NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Service Brakes complaints
39 reportsClear category filterMileage unknown · Jul 4, 2021
Service Brakes
Have a recall for the emergency brake light coming on due to possible brake line rupture. I took it into the dealership and they told me I needed a battery and the light would go out!!! While the light is still on after 2weeks leaving the dealership. I had an appointment for them to fix the issue with an service loaner to be giv…
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Have a recall for the emergency brake light coming on due to possible brake line rupture. I took it into the dealership and they told me I needed a battery and the light would go out!!! While the light is still on after 2weeks leaving the dealership. I had an appointment for them to fix the issue with an service loaner to be giving them I was called a day before and they told me a vehicle would not be available cause customers cars had been damaged! Now what do that have to do with an safety issue regarding brakes that may cause me and my family to be in an accident? They have not contacted me other than to tell me my extended warranty will pay for it! That means I have to pay a deductible which I had already given $200 previous for that issue and it wasn’t solved.
NHTSA ODI #11423400
Mileage unknown · Jun 14, 2021
Service BrakesService Brakes, Hydraulic
The contact owns a 2016 Lincoln MKX. The contact initially received notification for NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V469000 (Service Brakes, Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact recently received a recall letter that informed him that parts were available. The dealer had bee…
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The contact owns a 2016 Lincoln MKX. The contact initially received notification for NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V469000 (Service Brakes, Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact recently received a recall letter that informed him that parts were available. The dealer had been notified about the recall however, the contact was informed that parts were still unavailable. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
NHTSA ODI #11420838
Mileage unknown · Mar 27, 2021
Service Brakes
TRIED TO CONTACT BOTH THE DEALER AND FORD, NO RESPONSE. WAS LAST NOVEMBER WHEN THE RECALL WAS ANNOUNCED, WHY ARE THEY DRAGGING THEIR FEET?
NHTSA ODI #11405155
75,000 miles · Mar 24, 2021
Service Brakes
FRONT RIGHT BRAKE HOSE SUDDENLY RUPTURED
NHTSA ODI #11404688
Mileage unknown · Feb 23, 2021
Service BrakesService Brakes, Hydraulic
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 LINCOLN MKX. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 20V469000 (SERVICE BRAKES, SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE RECALL REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT CALLED TEAM FORD LINCOLN (5445 DREXEL RD, LAS VEGAS, NV 89130) AND IT WAS CONFIRMED THAT THE PART WAS NO…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 LINCOLN MKX. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 20V469000 (SERVICE BRAKES, SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE RECALL REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT CALLED TEAM FORD LINCOLN (5445 DREXEL RD, LAS VEGAS, NV 89130) AND IT WAS CONFIRMED THAT THE PART WAS NOT YET AVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER HAD EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.
NHTSA ODI #11397609
66,000 miles · Feb 10, 2021
Service Brakes
UNREASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR A MANUFACTURER RECALL REPAIR. GIVEN THE SEVERITY OF THIS RECALL FOR THE FRONT BRAKE FLEX LINES THE AMOUNT OF TIME FROM NOTIFICATION TO CURRENT DATE WITH NO REPLACEMENT PARTS AVAILABLE WHICH IS STILL ON GOING. AS SENIORS WE FEEL THAT OUR CAR IS VERY UNSAFE TO DRIVE AS WE HAVE BEEN TOLD WE MAY NOT B…
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UNREASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR A MANUFACTURER RECALL REPAIR. GIVEN THE SEVERITY OF THIS RECALL FOR THE FRONT BRAKE FLEX LINES THE AMOUNT OF TIME FROM NOTIFICATION TO CURRENT DATE WITH NO REPLACEMENT PARTS AVAILABLE WHICH IS STILL ON GOING. AS SENIORS WE FEEL THAT OUR CAR IS VERY UNSAFE TO DRIVE AS WE HAVE BEEN TOLD WE MAY NOT BE ABLE TO STOP THE VEHICLE WITHOUT WARNING.
