General Motors And Ford Make Recalls For Fire Potential
Brian O Sutter
Recalls
Chevrolet Tahoe Police Pursuit
The General Motors company has released a recall for Chevrolet Tahoe Police Pursuit models made between 2010-2014. This comes based on concerns that a cooling fan, intended to cool the engine under the hood in susceptible to corrosion due to engine fluid passing over it. Once the fan belt has started the corrosion process it because a potential fire hazard as this corrosion can cause a short circuit. With a short circuit present the changes in temperature make it the perfect scenario for a fire to start. Based on the need to temperature change the most likely time for a fire of this nature to start will be when the vehicle is running.
This model of the Chevy Tahoe is most frequently used for police and government use. To fix the problem General Motors will have our dealership simply replace the fan model used during the 2010-2014 manufacturing to the newer model that does not have the corrosion issues.
Ford Super Duty Truck
Ford issued a recall for almost 8,000 2017 Super Duty Trucks. This recall was the result of the vehicles lack of a sufficient fuel tank strap. Without the proper fuel tank strap there is high risk of the tank repositioning and potentially coming in contact with the ground. This could lead to fuel leakage and potential fire. These specific vehicles that are being recalled were built at the Kentucky Ford plant in August and September. This was such a centralized problem there are less vehicles in jeopardy than some larger recalls because the issue stemmed from a shorter time in one location. If your vehicle falls in this category return to the dealership and they will replace the fuel strap with a new long-lasting proper fuel strap.
Ford Taurus, Flex, Explorer And Lincoln MKT
Although this new recall effects a small number of vehicles it does span multiple Ford models so it is important to pay attention to this information. Ford also issued a recall for a few different models of its vehicles, including a Lincoln, that are cause for concern over a turbocharger oil supply that leaks. There are only about 1,300 vehicles that are affected but these are the specific cars that need to be checked for recall:
2016 Ford Taurus Sedans
2016-2017 Ford Flex Crossovers
2017 Ford Explorers
2017 Ford Police Interceptor Utilities
2016-2017 Lincoln MKT Crossovers
In this case the improperly joined turbocharger oil tube could lead to leakage of engine oil, which can cause a fire. All of the affected models were built this fall at either the Chicago or Oakville plants. Dealerships will replace the oil tube with one that has be properly brazed and therefore does not have the potential to leak.
Re-call Etiquette
It is important that after becoming aware of a recall you check with your dealership if your vehicle is affected. Dealerships should send you the information in the mail regarding your vehicle and its need for replacement parts. However, it is always safer to check if you suspect your vehicle may be included in an issued recall. It is also crucial that you report any fires or complications with your vehicle to your dealership so they gather information on other potential hazards or necessary recalls to provide safety for other people who drive your same model of vehicle.
If there is injury caused by a defective vehicle you may also want to consult a personal injury lawyer to make sure the liability for the injury is placed on the responsible manufacturer. In the best case scenarios any defective parts will be caught and recalled before there are any reports of issues or injuries but if that is not the case it is important to report it and get justice.