Ford issues three recalls for fewer than 10,000 vehicles

Affected models include Focus Electric, F-150, Explorer and Transit Connect.

Andrew Krok Reviews Editor / Cars

Cars are Andrew's jam, as is strawberry. After spending years as a regular ol' car fanatic, he started working his way through the echelons of the automotive industry, starting out as social-media director of a small European-focused garage outside of Chicago. From there, he moved to the editorial side, penning several written features in Total 911 Magazine before becoming a full-time auto writer, first for a local Chicago outlet and then for CNET Cars.

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Andrew Krok

June 29, 2016 11:39 a.m. PT

2 min read

Humans are very good at recognizing patterns. Which is why my eyebrows perked up when, following Ford's issuing of five simultaneous recalls, Kia went and issued four of its own. Now, it's passed the ball back to Ford, which will continue the downward numerical trend by issuing three simultaneous recalls.

There are no overlaps in these recalls, and each comprises a small number of vehicles, relatively speaking. Body styles from compact hatchbacks to cargo vans are represented, and each issue is entirely unrelated to the next.

Thankfully, in all three cases, Ford is unaware of any injuries or accidents associated with these problems.

Recall the first: Focus Electric differential

Ford's first recall of the day covers only 900 examples of the 2015-2016 Ford Focus Electric, which is an electric vehicle sold in only a handful of states. The affected Foci were built in two places -- the Michigan Assembly Plant between August 20, 2015, and April 13, 2016, and the Saarlouis Assembly Plant between February 28, 2016, and March 30, 2016.

In these cars, the differential pinion shaft might wear, which could fracture the shaft and cause the vehicle to lose the ability to move under its own power. Putting the car in Park might also be affected. This could happen while at speed.

To remedy the issue, Ford will replacement the transmission differential assembly with a unit that features friction-reducing coating on both the pinion shaft and the pinion gear bores.

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Recall the second: F-150, Explorer driver seats

Ford's next recall affects two separate vehicles, the 2016 F-150 and the 2016 Explorer. The affected Explorers were built in Chicago, between February 17, 2016, and March 7, 2016. As for the F-150, affected vehicles are split between two facilities -- Dearborn between February 20, 2016, and February 25, 2016, and Kansas City between February 17, 2016, and February 24, 2016.

The issue relates to the driver-side seatback. An improper welding job may not be able to hold an occupant during a collision. This could amplify the chance for injury, as you usually want your seat to stay put in a situation like that.

Fixing the issue is as simple as replacing the seat frame, which Ford will do at any dealership at no cost to the owner.

Recall the third: Transit Connect brakes

Finally, we have a recall affecting just 608 examples of the 2016 Transit Connect cargo van. Affected vehicles were produced at the Valencia Assembly Plant between February 22, 2016 and April 9, 2016. 605 of these vans are in the US, while a measly three are tucked up north, in Canada.

This problem involves the braking system. Reduced performance of the brake hydraulic control unit might cause issues with safety systems, including electronic stability control, roll stability control, anti-lock braking, curve control, trailer sway control, traction control and hill-start assist -- without warning. Yipes.

To remedy this problem, Ford will replace the brake hydraulic control unit, which will prevent all the other systems from tweaking out further.