Ford has issued a recall notice for more than 30,700 Mustangs due to an unintended steering malfunction that poses an safety risk for drivers and others on the road. This recall affects the 2022 and 2023 model years.
Short Summary:
- Ford recalls over 30,700 Mustangs from 2022 and 2023 model years.
- Issue involves unintended steering due to an improperly calibrated secondary digital torque sensor.
- Free software update available at dealerships starting early August.
Complete News:
In a move to ensure the safety and satisfaction of their customers, Ford Motor Company has announced a significant recall affecting over 30,700 Ford Mustangs from the 2022 and 2023 model years. The issue centers on an unintended steering malfunction that can cause the steering wheel to turn without any input from the driver, significantly increasing the risk of a crash.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has been closely monitoring the situation. According to a recent statement from the agency, the fault lies in a secondary digital torque sensor within the steering gear. If this sensor is improperly calibrated, it can lead to the steering wheel moving side to side unexpectedly when the vehicle is in motion.
“A steering wheel that turns unintentionally can cause a loss of vehicle control and increase the risk of a crash,” NHTSA highlighted in their recall document.
This recall affects Mustangs built between September 15, 2022, and April 5, 2023. Importantly, Ford has reported that there have been no injuries or accidents related to this issue so far. However, the potential for unintentional steering underscores the critical nature of this recall. Ford is taking immediate action by notifying affected Mustang owners via mail, with notification letters expected to start being sent out in early August.
Ford has outlined a clear course of action to address this issue. Owners of the recalled vehicles are advised to visit their local Ford dealerships, where technicians will update the Power Steering Control Module (PSCM) software. This fix will be provided free of charge. Additionally, Ford has implemented a pickup and delivery service at participating dealerships, aiming to minimize inconvenience for Mustang owners.
“Our goal is to prevent quality issues from happening in the first place. When they do occur, our focus is on responding quickly with a recall or service action to prevent our customers from experiencing issues with the least inconvenience possible,” Ford stated.
The issue has been traced back to a supplier error where a machine used during the production of the secondary torque sensor had its wires inverted during maintenance. This incorrect configuration led to the faulty calibration, causing the unintended steering behavior. Ford was alerted to this issue by the supplier, who admitted to the production mix-up.
In terms of broader context, this recall marks the 32nd recall for Ford in the current year alone, emphasizing the challenges the automaker faces in maintaining vehicle quality and safety. This growing trend has shown Ford averaging a new recall approximately every six days since the beginning of the year. In comparison, data from the NHTSA reveal that Ford had the highest number of recalls in the automotive industry for the third consecutive year in 2023, with a total of 56 recalls.
Despite these quality control challenges, Ford remains committed to addressing issues swiftly and effectively. As part of their ongoing efforts, Ford has introduced various measures to enhance both launch and long-term quality, with indications that these initiatives are starting to yield positive results.
For Mustang owners who have concerns or need more information regarding the recall, Ford encourages them to reach out for assistance. The automaker’s customer service can be contacted at 866-436-7332. Additionally, the NHTSA’s vehicle-safety hotline is available at 888-327-4236, and further details can be found by visiting their website and checking the vehicle’s identification number (VIN).
Given the iconic status of the Mustang, which recently celebrated its 60th anniversary, the recall is a significant event for both Ford and Mustang enthusiasts. Since its debut, the Ford Mustang has been a symbol of American automotive performance, with over 10 million units sold. In the first half of 2024, Ford reported approximately 27,400 U.S. sales of the Mustang, reflecting its sustained popularity.
“Building cars is hard, a statement which should be blindingly obvious but a fact often taken for granted by customers and doughheads in the media,” remarked one industry expert. This statement underscores the complexities and challenges faced by automakers in ensuring vehicle safety and quality.
As the automotive industry continues to evolve with advanced technology and increased safety standards, recalls remain an essential mechanism to address and correct manufacturing defects. Ford’s proactive approach in issuing this recall demonstrates their commitment to customer safety and their responsiveness in addressing potential hazards.
In conclusion, Ford’s recall of the 2022-2023 Mustangs due to steering issues is a necessary and responsible action to safeguard drivers. The company’s swift response, free software update, and additional services such as pickup and delivery options at participating dealerships reflect their dedication to resolving the issue with minimal inconvenience to customers. As Ford continues to prioritize improving their vehicle quality, Mustang owners can look forward to enhanced driving safety and reliability.
Sources:
https://www.cars.com/articles/30000-plus-ford-mustangs-recalled-for-unintentional-steering-issue-486187/
https://wsvn.com/news/us-world/ford-recalls-over-30k-mustangs-due-to-steering-issue/
https://www.fox13news.com/news/ford-recalls-more-than-30k-mustangs-due-steering-issue
https://www.kare11.com/article/news/nation-world/ford-recalls-mustangs-over-steering-gear-issue-vehicles/507-d65970d9-092d-492f-8233-356054396fa6
https://driving.ca/auto-news/driver-info/ford-mustang-recall-steering-problems
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