A handful of Ford’s commercial vehicles have been recalled over an issue with the fuel tank.
An internal investigation from Ford has revealed that impacted models may have paint that has peeled near the weld seam. This could lead to corrosion in the areas of exposed base metal and could trigger a fuel vapor leak or liquid fuel leak, increasing the risk of a fire.
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The recall notice from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reveals that the fuel tanks may have inadequate paint adhesion because of pre- and post-paint production deviations at the supplier. Owners of impacted models may be alerted to the issue through a Malfunction Indicator Lamp that illuminates or they may notice a fuel odor or see fuel.
A total of 11,074 vehicles are involved in the recall. These consist of 2,413 Ford F-59 vans from the 2021 and 2022 model years that were manufactured between November 1, 2021 and March 16, 2022. The recall also involves 8,661 examples of the Ford E-350 and E-450 vans that were manufactured between November 16, 2021 and March 1, 2022. Vehicles impacted by the recall were not produced in VIN order.
Dealerships were notified of the recall on December 15 and owners of impacted vehicles will be notified by mail from January 23, 2023. They will be instructed to take their F59, E-350, or E-450 to a Ford or Lincoln dealer to have the fuel tank inspected and replaced if necessary, at no cost. Ford will also reimburse owners who have already paid to have the issue resolved.
