For decades, Ford has been a prominent automaker in the U.S. industry. It has also successfully managed to expand its operations worldwide. Over the years, Ford has become known for several car models. These include sedans such as the Taurus and Fiesta and muscle cars such as the Mustang.
In addition, Ford is also known for SUVs such as the Bronco, Expedition, and Explorer. Not to mention, Ford’s F-series pickup trucks have also become popular in the market. While many regard Ford cars to be reliable, there can be issues too. Here are some reasons to avoid used Ford cars:
10 Some Ford Cars May Have Detaching Steering Gear Motors
This problem affects the 2013 to 2016 models of the Fusion and 2015 to 2016 models of the Edge. According to a copy of the recall acknowledgment, exposure to road salts and other contaminants may cause corrosion of the bolts in the car’s electric power steering gear motor.
If this happens, the steering gear motor may detach from the gear housing. This would lead to a sudden loss of power steering assist. Because of this, it would require more effort to steer the vehicle when trying to control it.
9 Some Ford Cars Have A Speed Control Deactivation Switch That Can Overheat Or Burn
This issue prompted a recall involving several year models of the Bronco, Expedition, F-150, and F-250. Ford started investigating this issue in September 2004 after receiving several reports of underhood fires. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) also started its own investigation into the matter in December 2004.
It was later learned that brake fluid may leak into though the speed control deactivation switch and into the speed control electrical components. In some cases, the leak can also lead to corrosion. This speed control deactivation switch may then overheat and even start a fire.
8 Some Ford Cars May Roll Away Unexpectedly
A copy of the manufacturer notice reveals that the bushing at the transmission end of the shifter cable on the affected cars may be missing or damaged. Because of this, it is possible that the shifter would not completely move the transmission to the proper gear position.
Hence, the shifter may indicate that the car is on Park even if the transmission has already lost its Park function. This might cause the car to roll away. According to NHTSA records, a recall was issued involving the 2013 to 2016 Fusion models and 2013 to 2014 Escape models because of this issue.
7 Some Ford Cars Have Doors That Can Open While Being Driven
This issue was found in several year models of the C-Max, Escape, Fiesta, Focus, Fusion Mustang, and Transit Connect. According to a press release, it is possible that the affected cars have latch pawl spring tabs in their door latches which may crack.
When pawl spring tabs get fractured, the affected vehicles experience a “door will not close” condition. And if the door latches after several attempts to shut it, there is also a possibility that it would unlatch while the car is being driven. This can result in serious injuries.
6 Some Ford Cars May Experience Sudden Engine Shutdown
This issue is said to specifically affect the 2011 to 2015 models of the F-350, F-450, and F-550 trucks with Ambulance and Fire Engine Prep packages. It was determined that the exhaust gas temperature sensors in this package may be faulty.
As a result, it can wrongly indicate that the temperature is too hot and activate the Failure Mode Effects Management mode. When this happens, the engine would shut down unexpectedly. In addition, the car may also fail to restart. According to a press release, Ford is not aware of any injuries or accidents related to this issue.
5 Some Ford Cars Have Airbags That Deploy Without Warning
The problem resulted in the recall of 2004 to 2006 F-150 trucks. Ford first became aware of the problem in January 2006 after receiving two reports of inadvertent airbag deployments on the driver side. It was discovered that the issue is linked to the way the truck’s clockspring jumper wire was configured during assembly.
Specifically, it is oriented in such a way that contact with the lower horn mounting plate is possible. Because of this, the wire insulation may chafe and possibly short circuit. The airbag warning lamp would also activate and if it is ignored, airbag deployment may occur.
4 Some Ford Cars May Experience Inadvertent Fuel Pump Failure
This problem resulted in the recall of 2014 models of the Edge, Focus, Escape, Fiesta, and Focus, along with the 2014 to 2015 models of the Transit Connect. It was discovered that the fuel pump in the affected vehicles had improper nickel plating in some of its subcomponents.
This can lead to “excessive pump friction,” which causes the fuel pump to be inoperable. Once a fuel pump is no longer working, the affected car may experience a no-start condition. Even worse, the engine may also stall while the affected vehicle is being driven.
3 Some Ford Cars Can Have Faulty Fuel Lines That Can Cause A Fire
This problem has a specifically led to a recall of the 2013 Escape. During the SUV’s production, it is possible that the exterior surface of the engine compartment fuel line was mechanically scored. As a result, the scored fuel line may split and cause a fuel leak in the vehicle.
If there is a nearby ignition source, the fuel leak may also be the cause of a fire. According to a copy of the defect notice, Ford is not aware of any incidents that have occurred as a result of this problem.
2 Some Ford Cars May Have Faulty Seat Frames
This issue was discovered among several 2017 Ford models including the Explorer, F-150, F-250 SD, F-350 SD, F-450 SD, and F-550 SD. In May 2017, Ford’s very own Critical Concern Review Group reviewed a report regarding a possible weld failure in the manually operated seat back recliner mechanism.
Their analysis found that both the recliner mechanism and seat back frame had inadequate welds. Because of this, the seat backrest recliner in the affected cars may prove to be inoperative. Even worse, a copy of the filed defect notice has also revealed that “sudden movement on one side” is possible.
1 Some Ford Cars May Experience Suspension Fractures And Affect Vehicle Handling
NHTSA records reveal that this problem had resulted in the recall of 2011 to 2017 models of the Explorer. It was discovered that the rear suspension toe links may fracture as a result of stress on the SUV’s rear suspension. When the rear toe link fractures, the driver may experience significantly decreased steering control over the vehicle.
According to a press release, Ford is not aware of any injuries that occurred as a result of this issue. However, the automaker received one report of an Explorer hitting a curb when the SUV’s toe link broke.