Ford is initiating a recall of 39,013 Expedition and Lincoln Navigator SUVs due to potential fire hazards. This recall includes 32,711 Expeditions and 6,302 Navigators from the 2021 model year. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) issued a statement based on Ford’s warning, advising owners of the affected vehicles to park them outside. Fires may occur whether the vehicles are in operation or turned off.
So far, 16 incidents of fire have been confirmed, but the exact cause remains undetermined. A detailed timeline indicates that an investigation began in March 2022 in response to eight fires occurring beneath the hood. Of these incidents, six ignited on the passenger side, while the details of the other two are unclear. The total number of fires reported has now reached 16; 12 events transpired while the vehicles were off, and four occurred during operation. One report noted a melted battery junction box without resulting in a fire, and there has been one possible burn injury associated with these incidents.
While the exact cause of the fires remains unclear, it is suspected they originated from the passenger side of the engine compartment. In addition to the investigations, several customers have reported observing burning odors and smoke from this area.
Gallery: 2021 Ford Expedition XL STX
Interestingly, of the 16 fires reported, 14 occurred in rental vehicles operated by various companies across different locations. The NHTSA recall notice does not specifically mention these rentals, though the chronology of events as well as the NHTSA’s press release do. Ford has determined that the affected Expedition and Navigator models were produced between December 1, 2020, and April 30, 2021. The company encourages concerned customers to reach out to either a Ford or Lincoln dealership or call 866-436-7332 to inquire about their specific vehicle’s production details.
Other Ford Recalls Of Note:
Currently, there are no known solutions for the fire incidents, and investigations are still ongoing. The official recall was posted on May 17. Ford has begun notifying dealerships as of May 19, with plans to send direct letters to affected vehicle owners starting May 23. Until a remedy is determined, Ford advises that owners of the impacted Expedition and Navigator models should park their vehicles outside, away from buildings and other vehicles.
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