Ford Expedition and Lincoln Navigator Recalled for Fire Risk
There have already been 25 fires related to the recall. Here’s how to get an important fix.
By Keith Barry
Ford is recalling almost 200,000 Ford Expedition and Lincoln Navigator SUVs from the 2015 through 2017 model years because a faulty component in the heating and cooling system could catch fire.
The problem is with a part called the blower motor, which runs the fan that circulates air throughout the vehicle’s cabin. It’s located beneath the dashboard and behind the glove compartment. Although Ford has not identified why these blower motors have caught fire, the automaker tells the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration that it will replace the blower motors with redesigned versions, free of charge.
Some customers whose vehicles caught fire told the automaker that they first noticed a fan that didn’t work, a burning smell, and/or smoke coming from the vents while the vehicle was turned on.
In documents provided to NHTSA, Ford says it is aware of 25 fires, including 12 reports of extensive vehicle damage, three reports of damage to nearby structures, one report of damage to a nearby vehicle, and one reported hand injury. All these fires took place when the vehicle was turned on, Ford says.
Earlier this year, Ford recalled the 2021 Expedition for a different fire-related issue.
Photo: Ford
The Details
Vehicles Recalled
• Ford Expedition SUVs manufactured between Jan. 16, 2014, and June 30, 2017
• Lincoln Navigator SUVs manufactured between Jan. 17, 2014, and June 30, 2017
The problem: Because of an as-yet-unknown fault, the vehicle’s blower motor may fail and catch fire. Occupants may first notice inoperative fans, a burning smell, and/or smoke coming from the vents.
The fix: Ford and Lincoln dealerships will replace the existing blower motors, free of charge.
How to contact the manufacturer: Ford and Lincoln will begin notifying owners of affected vehicles by mail starting Sept. 12, 2022. Owners may also call Ford at 866-436-7332.
NHTSA campaign number: 22V648. Ford’s own number for this recall is 22S56.
Check to see whether your vehicle has an open recall: NHTSA’s website will tell you whether your vehicle has any open recalls that need to be addressed.
If you plug your car’s 17-digit vehicle identification number (VIN) into NHTSA’s website and a recall doesn’t appear, it means your vehicle doesn’t currently have any open recalls. Because automakers issue recalls often, and for many older vehicles, we recommend checking back regularly to see whether your vehicle has had a recall issued.
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