Ford recently announced the most recent recall affecting Transit Connect vans due to a transmission issue. The automaker has recently added certain 2021 Ford Edge, F-350s, and F-450s units to the list of its vehicles currently under open recall. Seat belt and trailer hitch issues are at the center of these smaller recalls, which can dramatically affect safety.

Ford’s massive van recall

Nearly 200,000 Ford Transit Connect vans built between 2013-2021 have been recalled. The vans have a faulty transmission bushing cable. This cable allows the driver to select the transmission gear. A fault in this cable is a serious safety issue as drivers cannot predict which direction the vehicle will move in after shifting with a faulty cable.

The cable issue also affects the driver’s ability to put the vehicle in park. Incorrect gear selection can cause vans to roll after drivers attempt to park and exit the vehicle. This increases the risk of crashes, personal injury, and property damage.

Owner notification letters will be mailed on June 28th. Customers should search for their VIN on Ford’s website to check for open recalls that may affect their vehicle. Questions can be directed to Ford Customer Service at 866-436-7332, referencing recall number 21S24. Drivers can also contact the NHTSA at 888-327-7332 and reference recall number 21V376000.

2021 Edge has a dangerous seat belt defect

A smaller recall affecting 82 2021 Ford Edge crossovers has been announced. This small batch of units fails to meet the Occupant Crash Protection requirements of the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard. In the affected cars, the driver’s seatbelt retractor pre-tensioner assembly may fail to function correctly in a crash. This greatly increases the risk of personal injury in the event of a collision.

Ford will begin notifying owners by letter on June 14, 2021. Faulty seat belt retractor components will be replaced by Ford dealerships free of charge. Owners can perform a VIN search with the manufacturer to see if their Edge falls under the recall.

Edge owners can also contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-733 and reference recall number 21C13. Alternatively, drivers can call the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153) and reference recall number 21V377000.

Super Duty trucks have risky hitch issue

In addition to the Edge and Transit Connect van, a recall has been issued for nearly 1,800 Super Duty F-350/F-450 trucks. These trucks were fitted with left-hand-mounting trailer mounting brackets, which may be cracked. These damaged brackets could result in a fifth-wheel camper detaching from the truck while towing. This is a serious risk to road safety.

Ford will notify owners by letter by June 21. Licensed technicians will inspect the brackets and replace any damaged parts as necessary. Super Duty truck owners who feel they may be affected by this recall can check their VIN on the manufacturer’s website. They can also reference recall number 21S23 with Ford Customer Service. If drivers prefer the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, their reference number for this recall is 21V379000.