Ford has recalled more than 850,000 vehicles across the United States due to a possible defect in the low-pressure fuel pump that could cause engines to stall while driving.
The recall, which impacts a wide range of Ford and Lincoln-branded models produced in recent years, was announced by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) on July 8.
Owners affected by the recall will begin receiving notifications by mail from Monday, July 14, but an official fix has not yet been disclosed by the carmaker.
Newsweek contacted Ford for comment by email outside of regular working hours on Friday.
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Why It Matters
Engine stalling while a vehicle is driving can increase the risk of collisions, especially at high speeds or in dense traffic.
Although Ford has not reported any known accidents or injuries linked to the issue, drivers are being urged to remain vigilant for potential warning signs, including poor engine performance, reduced power or an illuminated check engine light.
What To Know
Ford indicated that failure of the low-pressure fuel pump could lead to an engine stalling while at rest or driving.
The NHTSA said that fuel pump failure is more likely to occur “in low fuel or warm weather and hot fuel conditions in the fuel tank.”
It added: “Loss of fuel pressure and flow from the low-pressure fuel pump can be due to internal contamination of the jet pump, specifically in low fuel conditions, and reduced fuel pump internal clearances that result in an increase of internal friction and sensitivity to vapor lock.”
Which Models Are Impacted?
The recall affects specific Ford and Lincoln models manufactured in recent years. According to NHTSA documents, these include:
- 2021–2023 Ford Bronco
- 2021–2023 Ford Explorer
- 2021–2023 Lincoln Aviator
- 2021–2023 Ford F-250 SD, F-350 SD, F-450 SD, and F-550 SD
- 2021–2022 Lincoln Navigator
- 2021–2022 Ford Mustang
- 2021–2022 Ford F-150
- Some 2022 Ford Expedition models
Ford estimated that roughly 10 percent of the 850,318 vehicles included in the recall may be affected by the faulty fuel pump.
What People Are Saying
The NHTSA said in its safety recall report: “Prior to fuel pump failure, the customer may experience poor engine performance (misfiring or running rough), a check engine light, or a reduction in engine power. Fuel pump failure is more likely to occur in low fuel or warm weather and hot fuel conditions in the fuel tank.”
It added in a letter to Ford: “Under 49 U.S.C. § 30112(a)(3), it is illegal for a manufacturer, to sell, offer for sale, import, or introduce or deliver into interstate commerce, a motor vehicle or item of motor vehicle equipment that contains a safety defect once the manufacturer has notified NHTSA about that safety defect. This prohibition does not apply once the motor vehicle or motor vehicle equipment has been remedied according to the manufacturer’s instructions.”
What Happens Next
Ford will notify affected owners from July 14 about the potential risks. The carmaker stated that once a solution is available, impacted owners will receive a second letter instructing them on how to obtain a free repair at authorized dealerships.
Ongoing updates from Ford and federal safety authorities are expected as work on the remedy progresses.
This article includes reporting by The Associated Press.
