Ford Motor Company notified the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) they will recall almost 1,500 trucks suffering from brake fluid leaks.
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The Dearborn, Michigan-based manufacturer will recall 1,474 2018 Ford F-650 and 2018 Ford F-750 vehicles built between Jan. 26, 2018 and March 13, 2018.
The company’s safety recall report states the affected trucks contain hydraulic brake hoses manufactured within specified time periods. The vehicle’s brake circuit hoses lack anti-corrosion plating on the metal ferrules between the master cylinder and the hydraulic control unit. This can let brake fluid leak, reducing brake function and increasing crash risk.
Ford’s Critical Concern Review Group first learned of the problem in March 2018 when brake hose supplier Martinrea notified Ford of a missed manufacturing process. This created a shipment of brake hose assemblies missing the intended anti-corrosion plating. Martinrea told Ford the metal could lose half its thickness within 4.5 years in the field, creating a leakage risk. Ford investigated the problem and found an increased risk of “ferrule clamp relaxation,” and decided to institute a safety recall.
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Ford will notify owners and dealers will replace the brake hose assemblies free of charge. The recall is expected to begin July 9, 2018. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford’s number for this recall is 18S19. Ford owners can also visit the NHTSA’s website and enter their VIN to see if their vehicle is included in any recalls.
The manufacturer of your vehicle is legally required to fix any recalled problems for free. If the dealership refuses to fix the part or tries to charge you for the repair, contact the manufacturer immediately. The Highway Safety Act of 1970, which created the NHTSA, requires car manufacturers to pay for the recall and replacement of a defective part.
If the manufacturer fails to repair, replace, repurchase, or provide the loss value of your recalled vehicle, they are violating the warranty and a lawyer may be able to help you. Lemon law attorneys help their clients by dealing directly with the manufacturer on the clients’ behalf, working to promptly resolve the issue and get their clients back on the road. Thanks to the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act, attorneys can seek their fees directly from the manufacturer, meaning a client can obtain legal counsel without having to pay attorneys’ fees directly out of pocket.