Photo: Ford
Ford and Lincoln are recalling 83,250 sedans and crossovers due to an issue with the front halfshafts that could potentially leave drivers stranded or even cause a rollaway. This recall affects the 2012-14 Ford Edge and Lincoln MKX, the 2013-14 Ford Taurus SHO and Lincoln MKS, the 2013-14 Police Interceptor Sedan and the 2013-14 Ford Flex and Lincoln MKT.
On these vehicles, there is a chance that the retention clips for the right-side halfshafts may not have been installed properly, and if the axles separate, it could lead to reduced power being sent to the front wheel not to mention damage to other vehicle components. Also, if the halfshaft separates, it could lead to “unexpected vehicle movement” when the vehicle is put into Park if the parking brake isn’t engaged. Fortunately, though, Ford has not received any reports of accidents or injuries as a result of this condition.
The recall is expected to go into effect on August 29th, and it will include an inspection of the axle shaft. If it is properly retained, it doesn’t sound like any further action will be required, but if the shaft does slide out, then dealers will replace the intermediate shaft and, depending on the level of damage, possibly even the halfshaft.
In terms of which vehicles are affected, documents listed by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration say that the recall is for the following models:
For more information, owners of affected cars can contact Ford customer service at 1-800-392-3673 or NHTSA either using the Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153) or by visiting the www.safercar.gov website.
The recall is expected to go into effect on August 29th, and it will include an inspection of the axle shaft. If it is properly retained, it doesn’t sound like any further action will be required, but if the shaft does slide out, then dealers will replace the intermediate shaft and, depending on the level of damage, possibly even the halfshaft.
In terms of which vehicles are affected, documents listed by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration say that the recall is for the following models:
- 2013-14 Taurus SHO and MKS (all-wheel-drive with the 3.5-liter turbocharged and direct-injected V-6) built between August 25, 2011 and November 30, 2013
- 2013-14 Police Interceptor Sedan (front- and all-wheel-drive with any V-6) built between August 25, 2011 and November 30, 2013
- 2013-14 Flex and MKT crossovers (all-wheel-drive with 3.5-liter EcoBoost V-6) assembled from September 12, 2011 to November 30, 2013
- 2014 Edge and MKX (all-wheel-drive with 3.5-liter or 3.7-liter V-6 engines) built from September 2, 2010 to November 30, 2013
- 2012-14 Edge (front-wheel-drive with 2.0-liter EcoBoost) built from September 2, 2010 to November 30, 2013
For more information, owners of affected cars can contact Ford customer service at 1-800-392-3673 or NHTSA either using the Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153) or by visiting the www.safercar.gov website.
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