Ford Motor Company is recalling 2020-2022 Explorer vehicles equipped with a 2.3L RWD, 3.3L GAS, 3.3L FHEV, or 3.0L ST powertrain, according to documents made public by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration today. The Explorers can roll-away.
The previous powertrain control module (PCM) update completed under recall 22V-255 did not include what is described as “the automatic electronic parking brake feature when the vehicle is shifted to park, as intended.” In addition, the rear axle horizontal mounting bolt may fracture and cause the driveshaft to disconnect.
Production dates of 2 February 2019 through 1 April 2022 apply to the updated safety defect recall. The original recall was launched before all the software calibrations were available for dealers, Ford said in the mandatory NHTSA filing. “There were software calibration level updates missing in the system for some powertrain variants before July 2022, after which all calibration levels were properly released,” according to Ford.
Affected vehicles are equipped with a 2.3-liter RWD, 3.3-liter GAS 3.3-liter FHEV, or 3.0-liter ST powertrain and have had safety recall 22S27 performed before July 2022. Ford vehicles are not produced in VIN order. Information as to the applicability of this recall by contacting a local Ford or Lincoln dealers who can obtain specific information regarding the vehicles from the Ford On-line Automotive Service Information System (OASIS) database.
“It was discovered that there were software calibration level updates missing in the system for some powertrain variants before July 2022, after which all calibration levels were properly released. As of March 2023, Ford is aware of (17) field reports related to this condition [roll-away safety defect] safety defect. On 17 March 2023, Ford’s Field Review Committee reviewed the concern and approved a field action,” Ford said. Ford is not aware of any reports of accidents or injury related to this safety defect.
Dealers will update the PCM software free of charge as required by Federal law. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed in May 2023. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford’s number for this recall is 23S16. 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.nhtsa.gov about NHTSA recalls 22V-255 and 23V-199.
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.
Ford Expanding Explorer SUV Roll-away Recall
Ford Motor Company is recalling 2020-2022 Explorer vehicles equipped with a 2.3L RWD, 3.3L GAS, 3.3L FHEV, or 3.0L ST powertrain, according to documents made public by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration today. The Explorers can roll-away.
The previous powertrain control module (PCM) update completed under recall 22V-255 did not include what is described as “the automatic electronic parking brake feature when the vehicle is shifted to park, as intended.” In addition, the rear axle horizontal mounting bolt may fracture and cause the driveshaft to disconnect.
Production dates of 2 February 2019 through 1 April 2022 apply to the updated safety defect recall. The original recall was launched before all the software calibrations were available for dealers, Ford said in the mandatory NHTSA filing. “There were software calibration level updates missing in the system for some powertrain variants before July 2022, after which all calibration levels were properly released,” according to Ford.
Affected vehicles are equipped with a 2.3-liter RWD, 3.3-liter GAS 3.3-liter FHEV, or 3.0-liter ST powertrain and have had safety recall 22S27 performed before July 2022. Ford vehicles are not produced in VIN order. Information as to the applicability of this recall by contacting a local Ford or Lincoln dealers who can obtain specific information regarding the vehicles from the Ford On-line Automotive Service Information System (OASIS) database.
“It was discovered that there were software calibration level updates missing in the system for some powertrain variants before July 2022, after which all calibration levels were properly released. As of March 2023, Ford is aware of (17) field reports related to this condition [roll-away safety defect] safety defect. On 17 March 2023, Ford’s Field Review Committee reviewed the concern and approved a field action,” Ford said. Ford is not aware of any reports of accidents or injury related to this safety defect.
Dealers will update the PCM software free of charge as required by Federal law. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed in May 2023. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford’s number for this recall is 23S16. 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.nhtsa.gov about NHTSA recalls 22V-255 and 23V-199.
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.