Ford Initiates Recall of Over 240,000 Maverick Pickups for Faulty Taillights

May 01, 2024 11:36 PM EDT

TRUCK CAR ON ROAD IN FOREST FORD — (Photo : PEXELS/JACOB EVANS)

Ford has started a safety recall involving over 240,000 Maverick pickup trucks with taillight problems. The issue at hand concerns malfunctioning taillights, which may give improper illumination and hence impair the vehicle's visibility to other drivers, thereby increasing the risk of collisions.

Recall: Safety Concern Over Faulty Taillights

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) states that this oversight may cause decreased visibility when driving at night, increasing the likelihood of crashes. Ford emphasized in a safety recall report that it filed with the NHTSA how important it is to take immediate action to rectify this problem in order to reduce road safety concerns.

As reported by Fox News, the 242,669 Maverick trucks affected by the recall span model years 2022-2024, as outlined in the official recall report. These vehicles were produced between February 2021 and March of the current year. Ford's investigation attributes the taillight malfunction to the Body Control Modules within the recalled trucks.

The manufacturer discovered that this particular part can mistakenly identify an overload on the circuits for the rear position lamps, deactivating them as a safety precaution. Ford learned about the problem around the beginning of February, and happily, it hasn't led to any mishaps or injuries.

Moreover, the problem reportedly does not impact the functioning of headlights, stop lamps including the Center High Mount Stop Lamp, or turn signals, as highlighted in the report. Here is the new paragraph for you:

As per the NHTSA report, the company plans to dispatch notifications to Maverick owners affected by the recall later this month. Ford initially launched the Maverick truck almost three years ago. Throughout 2023, over 94,000 Maverick trucks were sold in the U.S., signifying a notable 26.5% increase compared to the previous year.

Affected Vehicles

As shared by Consumer Reports, the issue stems from a software problem related to the Maverick's Body Control Module (BCM), responsible for managing different vehicle functions, notably lighting. Ford dealerships will address this by providing a complimentary update to the BCM software on the affected vehicles.

While certain Mavericks have undergone recalls in the past for BCM software updates related to turn signals and other electrical concerns, another update is necessary to rectify the current issue. Vehicles recalled include Ford Maverick pickup trucks manufactured between Feb. 3, 2024, and March 21, 2024.

The problem is with the BCM. It was calibrated for the current needed to illuminate a single-position lightbulb. However, these vehicles have two position lights, causing the need for a software update to ensure both position lights glow simultaneously. Ford dealerships are offering the software update at no cost to Maverick owners.

Fuel Leak Issue

According to USA Today, Federal auto regulators recently announced a probe into a Ford recall of nearly 42,652 automobiles due to cracked fuel injectors that could lead to gas leaks and potential engine fires. In a recent summary report, the NHTSA disclosed an investigation into a recall affecting 2022-2023 Bronco Sport and 2022 Escape vehicles.

Owners are advised to visit a Ford or Lincoln dealer for the installation of a drain tube in their vehicle at zero cost. The remedy also involves a complimentary engine control software update designed to identify a pressure drop within the fuel injection system, as reported by the federal regulator.