Ford has recently issued a recall for more than 870,000 newer F-150 pickup trucks in the United States due to a concerning problem with the electric parking brakes. The affected vehicles belong to the 2021 through 2023 model years and have single exhaust systems. As Ford’s F-Series pickups are renowned as the top-selling vehicles in the U.S., this recall has garnered significant attention.
According to documents released by government safety regulators on Friday, the issue arises from a potential contact between the rear wiring bundle and the rear axle housing. This contact can cause chafing of the wiring, leading to a short circuit that may activate the parking brake without any input from the driver. Naturally, this unexpected activation poses a risk of accidents.
Drivers who are affected by this issue might observe a warning light and a message on the dashboard signaling the parking brake’s engagement. To address the problem, Ford will be inspecting the rear wiring harness in the affected vehicles. If the protective tape is worn through, the harness will be replaced. In cases where the tape is still intact, dealers will install a protective tie strap and apply tape wrapping to prevent any future incidents.
Ford has already reported 918 warranty claims and three field reports of wire chafing in North America, with 299 cases indicating instances of the parking brake activating unexpectedly. Worryingly, 19 of these activations occurred while the trucks were in motion. However, the company states that it has no knowledge of any crashes or injuries resulting from this issue.
Owners of the affected F-150 pickup trucks will be notified by letter starting on Sept. 11. If you own one of these vehicles and have questions or concerns, Ford’s customer service can be reached at (866) 436-7332.
You can also read: Naked Woman with Gun Arrested Near Bay Bridge Toll Plaza
Safety is of the utmost importance to Ford, and they are taking proactive measures to address this matter promptly. By notifying affected owners and offering inspections and necessary replacements, the company aims to ensure the continued safety and reliability of their vehicles on the road.