NHTSA ODI #11395638
Mileage unknown · Jan 27, 2021
Service Brakes
RECALL ISSUED IN AUGUST OF 2020. I HAVE CALLED MONTHLY TO GET OBTAIN AN UPDATE FOR THE AVAILABILITY OF PART NEEDED TO REPAIR MY VEHICLES BRAKES, AND MY DEALERSHIP KEEPS PUSHING THE DATE OF AVAILABILITY BACK. THE DEALERSHIP STATES THAT THE MANUFACTURER IS NOT PROVIDING A DATE WHEN THE PART WILL BE AVAILABLE. MY DEALERSHIP IS I…
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RECALL ISSUED IN AUGUST OF 2020. I HAVE CALLED MONTHLY TO GET OBTAIN AN UPDATE FOR THE AVAILABILITY OF PART NEEDED TO REPAIR MY VEHICLES BRAKES, AND MY DEALERSHIP KEEPS PUSHING THE DATE OF AVAILABILITY BACK. THE DEALERSHIP STATES THAT THE MANUFACTURER IS NOT PROVIDING A DATE WHEN THE PART WILL BE AVAILABLE. MY DEALERSHIP IS INSTRUCTED ME TO CHECK MY VEHICLE 'DAILY FOR BRAKE FLUID LEAKS," THIS IS UNACCEPTABLE. I PURCHASED A "NEW" CAR IN 2016, "NOT A USED CAR," AND I SHOULD NOT HAVE TO "CHECK MY CAR DAILY" FOR A LEAK IN MY BRAKE FLUID. LINCOLN HAS HAD ALMOST SIX MONTHS TO OBTAIN AND START REPAIRS OF THIS RECALL AND HAS FAILED TO INITIATE THE REPAIR. AS A US CONSUMER I SHOULD NOT HAVE TO DRIVE MY VEHICLE WITH THE FEAR THAT MY BRAKES MAY GO OUT, OR FAIL TO STOP TIMELY EVERY TIME I DRIVE. THIS IS NOT A DOOR HANDLE THAT IS LOOSE, THIS IS MY BRAKES, ON MY CAR. PLEASE HELP! LINCOLN NEEDS TO BE HELD RESPONSIBLE AND START PROVIDING THE REPAIRS THAT CONSUMERS NEED IN ORDER TO OPERATE A SAFE VEHICLE. THANK YOU.
NHTSA ODI #11390210
40,711 miles · Dec 18, 2020
Back Over PreventionForward Collision AvoidanceService Brakes
YESTERDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2020, WHILE BACKING FROM A PARKING SPACE THE BRAKES SELF-APPLIED, NO ALARM SOUNDED PRIOR, AND WHILE NOT CLOSE TO ANYTHING. I COULD LET OFF THE ACCELERATOR AND THE BRAKE WOULD RELEASE SOME. WHEN STRAIGHTENED OUT AND DRIVING A SHORT DISTANCE DOWN THE AISLE IT HAPPENED 2 OR 3 MORE TIMES AND GAVE A RED SIDE…
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YESTERDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2020, WHILE BACKING FROM A PARKING SPACE THE BRAKES SELF-APPLIED, NO ALARM SOUNDED PRIOR, AND WHILE NOT CLOSE TO ANYTHING. I COULD LET OFF THE ACCELERATOR AND THE BRAKE WOULD RELEASE SOME. WHEN STRAIGHTENED OUT AND DRIVING A SHORT DISTANCE DOWN THE AISLE IT HAPPENED 2 OR 3 MORE TIMES AND GAVE A RED SIDE WARNING LIGHT. DEAD STOPS, ACCELERATOR FELT HARD TO PUSH. HAPPENED BOTH WHEN CARS WERE ON THE SIDE(S) AND NONE CLOSE AT ALL. I GOT TO THE INTERSECTION WITH NO CARS CLOSE ON ALL 4-SIDES. WHEN I PULLED INTO THE INTERSECTION, IT BRAKED TO A COMPLETE STOP AND REFUSED TO MOVE. BY PLAYING WITH THROTTLE AND DRIVE/PARK BUTTONS, I GOT THE CAR MOVING, I PULLED INTO AN OPEN AREA AND SHUT THE CAR OFF, AND RESTARTED. I DROVE HOME, WENT THROUGH AN 8-FOOT GARAGE DOOR, AND PARKED WITH NO MORE PROBLEMS. THIS ALL HAPPENED IN A WALMART PARKING LOT AND EXIT LANE. DUE TO THE HARD BRAKING, IF THERE HAD BEEN CARS BEHIND OR APPROACHING A COLLISION WOULD HAVE BEEN POSSIBLE IF THE OTHER DRIVER COULD NOT REACT TO AVOID MY CAR.
