Ford announces recalls for nearly 101,000 cars due to safety issues

Ford Motor Company has issued six new recalls – some big, some small – for roughly 101,000 North American vehicles. According to Detroit News, the recalls affect a wide range of passenger and commercial models:

Recall #1: 2012-2014 Ford Edge; 2013-2014 Ford Ford Flex, Police Interceptor, Taurus; 2013-2014 Lincoln MKS, Lincoln MKT; 2014 Lincoln MKXUnits affected: 92,000 

The largest of Ford's recalls stems from a driveshaft problem in the vehicles listed above -- specifically, a flaw with the right-side halfshaft. The automaker says that the vehicles could experience a "loss of drive function". They could even roll away if parked on a hill without the emergency brake applied. Dealers will inspect the faulty part and replace it, if necessary. 

Recall #2: 2014 Ford EscapeUnits affected: 2,100

This recall only affects Escape vehicles manufactured between October 15 and October 22, 2013 at Ford's Louisville Assembly Plant. In some of those units, the bond securing the panoramic rooftop glass to the vehicle may have improperly cured. That could allow the glass to leak, create additional noise in the cabin, or in extreme cases, force the panel to separate from the vehicle. Owners will be asked to take their Escapes to Ford dealers, who will replace the rooftop panels, free of charge.

Recall #3: 2014 Ford FiestaUnits affected: 197

A small number of 2014 vehicles may be missing a layer of adhesive on the gas tank. Without that adhesive, the tanks are more prone to leakage and, subsequently, catching fire. Ford hasn't indicated exactly which 2014 Fiestas are included in this recall, but given the small number of vehicles affected, it's likely limited to models manufactured on very specific dates. 

RECALL #4: 2014 Ford Transit ConnectUnits affected: 368

This is probably the simplest of the six recalls, affecting only those vans shipped to Puerto Rico. On those models, Ford used the wrong pictogram label on the brake fluid reservoir cap, which doesn't include specific text that U.S. law requires. Ford hasn't indicated the fix for the problem, but it's likely as simple as attaching a new label to the cap.

Recall #5: 2011-2014 Ford F59 Commercial Stripped Chassis vehiclesUnits affected: 5,264

In vehicles that operate on roads treated with salt during the winter months, the electrical junction block could short-circuit. That could result in a number of issues, ranging from smoke in the right front wheel well, complete loss of electrical power, or in extreme cases, a fire.

Recall #6: 2014 Ford F53 Motorhome Stripped Chassis and F59 Commercial Stripped Chassis vehiclesUnits affected: 635

The brake calipers on these commercial vehicles may have been improperly constructed, resulting in greater travel of the brake pedal and increased stopping times.

Including these six actions, Ford has recalled about three million vehicles in 2014. That's well below General Motors' 29 million, but hey, the year's not over yet.