**Ford Recalls Over 90,000 Vehicles Due to Engine Intake Valve Issue**
Ford has announced a recall of 90,736 vehicles over concerns that the engine intake valves may break while driving, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). The affected vehicles include certain 2021-2022 models of the Bronco, F-150, Edge, Explorer, Lincoln Nautilus, and Lincoln Aviator, all equipped with either a 2.7L or 3.0L Nano EcoBoost engine.
**The Potential Consequences and Ford’s Investigation**
The NHTSA has obtained documents from Ford, which state that the engine intake valves may fracture while driving, leading to engine failure and a loss of drive power. Ford commenced an investigation in January 2022 and identified 22 instances where engine intake valves fractured and caused catastrophic engine damage.
According to Ford’s analysis, the root cause of the failures was the engine intake valve’s failure to meet hardness specifications, resulting in increased brittleness and a higher likelihood of fracture. Ford attributed this issue to the supplier’s grinding processes and the sensitivity of the intake valve material to grinding processes that were not within control specifications. To address the problem, the intake valve material was changed for vehicles manufactured after October 31, 2021.
**The Solution: Engine Replacement**
To rectify the issue, Ford dealers will inspect each vehicle to determine its cumulative number of engine cycles. Vehicles that do not meet the engine cycle threshold will undergo a service procedure involving high revolutions per minute (rpm) engine cycles to accumulate the required number. For vehicles that do not pass the engine cycle accumulation, the entire engine will be replaced.
**The Implications for Vehicle Owners**
For owners of the affected vehicles, this recall presents both inconvenience and potential safety concerns. Engine failures can lead to sudden loss of power while driving, potentially resulting in accidents or dangerous situations. It is crucial for owners to heed the recall and bring their vehicles to a Ford dealership for inspection and necessary repairs.
**Ensuring Customer Safety and Vehicle Reliability**
Recalls are not uncommon in the automotive industry, and companies like Ford take them seriously to protect their customers. This recall demonstrates Ford’s commitment to addressing potential issues promptly and prioritizing customer safety. By identifying the root cause of the problem and implementing corrective measures, Ford aims to ensure the reliability and longevity of its vehicles.
**Conclusion**
Ford’s recall of over 90,000 vehicles due to engine intake valve issues emphasizes the importance of addressing potential problems promptly and transparently. With the risk of engine failure and loss of power, affected vehicle owners must take the necessary steps to have their vehicles inspected and repaired at a Ford dealership. Ford’s commitment to customer safety and vehicle reliability is evident in their investigation, analysis, and solution to this issue. By replacing the entire engine if necessary, Ford aims to ensure that their customers can continue to rely on their vehicles for years to come.