NHTSA ODI #11384066
35,000 miles · Oct 23, 2020
Air BagsElectrical SystemService BrakesCrashInjury
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 LINCOLN MKX. THE CONTACT INITIALLY RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER:19V809000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM) HOWEVER, THE PARTS AT THE TIME WERE UNAVAILABLE. HASSETT FORD (3530 SUNRISE HWY, WANTAGH, NY 11793) WAS CONTACTED NUMEROUS TIMES AND CONFIRMED EACH TIME THAT PARTS WERE NOT YET AVAILABLE. TH…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 LINCOLN MKX. THE CONTACT INITIALLY RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER:19V809000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM) HOWEVER, THE PARTS AT THE TIME WERE UNAVAILABLE. HASSETT FORD (3530 SUNRISE HWY, WANTAGH, NY 11793) WAS CONTACTED NUMEROUS TIMES AND CONFIRMED EACH TIME THAT PARTS WERE NOT YET AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT THEN STATED THAT SEVERAL WARNING LIGHTS INCLUDING THE ABS WARNING LIGHT WOULD ILLUMINATE INTERMITTENTLY ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE CONTACT HAD TAKEN THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER AND HAD HER SERVICE LIGHTS REPAIRED. AFTER THE REPAIR WHILE DRIVING AT 20 MPH, THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO DEPRESS THE BRAKE PEDAL BUT THE BRAKES FAILED TO OPERATE WHICH RESULTED IN HER HITTING ANOTHER VEHICLE AS AN ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY AND THE CONTACT, IN A STATE OF SHOCK, COULD NOT MOVE AFTER IMPACT. THE AUTHORITIES WERE CALLED TO THE SCENE AND A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CONTACT DENIED MEDICAL ATTENTION, DESPITE EXPERIENCING NECK PAIN, DUE TO COVID-19; NO OTHER INJURIES WERE REPORTED. THE CONTACT'S SON WAS ABLE TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE BACK TO HER HOME. UPON INVESTIGATION, THE CONTACT'S HUSBAND DISCOVERED ANOTHER RECALL ON THE VEHICLE FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 20V469000 (SERVICE BRAKES, SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC); HOWEVER, THE PARTS FOR THAT RECALL ALSO REMAINED UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER HAD EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER HAD YET TO BE MADE AWARE OF THE COLLISION. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 35,000. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 20V469000 (SERVICE BRAKES, SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC).
NHTSA ODI #11365934
Mileage unknown · Oct 13, 2020
Service BrakesService Brakes, Hydraulic
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 LINCOLN MKX. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 20V469000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC, SERVICE BRAKES) HOWEVER, THE PART NEEDED FOR THE REPAIR WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE VEHICLE WAS…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 LINCOLN MKX. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 20V469000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC, SERVICE BRAKES) HOWEVER, THE PART NEEDED FOR THE REPAIR WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO ADAMSON LINCOLN (W FRONTAGE RD, ROCHESTER, MN 55901) AND WAS REJECTED TO BE SERVICED DUE TO THE PART NOT BEING AVAILABLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.
NHTSA ODI #11364180
Official recalls
7Aug 22, 2025
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2016-2018 Lincoln MKX and 2015-2018 Edge vehicles. The rear brake jounce hose may rupture and leak brake fluid.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: A brake fluid leak can extend the distance required to stop the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the brake jounce hoses and adjust brake jounce hoses with no damage present, free of charge. Interim owner letters notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed September 8, 2025. Additional letters will be sent once the remedy is available, anticipated August 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S87.
