Recalls relate to both safety issues and emissions issues. When vehicle manufacturers such as Ford discover that there is an ongoing problem or defect with a vehicle part, they will issue a recall and notify owners of the availability of the recall repair. If your vehicle is subject to a recall, you should receive a notice. Recalls entail defects or issues related to the entire operation of your vehicle. Recalls are often vital to ensure safety of the vehicle. However, sometimes recall remedies are not immediately available. If your vehicle has a defect that cannot be fixed, it could mean that you own a lemon.
To determine if your vehicle is subject to recall, go to the Manufacturer’s website, or the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA) website at nhtsa.gov and type in the VIN for your vehicle. You can find your VIN on your registration documents, your sales contract or inside your driver’s side door.
Recently Ford issued a major recall for F-150 trucks.
The recall is related to the electronic parking brake and may be a potential safety issue. See the recall information below.
Ford Truck Recall
Ford is recalling more than 870,000 F-150 pickup trucks from 2021–2023 model years to address a potentially malfunctioning parking brake.
- Per documents filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) the electric brake can be inadvertently activated because of a wiring problem.
- If you own a affected Ford trucks you should have already received notification.
- NHTSA has received hundreds of reports from Ford truck owners complaining of unintended parking brake activation.
What Should You Do?
Ford has provided instructions to de-activate the electronic parking system:
- Set your vehicle’s ignition to ON
- Release the electronic parking brake
- Press and hold the accelerator pedal and place the electronic parking brake switch in RELEASE. Continue to hold the accelerator pedal and electronic parking brake switch
- Set your vehicle’s ignition to OFF then set the ignition to ON within 5 seconds. Continue holding the accelerator pedal and the electronic parking brake switch
- Set the vehicle’s ignition to OFF then release both the accelerator pedal and electronic parking brake switch
Per Ford, these operations will deactivate the brake system, preventing parking brake application until service has been completed and service mode has been deactivated. The yellow electronic parking brake indicator will be illuminated, and “Maintenance Mode” will display in the vehicle’s message center.
Always Contact Your Ford Dealership If You Have Received a Recall Notice or If You Have Issues
Ford sent out recall letters to address the parking brake malfunction issue in Ford F-150 trucks. Affected vehicles will undergo inspection of their rear axle wiring harnesses at Ford. If you received a notice, or suspect your vehicle may be affected, contact your Ford dealership.
Remember Safety First - if you experience any sudden or severe issues while driving, prioritize safety. Pull over to a safe location, turn on your hazard lights, and, if necessary, call for roadside assistance.
Contact Ford Customer Service - Reach out to Ford’s customer service and detail the specific issue you are facing. Ford’s Customer Service can inform you whether your vehicle is affected by any recalls or service bulletins, and which specific actions should be taken.
What are your Legal Options: If you have repeatedly experienced issues that remain unresolved, you may want to consult with a legal professional who specializes in consumer protection, automotive litigation, and Lemon Law claims.
Feel free to contact O’Connor Law Group, P.C. if you have questions. If you feel your Ford truck or other vehicle is a lemon, contact O’Connor Law Group, P.C. for a free consultation.