Ford and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration have issued three recalls. None of them are particularly large, but combined, they cover a broad range of the Blue Oval automaker’s models.
The largest (in relative terms) of the three relates to the Focus, in which the left bracket for the rear seat frame (and the seat belt anchor point) may not have been welded properly. Even here, though, we’re only looking at 698 vehicles being recalled in the United States.
Slightly smaller is the number of F-150s and Mustangs being recalled for a problem with their front passenger air bags. The inflator could rupture in a crash, potentially shooting metal fragments at the occupant – which sounds a lot like the Takata problem, only these units are sourced from another supplier: namely ARC Automotive out of Knoxville, Tennessee. All of 650 vehicles are to be recalled in this campaign.
Another 253 examples of the Taurus, Explorer, and Police Interceptor sedans and sport-utes are also being called in over a problem with their power steering systems. The heat shield may detach from the steering gear, leading it to potentially overheat and fail.
All three recalls are limited to 2017 models only, and are set to get underway over the next month or two. Owners of the affected vehicles should receive notice in the mail, assuming their contact information with the relevant bodies is up to date.