Aug 10, 2020
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2015-2018 Ford Edge and 2016-2018 Lincoln MKX vehicles. The front brake hoses may rupture prematurely.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: A ruptured front brake hose will cause a brake fluid leak, lengthening the distance needed to stop the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front brake hoses with the new hoses that have a revised braid material, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on May 13, 2021. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 20S42.
Additional source detail variants (2)
Service Brakes
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2015-2018 Ford Edge and 2016-2018 Lincoln MKX vehicles. The front brake hoses may rupture prematurely.
Consequence: A ruptured front brake hose will cause a brake fluid leak, lengthening the distance needed to stop the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front brake hoses with the new hoses that have a revised braid material, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on May 13, 2021. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 20S42.
Service Brakes, Hydraulic:foundation Components:hoses, Lines/piping, And Fittings
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2015-2018 Ford Edge and 2016-2018 Lincoln MKX vehicles. The front brake hoses may rupture prematurely.
Consequence: A ruptured front brake hose will cause a brake fluid leak, lengthening the distance needed to stop the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front brake hoses with the new hoses that have a revised braid material, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on May 13, 2021. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 20S42.
Jul 17, 2020
Ford Motor Company, Inc. (Ford) is recalling certain 2016-2018 Lincoln MKX and 2019-2020 Nautilus vehicles equipped with 16-way electric tilt seats. The seat cushion frame edge may contact the wire harness when the seat occupant uses the tilt function of the seat, potentially damaging one or more wires within the harness, which can result in either inadvertent deployment of the air bag or nondeployment of the air bag in the event of a crash.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: An air bag that deploys inadvertently increases the risk of a crash. An air bag that does not deploy in the event of a crash increases the risk of injury.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will install protective flocking tape onto the exposed edge of the 16-way seat cushion frames, and inspect the wire harness for damage, and repair or replace it as needed, free of charge. This recall began August 12, 2020. Owners may contact Ford/Lincoln customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 20S37.
Additional source detail variants (3)
Seats:front Assembly:power Adjust
Ford Motor Company, Inc. (Ford) is recalling certain 2016-2018 Lincoln MKX and 2019-2020 Nautilus vehicles equipped with 16-way electric tilt seats. The seat cushion frame edge may contact the wire harness when the seat occupant uses the tilt function of the seat, potentially damaging one or more wires within the harness, which can result in either inadvertent deployment of the air bag or nondeployment of the air bag in the event of a crash.
Consequence: An air bag that deploys inadvertently increases the risk of a crash. An air bag that does not deploy in the event of a crash increases the risk of injury.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will install protective flocking tape onto the exposed edge of the 16-way seat cushion frames, and inspect the wire harness for damage, and repair or replace it as needed, free of charge. This recall began August 12, 2020. Owners may contact Ford/Lincoln customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 20S37.
Air Bags
Ford Motor Company, Inc. (Ford) is recalling certain 2016-2018 Lincoln MKX and 2019-2020 Nautilus vehicles equipped with 16-way electric tilt seats. The seat cushion frame edge may contact the wire harness when the seat occupant uses the tilt function of the seat, potentially damaging one or more wires within the harness, which can result in either inadvertent deployment of the air bag or nondeployment of the air bag in the event of a crash.
Consequence: An air bag that deploys inadvertently increases the risk of a crash. An air bag that does not deploy in the event of a crash increases the risk of injury.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will install protective flocking tape onto the exposed edge of the 16-way seat cushion frames, and inspect the wire harness for damage, and repair or replace it as needed, free of charge. This recall began August 12, 2020. Owners may contact Ford/Lincoln customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 20S37.
Electrical System:wiring:interior/under Dash
Ford Motor Company, Inc. (Ford) is recalling certain 2016-2018 Lincoln MKX and 2019-2020 Nautilus vehicles equipped with 16-way electric tilt seats. The seat cushion frame edge may contact the wire harness when the seat occupant uses the tilt function of the seat, potentially damaging one or more wires within the harness, which can result in either inadvertent deployment of the air bag or nondeployment of the air bag in the event of a crash.
