Ford Motor Co. has announced a recall of 870,000 F-150 trucks in the United States due to a potential wiring issue that could lead to an unexpected activation of the electric parking brake. The recall, which was announced on Friday, July 28, covers F-150 trucks from the 2021 through 2023 model years equipped with a single exhaust system.
According to a filing with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the issue arises from the possibility of contact with the rear axle housing, which may damage the wiring harness and cause the electric parking brake to activate unexpectedly. The automaker has received 918 warranty claims and three field reports for the wire chafing condition in North America. Of these, 299 indicated the electric parking brake had activated unintentionally, including 19 while driving. However, Ford has stated that it is not aware of any crashes or injuries related to the recall.
The recall comes as a significant move for Ford, given the popularity of the F-150 model. The F-150 is a flagship product for Ford and has been the best-selling vehicle in the U.S. for several decades. The recall could potentially affect the company’s reputation and customer trust, especially considering the large number of vehicles involved.
As part of the recall process, Ford dealers will install a protective tie strap, tape wrap, and replace the harness as necessary. The company is expected to begin notifying owners about the recall in the coming weeks. Owners will be able to take their vehicles to a Ford or Lincoln dealer to have the repairs done free of charge.
This recall underscores the importance of rigorous quality control and safety measures in the automotive industry. As automakers continue to innovate and introduce new technologies, ensuring the safety and reliability of these systems remains paramount.
