Ford Transit Connect Recalled for Head Protection

The recall frenzy has reached American manufacturer Ford as well, with the Transit Connect vans being involved in the latest campaign. Specifically, we are talking about 33,728 model year 2010 Transit Connect that exceeded head injury criteria during NHTSA crash testing.

According to some reports, the NHTSA discovered the safety defect back in April during crash testing of the imported Turkish-built van.

“Ford is recalling certain model year 2010 Transit Connect vehicles manufactured from December 5, 2008 through May 31, 2010 for failing to meet the minimum requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard no. 201, “Occupant protection in interior impact.” During vehicle testing the vehicle exceeded head injury criteria requirements set by the standard,” the safety notice reads.

According to the official notice posted on the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) website, the headliner retention pushpin located on the headliner above the B-pillar trim on both the left and right side of the vehicle needs to be replaced.

The direct consequence of such a problem means that in the event of a vehicle crash, an occupant could be at an increased risk of injury.

“Ford will notify owners and dealers will repair the vehicles free of charge. The safety recall is expected to begin on or about July 19, 2010,” the posting reads.

According to the notice, owners of 2010 Transit Connects vans may contact Ford at 1-866-436-7332 or the NHTSA vehicle safety hotline at 1-888-327-4236.

The 2010 Transit Connect is powered by a Duratec 2.0-liter DOHC powerplant that generates a maximum power of 136 hp combined with a torque of 128 lb-ft. The engine is mated to a four-speed automatic transmission, especially aimed at lower fuel consumption and CO2 emissions.