Consequence: An air bag that deploys inadvertently increases the risk of a crash. An air bag that does not deploy in the event of a crash increases the risk of injury.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will install protective flocking tape onto the exposed edge of the 16-way seat cushion frames, and inspect the wire harness for damage, and repair or replace it as needed, free of charge. This recall began August 12, 2020. Owners may contact Ford/Lincoln customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 20S37.
Nov 12, 2019
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2016-2017 Lincoln MKX vehicles equipped with 3.7L engines. The battery positive cable harness may contact the transmission shifter cable bracket resulting in a short circuit.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: An electrical short increases the risk of a fire.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will remove the battery harness clips and elbow guide, and install a wire channel shield and protective sleeve to the battery cable harness, free of charge. Interim notices informing owners of the safety risk were mailed on December 2, 2019. Owners will receive a second notice when the remedy becomes available, currently expected to be the end of April 2020. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 19S41.
Aug 29, 2019
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2013-2016 Ford Fusion and Lincoln MKZ, 2015-2016 Ford Edge, and 2016 Lincoln MKX vehicles originally sold, or currently registered in Connecticut, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, West Virginia, and Wisconsin. Road salt or other contaminants may corrode the electric power steering gear motor attachment bolts.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: If the bolts corrode, the steering gear motor may detach from the gear housing resulting in a loss of power steering assist, requiring a greater steering effort, especially at lower speeds, and increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the steering gear motor bolts and apply a wax sealer. If any of the steering gear motor attachment bolts are broken or missing, a new steering gear will be installed in the vehicle. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began October 18, 2019. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 19S26.
Feb 27, 2017
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2016-2017 Ford Edge and Lincoln MKX vehicles and 2017 Lincoln Continental vehicles. In the event of a crash, the driver's frontal air bag may not fully inflate or the air bag cushion may detach from the air bag module. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: During deployment, if the air bag does not fully inflate or the cushion detaches, there is an increased risk of injury in the event of a crash.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver frontal air bag module, free of charge. The recall began June 16, 2017. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 17C02.
May 24, 2016
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2016 Lincoln MKX vehicles manufactured September 24, 2015. An incorrect seat back trim cover was installed on the affected vehicles, blocking the child seat tether anchors in the second row center seating position. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 225, "Child restraint anchorage systems."
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: An improperly anchored child seat can increase the risk of injury in a crash.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the seat back trim cover and tether cover bezel on the second row, free of charge. The recall began on June 16, 2016. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 16C09.
Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗
NHTSA investigations
1EA21002 · Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture
Opened Sep 17, 2021 · No close date supplied
Status: open (inferred from source dates) · Air Bags:frontal:driver Side:inflator Module; Air Bags:frontal:passenger Side:inflator Module
From 2000 through 2017, Takata produced millions of air bag inflators using two types of phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate ("PSAN") propellant -- propellant 2004 and propellant 2004L. After prolonged exposure to high temperature cycles and humidity, inflators using propellant 2004 can degrade, causing the propellant to burn too quickly when ignited. The rapid burning can cause the inflator to rupture during deployment, potentially causing serious or even fatal injury to vehicle occupants. See 2016 Blomquist Report at www.nhtsa.gov/sites/nhtsa.gov/files/documents/expert_report-hrblomquist.pdf.Consequently, all frontal inflators using propellant 2004 that do not contain a "desiccant" (a substance that traps and holds moisture) in US vehicles are under recall. These "non-desiccated" inflators either have been or are required to be replaced.In some cases, the remedy part for these recalled inflators was, or will be, an inflator using either propellant 2004 or 2004L that does contain a desiccant. None of these "desiccated" remedy parts (which were installed in older model year vehicles) are currently under recall for a degradation concern. Certain subsets of desiccated PSAN inflators using propellant 2004 for use as original equipment, however, have been recalled for a degradation concern. All Takata inflators produced with propellant 2004L contain desiccant, and none of these desiccated inflators using propellant 2004L are under recall for a degradation concern. There have been no reported field ruptures in any non-recalled desiccated PSAN inflators.It is understood that desiccants fully saturate at some threshold, at which point any additional moisture will not be captured. This means the degradation process observed in non-desiccated inflators using propellant 2004 may also occur in non-recalled desiccated inflators using propellant 2004, assuming