Expanded Recall of Ford Expedition and Lincoln Navigator
Owners of full-size SUVs are recommended by Ford to park their vehicles outdoors. The automaker has significantly expanded a recall due to an identified fire risk in 2020 model year vehicles. The danger persists even when the car is parked with the engine turned off.
Recall Details
The automaker announced the inclusion of an additional 4,632 examples of the 2020 model year Ford Expedition and Lincoln Navigator, manufactured between November 17 and December 1, 2020. This action is an extension of a previous recall concerning 2021 models.
Technical Cause of the Problem
According to documents submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), an electrical short can occur inside the battery junction box printed circuit board. This happens due to insufficient solder mask coverage and a limited protective coating, which over time allows moisture to penetrate the internal circuits. With sufficient accumulation of moisture and contaminants, a short circuit capable of causing a fire can occur.
The company reports two instances of underhood fires in vehicles from the expanded recall list. Fortunately, no accidents or injuries related to this issue have been recorded. Some owners reported a burning smell or smoke from the front passenger side of the engine compartment as an early sign of the problem.
Repair Process
Dealerships will inspect the recalled vehicles and replace the battery junction box if damage is found. For SUVs with an 800-watt cooling fan, the battery junction box ground wire will be removed, and models with a 700-watt fan will receive an additional fuse and jumper wire to reduce the risk of overheating.
Origin of the Problem
This situation is likely related to issues caused by the pandemic. The defective printed circuit boards were supplied by a manufacturer who relocated production from one facility to another in early 2020. Ford believes this led to an improper application process of the protective coating.
Owners will receive notifications by mail or via the FordPass app. They can also contact their local dealer or check their vehicle identification number on the NHTSA.gov website. Safety measures remain a priority, especially considering that problems can occur even in parked cars, requiring increased attention from owners throughout the entire repair period.