Ford Motor Co. (NYSE:F) has announced a recall of over 260,000 heavy-duty pickup trucks in the US and Canada on concerns of the unexpected opening of tailgates.
Pickup trucks recalled for the unexpected opening of tailgates
Recalled vehicles include the F-250, F-350, and F-450 pickup trucks of the 2017 to 2019 model years. The heavy-duty trucks have electric tailgates latch release switches that can malfunction and thus resulting in an unexpected opening.
The company has indicated that the tailgate handle, which has the switch can short circuit, which activates the switches to release the latches. Ford stated that this could result from water getting into the electrical wiring in the switch. This could lead to loose cargo falling onto the road.
Ford indicates that so far, there are no reported injuries or crashes. However, pickup trucks that have a mechanical tailgate latches are not part of those affected. Ford has indicated that dealers will rectify the problem by fixing the tailgate frame wiring harnesses and also installing a new tailgate handle release switch. The dealers will make the modifications on the tailgate wiring at no cost to the owner.
Ford recalls Explorers and Aviators
Also, the company is recalling the 2020 Ford Explorer as well as the Lincoln Aviator again. The company indicated that the latest problem affecting the SUVs is having a short protective fuel line sleeve. However, the issue only affects models that have the twin-turbo 3.0-liter V6.
According to the company, the SUVs having a short fuel line sleeve could likely make hard contact with the convolute-vapor fuel line. Because of the contact, continued vibrations could lead to wearing down the plastic fuel line leading to a gasoline leak. The gasoline leaks could increase the possibility of catching fire. Although the company is recalling the cars because of the problem, there are no cases of fires or injuries reported so far regarding the same.
Around 3,858 2020 Ford Explorers and Lincoln Aviators are affected, and owners will have to take them to dealers to check sleeve length.
