This month has been chock-full of recalls from Ford for everything from the Maverick to the Mustang, and they haven’t been fully new ones. Instead, they’ve been recalls for fixing cars that didn’t get fixed the first time through. The situation is likely frustrating for owners and dealer technicians alike, and it’s not a good look for the company. We’ve learned, though, Ford has made a change to fix the root of the problems. While there may be a surge of vehicles being recalled a second time, Ford’s changes should prevent this situation from arising again.
The Main Problem
Whether the initial recall was for stalled vehicles or malfunctioning rear view cameras, the problems were all similar: software. Ford found that different computer modules for different components weren’t operating correctly and could be fixed with a software update. As long as the computer got the latest software installed at the dealer, the problem would be resolved. Unfortunately, it turns out that certain percentages of vehicles that went in did not actually get the correct software, despite the dealer update tool saying that it did. Speaking with someone from Ford, we learned that a key contributor with the tool was that it didn’t give detailed information about individual computer modules and software. So dealers couldn’t dig deeper to ensure that the specific programs were brought up to date.
The Fix And Why More Recalls Are Coming
With the tool being identified as a major contributor, Ford has made some changes to how it works. Now dealers can get the information they need to make sure the precise software update has been applied. Additionally, Ford said in an official press release that it has been “conducting an audit of earlier recalls that included software as part of the remedy.” That audit is yielding more recalls, and Ford says 18 recalls are being issued related to software updating.
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Even More Fords Get Recalls To Fix Old Recalls
Yes, software is the problem again.
That certainly won’t look good on Ford’s total recall count for the end of the year. However, it’s important that recalls are truly fixed, and it’s good Ford is making the effort to do so. Furthermore, by ironing out this software updating issue, future recalls shouldn’t have to come back at a later date to be fixed. In the long term, this should reduce recalls, owner inconvenience, dealer inconvenience, and should help improve Ford’s image when it comes to quality.
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