additional moisture enters the inflator and high temperature cycling occurs. Based on available information, desiccant saturation can occur within the first five years in the worst environments, and the time required for full saturation is affected by multiple factors. While no present safety risk has been identified, further work is needed to evaluate the future risk of non-recalled desiccated inflators using propellant 2004.Three entities -- Takata (now known as TK Global), the Independent Testing Coalition, and Exponent -- have been studying the long-term behavior of Takata desiccated PSAN inflators using propellant 2004L (as well as 2004) in the presence of moisture and temperature cycling. The research efforts, which include development of predictive modeling techniques and field sample analysis, are ongoing. To date, none of the researchers have identified field evidence showing that propellant 2004L is undergoing a degradation process that leads to aggressive deployment and potential rupture. However, the time in service of such inflators remains short compared to that of the inflators using propellant 2004. Further study is needed to assess the long-term safety of desiccated inflators using propellant 2004L.The Office of Defects Investigation is opening this investigation to examine whether a safety defect related to propellant degradation exists in non-recalled desiccated PSAN frontal inflators manufactured by Takata. This investigation will require extensive information on Takata production processes and surveys of inflators in the field. Lists of recall actions that may have used desiccated PSAN inflators as remedy parts, as well as the makes and models originally manufactured with them, is available with the downloadable version of this document (see nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=EA21002 -- note this information is subject to change/revision as the investigation proceeds). This investigation does not supersede EA15-001, which remains open.
Additional source detail variants (2)
Air Bags:frontal:driver Side:inflator Module
From 2000 through 2017, Takata produced millions of air bag inflators using two types of phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate ("PSAN") propellant -- propellant 2004 and propellant 2004L. After prolonged exposure to high temperature cycles and humidity, inflators using propellant 2004 can degrade, causing the propellant to burn too quickly when ignited. The rapid burning can cause the inflator to rupture during deployment, potentially causing serious or even fatal injury to vehicle occupants. See 2016 Blomquist Report at www.nhtsa.gov/sites/nhtsa.gov/files/documents/expert_report-hrblomquist.pdf.Consequently, all frontal inflators using propellant 2004 that do not contain a "desiccant" (a substance that traps and holds moisture) in US vehicles are under recall. These "non-desiccated" inflators either have been or are required to be replaced.In some cases, the remedy part for these recalled inflators was, or will be, an inflator using either propellant 2004 or 2004L that does contain a desiccant. None of these "desiccated" remedy parts (which were installed in older model year vehicles) are currently under recall for a degradation concern. Certain subsets of desiccated PSAN inflators using propellant 2004 for use as original equipment, however, have been recalled for a degradation concern. All Takata inflators produced with propellant 2004L contain desiccant, and none of these desiccated inflators using propellant 2004L are under recall for a degradation concern. There have been no reported field ruptures in any non-recalled desiccated PSAN inflators.It is understood that desiccants fully saturate at some threshold, at which point any additional moisture will not be captured. This means the degradation process observed in non-desiccated inflators using propellant 2004 may also occur in non-recalled desiccated inflators using propellant 2004, assuming additional moisture enters the inflator and high temperature cycling occurs. Based on available information, desiccant saturation can occur within the first five years in the worst environments, and the time required for full saturation is affected by multiple factors. While no present safety risk has been identified, further work is needed to evaluate the future risk of non-recalled desiccated inflators using propellant 2004.Three entities -- Takata (now known as TK Global), the Independent Testing Coalition, and Exponent -- have been studying the long-term behavior of Takata desiccated PSAN inflators using propellant 2004L (as well as 2004) in the presence of moisture and temperature cycling. The research efforts, which include development of predictive modeling techniques and field sample analysis, are ongoing. To date, none of the researchers have identified field evidence showing that propellant 2004L is undergoing a degradation process that leads to aggressive deployment and potential rupture. However, the time in service of such inflators remains short compared to that of the inflators using propellant 2004. Further study is needed to assess the long-term safety of desiccated inflators using propellant 2004L.The Office of Defects Investigation is opening this investigation to examine whether a safety defect related to propellant degradation exists in non-recalled desiccated PSAN frontal inflators manufactured by Takata. This investigation will require extensive information on Takata production processes and surveys of inflators in the field. Lists of recall actions that may have used desiccated PSAN inflators as remedy parts, as well as the makes and models originally manufactured with them, is available with the downloadable version of this document (see nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=EA21002 -- note this information is subject to change/revision as the investigation proceeds). This investigation does not supersede EA15-001, which remains open.
