Ford has issued a recall on hundreds of thousands of newer model Ford pickup trucks in Canada and the U.S. due to an issue with electric parking brakes.
In the US more than 870,000 F-150 trucks are covered in the recall, which is being attributed to a problem that results in parking brakes randomly turning on – sometimes while the vehicle is in motion.
A spokesperson has confirmed that the recall also involves vehicles purchased in Canada, however the company did not have a current estimate as to how many are impacted.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has posted documents indicating that the rear wiring bundle can come in contact with the rear axle housing and that this can cause chaffing on the wiring. A consequence of the chaffing is that it can then potentially cause a short circuit which can lead to the brakes turning on without notice. In some cases, drivers may see a parking brake warning light along with a warning on the vehicle’s dashboard.
The recall is impacting certain F-150 trucks from 2021 through 2023 model years that have single exhaust systems.
Ford issued a statement indicating that it has received 918 warranty claims and three field reports due to the issue of wire chafing, and that 299 of those also experiencing unexpected parking brake activation. Of those cases, 19 of the drivers had the brakes activate while the truck was in the process of being driven.
So far, Ford states that it is not aware of any crashes or injuries caused by the brakes activating randomly.
To address the issue, dealerships will inspect the rear wiring harness and replace them if needed. If the harness doesn’t require replacement, dealerships will then install a protective tie strap and tape wrap. Impacted owners will begin being notified by letter starting Sept. 11.
— with files from www.mlive.com and ctvnews.ca
