Ford is recalling 2012 Taurus, Lincoln MKS, and 2013 Explorer vehicles because the fuel tanks may have a “marginally sealed seam” in the side. As a result, the fuel tanks may not provide the expected strength during a crash. The tanks may also leak. The problem was originally discovered in Saudi Arabia through warranty claims. Dealers have been instructed to stop the sale or lease of vehicles in inventory.
In the required NHTSA filing just released, Ford said the fuel tanks may have been manufactured with the molds for the plastic tank to partially open during the molding cycle. In a small number of warranty claims, fuel leaks have been reported. Ford is not aware of any accidents, injuries, or fires.
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the fuel tanks and replace them as necessary, free of charge as is required by U.S. law. The recall is expected to begin 22April 2013. Ford’s recall campaign number is 13S03. Owners may contact Ford Motor Company Customer Relationship Center at 1-866-436-7332. Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 or go to www.safercar.gov.
About Ken Zino
Ken Zino, editor and publisher of AutoInformed, is a versatile auto industry participant with global experience spanning decades in print and broadcast journalism, as well as social media. He has automobile testing, marketing, public relations and communications experience. He is past president of The International Motor Press Assn, the Detroit Press Club, founding member and first President of the Automotive Press Assn. He is a member of APA, IMPA and the Midwest Automotive Press Assn.
He also brings an historical perspective while citing their contemporary relevance of the work of legendary auto writers such as Ken Purdy, Jim Dunne or Jerry Flint, or writers such as Red Smith, Mark Twain, Thomas Jefferson – all to bring perspective to a chaotic automotive universe.
Above all, decades after he first drove a car, Zino still revels in the sound of the exhaust as the throttle is blipped during a downshift and the driver’s rush that occurs when the entry, apex and exit points of a turn are smoothly and swiftly crossed. It’s the beginning of a perfect lap.
AutoInformed has an editorial philosophy that loves transportation machines of all kinds while promoting critical thinking about the future use of cars and trucks.
Zino builds AutoInformed from his background in automotive journalism starting at Hearst Publishing in New York City on Motor and MotorTech Magazines and car testing where he reviewed hundreds of vehicles in his decade-long stint as the Detroit Bureau Chief of Road & Track magazine. Zino has also worked in Europe, and Asia – now the largest automotive market in the world with China at its center.
