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Ford Motor Company is recalling more than 243,000 Maverick vehicles. The Body Control Module (BCM) on 2022-2024 models may deactivate one or both rear tail-lights without warning. The problem appears to be caused by a simple math error during the design phase of product development. The rear lamps use two position bulbs on a single circuit. However, the BCM current threshold was calibrated to the current draw for one bulb. This is a variation and expansion of a previous rear light recall. (AutoInformed on: Ford Recalls Maverick Pickups for Defective Software)
According to the required safety defect filing just released today by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the BCM supplied by Robert Bosch can falsely detect a current overload on one or both of the rear position lamp circuits, resulting in one or both of the lamps to be deactivated during driving. Lamps that fail to illuminate can cause reduced visibility to other drivers in dark conditions, increasing the risk of a collision.
This safety defect does not affect headlights, stop lamps – including Center High Mount Stop Lamp – or turn signal functions. The recalled Body Control Module calibration was introduced into production on 02/03/2021 and was taken out of production on 03/21/2024.
Chronology
- On 6 February 2024, an issue pertaining to Ford Maverick tail lamps was brought to Ford’s Critical Concern Review Group for review. Ford Product Development Lighting Systems team identified an elevated level of Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) related to inoperative rear tail lamps logged in Connected Vehicle (CV) data for Ford Maverick vehicles in the field. The operation of the position light was affected, brake and signal lights remained fully functional.
- February 2024 to April 2024, the Lighting Systems team conducted testing and analysis to understand the conditions necessary to set the observed DTCs and further analyzed connected vehicle data and warranty claims to understand the vehicle behavior.
- As of 4 April 2024, Ford is aware of 11 warranty claims potentially related to this issue. CV data shows that 4,727 VINs have set DTCs that may be related to this issue, with 1555 vehicles setting both left hand and right hand DTCs on the same trip.
- On 19 April 2024, Ford’s Field Review Committee reviewed the concern and approved a field action. Ford said it is not aware of any accidents or injuries attributed to this safety defect.
Ford dealers will update the BCM software, free of charge as required by The National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed 20 May 2024. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford’s number for this recall is 24S24. Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 or go to www.nhtsa.gov about NHTSA recall 24V-293.
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 Maverick Pickups Recalled for Tail Light Failures
Click for more light.
Ford Motor Company is recalling more than 243,000 Maverick vehicles. The Body Control Module (BCM) on 2022-2024 models may deactivate one or both rear tail-lights without warning. The problem appears to be caused by a simple math error during the design phase of product development. The rear lamps use two position bulbs on a single circuit. However, the BCM current threshold was calibrated to the current draw for one bulb. This is a variation and expansion of a previous rear light recall. (AutoInformed on: Ford Recalls Maverick Pickups for Defective Software)
According to the required safety defect filing just released today by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the BCM supplied by Robert Bosch can falsely detect a current overload on one or both of the rear position lamp circuits, resulting in one or both of the lamps to be deactivated during driving. Lamps that fail to illuminate can cause reduced visibility to other drivers in dark conditions, increasing the risk of a collision.
This safety defect does not affect headlights, stop lamps – including Center High Mount Stop Lamp – or turn signal functions. The recalled Body Control Module calibration was introduced into production on 02/03/2021 and was taken out of production on 03/21/2024.
Chronology
Ford dealers will update the BCM software, free of charge as required by The National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed 20 May 2024. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford’s number for this recall is 24S24. Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 or go to www.nhtsa.gov about NHTSA recall 24V-293.
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.