Its Recall Mondays: Ford, GM And Subaru Are In The Hot Seat

1. MANUFACTURER: Ford Motor Company

No. Of IMPACTED CUSTOMERS: 75,364

 

SUMMARY:

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2014-2015 Ford Explorer vehicles manufactured January 17, 2014 to May 31, 2014. The affected vehicles may have improperly welded rear suspension toe links that may fracture. 

 
CONSEQUENCE:

A fracture of the rear suspension toe link may result in a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.

REMEDY:

Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the rear suspension toe links, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin in May 2016. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 16S18.

2. MANUFACTURER: Ford Motor Company

SUMMARY:

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2011-2012 Ford F-150 trucks manufactured August 19, 2011, to March 9, 2012, 2012 Ford Expedition, Lincoln Navigator vehicles manufactured August 19, 2011, to December 19, 2011, and 2012 Ford Mustang vehicles manufactured August 19, 2011, to February 21, 2012. The affected vehicles are equipped with an automatic transmission that may unexpectedly downshift to first gear, regardless of vehicle speed.

CONSEQUENCE:

An unexpected downshift into first gear can cause the vehicle to slow down suddenly without warning and the rear tires may slide or lock, increasing the risk of a crash.

REMEDY:

Ford will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the powertrain control module with updated software, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin May 23, 2016. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 16S19.

3. MANUFACTURER: General Motors LLC

 
NO. OF IMPACTED CUSTOMERS: 317,572

 

SUMMARY:

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2013-2016 Chevrolet Sonic and Trax vehicles and 2013-2015 Chevrolet Spark vehicles equipped with a Bring Your Own Media radio. The affected radios may fail to provide an audible warning chime when the driver, after turning off the ignition and leaving the key in the cylinder, waits 10 minutes or longer to open the door. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 114 "Theft Protection."

CONSEQUENCE:

Without audible indicators, the driver may leave the key in the ignition, increasing the risk of theft.

REMEDY:

GM will notify owners, and dealers will update the radio software, free of charge. The manufacturer has not yet provided a notification schedule.

4. Manufacturer: Subaru of America, Inc.

 

NO. OF IMPACTED CUSTOMERS: 48,500

     
SUMMARY:

Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain model year 2016-2017 Legacy and Outback vehicles manufactured February 29, 2016, to May 6, 2016. The steering column on the affected vehicles may have been improperly machined, and as a result, turning the steering wheel may have no effect on the direction of the wheels.

CONSEQUENCE:

The loss of steering ability would increase the risk of a crash.

REMEDY:

Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the lot number on the steering column, replacing the steering column, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began May 13, 2016. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-800-782-2783 or by visiting http://www.wtd65.service-campaign.com. Subaru's number for this recall is WTD-65. Note: Until the vehicles have been inspected, owners are advised not to drive their vehicles.