Its Shop Time Mondays: Ford And Toyota Pick Up Trucks Are In The Hot Seat

Ford Block Heater Cable Splice Connector May Corrode                    When the heater is plugged in, prolonged corrosion could cause a resistive short, increasing the risk of overheated or melted wiring and a fire.

NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V894000

Manufacturer Ford Motor Company

Components ENGINE

Potential Number of Units Affected 410,289

Summary

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2015-2019 Ford F-150 and 2017-2019 Ford F-250 Super Duty, F-350 Super Duty, F-450 Super Duty, and F-550 Super Duty pick-up trucks equipped with an engine block heater. Water and contaminants may get into the block heater cable's splice connector causing corrosion and damage.

Remedy

Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and seal the block heater cable, or replace it, as necessary, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin January 7, 2019. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 18S45.

Toyota Brake Master Cylinder Seal May be Damaged

Reduced brake performance can lengthen the distance needed to stop the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.

NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V888000

Manufacturer Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing

Components SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

Potential Number of Units Affected 44,121

Summary

Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Toyota Tacoma vehicles. Improper machining of the brake master cylinder may result in internal damage of one of the seals, affecting brake performance.

Remedy

Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will replace the brake master cylinder, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin January 21, 2019. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371. Toyota's numbers for this recall are J16/J06.