Air Bags:frontal:passenger Side:inflator Module
From 2000 through 2017, Takata produced millions of air bag inflators using two types of phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate ("PSAN") propellant -- propellant 2004 and propellant 2004L. After prolonged exposure to high temperature cycles and humidity, inflators using propellant 2004 can degrade, causing the propellant to burn too quickly when ignited. The rapid burning can cause the inflator to rupture during deployment, potentially causing serious or even fatal injury to vehicle occupants. See 2016 Blomquist Report at www.nhtsa.gov/sites/nhtsa.gov/files/documents/expert_report-hrblomquist.pdf.Consequently, all frontal inflators using propellant 2004 that do not contain a "desiccant" (a substance that traps and holds moisture) in US vehicles are under recall. These "non-desiccated" inflators either have been or are required to be replaced.In some cases, the remedy part for these recalled inflators was, or will be, an inflator using either propellant 2004 or 2004L that does contain a desiccant. None of these "desiccated" remedy parts (which were installed in older model year vehicles) are currently under recall for a degradation concern. Certain subsets of desiccated PSAN inflators using propellant 2004 for use as original equipment, however, have been recalled for a degradation concern. All Takata inflators produced with propellant 2004L contain desiccant, and none of these desiccated inflators using propellant 2004L are under recall for a degradation concern. There have been no reported field ruptures in any non-recalled desiccated PSAN inflators.It is understood that desiccants fully saturate at some threshold, at which point any additional moisture will not be captured. This means the degradation process observed in non-desiccated inflators using propellant 2004 may also occur in non-recalled desiccated inflators using propellant 2004, assuming additional moisture enters the inflator and high temperature cycling occurs. Based on available information, desiccant saturation can occur within the first five years in the worst environments, and the time required for full saturation is affected by multiple factors. While no present safety risk has been identified, further work is needed to evaluate the future risk of non-recalled desiccated inflators using propellant 2004.Three entities -- Takata (now known as TK Global), the Independent Testing Coalition, and Exponent -- have been studying the long-term behavior of Takata desiccated PSAN inflators using propellant 2004L (as well as 2004) in the presence of moisture and temperature cycling. The research efforts, which include development of predictive modeling techniques and field sample analysis, are ongoing. To date, none of the researchers have identified field evidence showing that propellant 2004L is undergoing a degradation process that leads to aggressive deployment and potential rupture. However, the time in service of such inflators remains short compared to that of the inflators using propellant 2004. Further study is needed to assess the long-term safety of desiccated inflators using propellant 2004L.The Office of Defects Investigation is opening this investigation to examine whether a safety defect related to propellant degradation exists in non-recalled desiccated PSAN frontal inflators manufactured by Takata. This investigation will require extensive information on Takata production processes and surveys of inflators in the field. Lists of recall actions that may have used desiccated PSAN inflators as remedy parts, as well as the makes and models originally manufactured with them, is available with the downloadable version of this document (see nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=EA21002 -- note this information is subject to change/revision as the investigation proceeds). This investigation does not supersede EA15-001, which remains open.
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