Ford Motor Company is recalling more than 25,000 Expedition and Navigator models because the camera-only Pre-Collision Assist does not enable itself. Because of incorrect computer coding of interfacing modules, the Pre-Collision Assist feature is not enabled, and the driver cannot access the menu functions necessary to enable the Pre-Collision Assist feature. Obviously, this is a safety defect because if the driver is unaware that the Pre-Collision Assist system is not enabled, they may rely on a system that is not functional, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.
This safety defect only affects Ford Expedition and Lincoln Navigator vehicles equipped with the standard camera-only Pre-Collision Assist system built within the time periods above. Vehicles built with the optional radar-plus-camera Pre-Collision Assist system are not affected.
At the time the defect was identified, the affected vehicle assembly plant had ceased operation due to the COVID-19 matter. Upon resumption of vehicle production, the updated software will be programmed into the vehicles prior to leaving the assembly plant.
Owners will be told by mail to have the Instrument Panel Cluster and Headlamp Control Modules reprogrammed with the appropriate software calibration. This reprogramming will also require reset of the Tire Pressure Monitor System. There will be no charge for this service as is required by U.S. law.
NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V262000
The recall is expected to begin May 25, 2020. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford’s number for this recall is 20S20. Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153) 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.
Failed Pre-Collision – Ford Recalls Expedition, Navigator
Ford Motor Company is recalling more than 25,000 Expedition and Navigator models because the camera-only Pre-Collision Assist does not enable itself. Because of incorrect computer coding of interfacing modules, the Pre-Collision Assist feature is not enabled, and the driver cannot access the menu functions necessary to enable the Pre-Collision Assist feature. Obviously, this is a safety defect because if the driver is unaware that the Pre-Collision Assist system is not enabled, they may rely on a system that is not functional, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.
This safety defect only affects Ford Expedition and Lincoln Navigator vehicles equipped with the standard camera-only Pre-Collision Assist system built within the time periods above. Vehicles built with the optional radar-plus-camera Pre-Collision Assist system are not affected.
At the time the defect was identified, the affected vehicle assembly plant had ceased operation due to the COVID-19 matter. Upon resumption of vehicle production, the updated software will be programmed into the vehicles prior to leaving the assembly plant.
Owners will be told by mail to have the Instrument Panel Cluster and Headlamp Control Modules reprogrammed with the appropriate software calibration. This reprogramming will also require reset of the Tire Pressure Monitor System. There will be no charge for this service as is required by U.S. law.
NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V262000
The recall is expected to begin May 25, 2020. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford’s number for this recall is 20S20. Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153) 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.