also cause the seatbelt pretensioners to deploy, overheat, or start a fire even when the vehicle is turned off and parked.

The recall now includes an estimated 99,893 model year 2015 through 2017 Ford Transit vehicles that were built at the Kansas City Assembly Plant from February 3, 2014 through August 2, 2017.

Ford announced that of the nearly 100,000 vehicle impacted, 90,864 were sold throughout the United States and federalized territories, while just over 9,000 vehicles were distributed for sale in Canada.

Ford will begin notifying owners of the recall and provide instructions on how to schedule a repair appointment at a local dealer, where dealers will be instructed to add a drainage hole to the driver’s door stepwell and incorporate a fuse into the vehicle wiring harness, free of charge. Customers with additional questions or concerns may contact Ford Customer Service at 1-800-392-3673 and reference the recall number 17S34.

Just last year in June, Ford Motor Company announced a separate recall impacting more than 400,000 Transit vans and buses due to roll away hazards for the potential for the driveshaft to break, causing a sudden loss of power while the vehicle is in motion, or the unexpected movement of the vehicle while it is in a parked position.

The recall indicated that a flexible couple attached to the driveshaft may crack and allow the driveshaft to separate, causing unintended movement and a roll away hazard. Ford also warned owners about the risk of secondary damage from the driveshaft separating from the transmission, which could cause damage to the brake and fuel lines, posing a loss of stopping power or fuel exposure hazard.