Ford Recall: 70,000 F-150 Trucks Affected in Canada

Ford has issued two recalls, affecting about 70,000 vehicles in Canada, because of defects with the LED headlamps and engine block heater. 

Date of recall: February 25, 2020

What vehicles are affected?

The first recall is specific to the 2018-20 F-150 pickup truck, of which 59,989 are affected in Canada, plus 166,196 in the United States.

The second recall is specific to the 2015-16 F-150 trucks equipped with the 3.5-litre GFCI and engine block heater.

Affected vehicles were manufactured at two particular plants. The 2018-20 F-150s were built at the Dearborn Truck Plant in Michigan from Jan. 5, 2017 to Oct. 10, 2019, and the Kansas City Assembly Plant from Jan. 25, 2017, to Oct. 10, 2019. 

The affected 2015-16 F-150s were also built at the Dearborn plant from July 31, 2014, to Sept. 27, 2016, and the Kansas City plant from Feb. 10, 2014, to Oct. 15, 2016.

What’s the problem?

Affected trucks under the first recall have an issue with the LED headlamps where the daytime lamps may not dim properly when drivers turn the master lighting switch from auto lamp to headlamp-on (low-beam). Regulations and safety standards require daytime lamps dim to parking intensity, but when they don’t, they may decrease visibility for other drivers.

For the 2015-16 F-150 trucks, the issue stems from the engine block heater cables that may degrade quickly because of a lack of heat protection and incorrect length. The problem is only when the vehicle is parked and the block heater cable is plugged into an electrical outlet. With prolonged exposure to higher temperatures, there could be a resistive short-circuit, inoperative engine block heater or trip the household breaker.

A resistive short-circuit could cause the wiring to overheat and melt, raising the possibility of a fire. Ford has advised vehicle owners not to use the engine block heater cable until they go through a full inspection. 

Ford hasn’t reported any accidents or injuries related to either defect. 

What’s the fix?

Dealers will fix the headlamp issue by updating the body control module configuration to get the lights working properly. They will deal with the second issue by inspecting the engine block heater cable, and either repair or replace it to remove any fire risk.

I'm affected. Next steps?

Ford will notify affected owners by mail with instructions on taking their vehicle to a dealer for repair. 

Enter your VIN at this link to learn more about this recall and find out if there are other Service Actions related to your vehicle.

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