The 2023 Ford Transit only launch a few months ago but already, is involved in a recall because of a potential fuel leak that could have disastrous consequences.
The car manufacturer reports that on impacted models, the fuel tank grade vent valve may not have been properly welded to the fuel tank shell. If this has occurred then the weld between the grade vent valve and the fuel tank shell may separate, leading to a vapor leak or a fuel leak.
A recall notice states the inadequate weld could be particularly dangerous in the event of a crash as a fuel leak could easily trigger a fire. The root of the problem has been traced back to the fuel tank supplier incorrectly installing a thermocouple on the fuel tank welding equipment. This resulted in the welder platen overheating and leading to an inadequate weld.
Given the millions of Ford Transits that have been produced over the decades, it’s fortunate for Ford that this recall only involves 1,159 examples that were manufactured between November 3, 2022 and November 10, 2022. Impacted models have 95-liter fuel tanks.
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Ford’s Critical Concern Review Group investigated the issue between December 2022 and January 2023 and found that approximately 85 per cent of the fuel tanks tested had an inadequate weld between the tank shell and the grade vent valve when tested. The car manufacturer is not aware of any warranty or field reports related to the condition, nor does it know of any accidents or injuries.
Ford will notify owners of 2023 Transit models between March 27, 2023 and March 31, 2023. They will be instructed to take their vehicle to a Ford or Lincoln dealer to have the fuel tank replaced free of charge.
