Ford Motor Company is set to recall more than 35,000 Lincoln Navigator vehicles following a report from the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) citing fire risks. The recall involves 35,328 vehicles, specifically due to a defect in the LED signal lights within the external rearview mirrors, which could potentially lead to a fire.
The NHTSA has highlighted that the encapsulation material of the LED signal lights does not properly adhere to the wire terminals, potentially causing gaps or cracks. This fault could allow water or conductive liquids to infiltrate the printed circuit board of the LED signal lights. Over time, this could result in wire corrosion and lead to a short circuit. Additionally, the short-circuit detection parameters were not updated from the previous incandescent bulbs, further exacerbating the issue.
This safety concern was initially identified in September of the previous year when Transport Canada informed the NHTSA of a fire incident involving the external signal light components of the 2017 Lincoln Navigator. Subsequent safety tests conducted in October and November revealed significant "liquid infiltration" on the printed circuit board of the LED signal lights and exposure to external substances, which could cause a fire, especially upon contact with water. Corrosion tests conducted in December indicated that the encapsulation material of the LED signal lights had gaps or cracks, increasing the fire risk.
To address this defect, Ford dealers have committed to disconnecting the LED signal light wires free of charge once owners bring their vehicles in. Ford has also announced that it will reimburse owners who have already paid for repairs related to this issue.
The affected vehicles were manufactured between January 17, 2014, and June 30, 2017. The NHTSA urges owners to verify if their vehicles are part of the recall, emphasizing that addressing recalls promptly can be life-saving.
