The New Chapter in the Ford Engine Failure Investigation Saga
The renowned American multinational automaker, Ford, was recently in the headlines when a US federal agency decided to conclude its investigation into the company’s engine failures. This investigation was following a recall and warranty extension made by Ford for certain cars that were affected.
The Genesis of the Investigation
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) had launched an investigation on the back of numerous complaints lodged about the failure of a specific engine model in Ford Escape SUVs. These complaints reported a sudden, unanticipated reduction of engine power in these vehicles, which prompted the federal agency to conduct this investigation.
The Scope of the Investigation
The Federal Agency’s inquiry was widespread, engaging aspects including vehicle service history, analysis of components, and feedback from the manufacturer. It encompassed not only the 2013 Ford Escape model that initially sparked the investigation but also other models equipped with the same 1.6-liter turbocharged engines. This broadened the investigation scope to a whopping 200,000 additional vehicles from various makes including Fusion and Transit Connect.
Ford’s Recall and Warranty Extension
In response to the numerous complaints and following the federal agency’s investigation, Ford had issued a recall back in 2014. The company recalled about 160,000 Escapes to amend a problem that could lead to stalling. According to the automaker, the fault in the motor system caused the engines to overheat, leading to a cracked cylinder head. This would, in turn, result in oil leaks and potential fire hazards.
The Preventative Measure
In parallel to the recall, Ford also extended the warranty on the 1.6-liter turbocharged engines for up to seven years or until the vehicle hits a 100,000-mile benchmark. This move covered all the vehicles, not just the ones that were part of the recall.
Wrapping Up the Investigation
Post the recall and warranty extension, the NHTSA announced the termination of its investigation. It justified this move by stating that the recall and the warranty extension by Ford adequately address the sudden reduction in engine power. Moreover, the risk of thermal events due to engine failures was also considerably reduced.
Following The Federal Agency’s Dismissal
Once the investigation was terminated, consumers who own or lease Ford Escapes or any of the other models included in the recall were entitled for repairs under the extended warranty. The NHTSA advised them to seek service if their vehicle displayed signs of engine overheating, loss of coolant without visible leaks, or other related symptoms.
The Implications for Ford
The conclusion of this investigation comes as good news for Ford. The automaker can now focus on building new models and achieving its strategic objectives without the shadow of these technical issues looming over its operations. However, it’s crucial for them to ensure similar issues don’t pop up in the future and to maintain the hard-earned trust among its customers.
Consumer Response and Feedback
The response from consumers was generally positive. Customers who faced issues with their Ford vehicles appreciated the company’s swift response and its willingness to recall and extend the warranty on the affected vehicles. This decisive action by Ford has in many ways bolstered people’s confidence in the automaker and its commitment to consumer safety.
Conclusion
In summary, the extended warranty and the recall from Ford, followed by the termination of the investigation by the NHTSA, marks the end of this chapter. It serves as a reminder to other automakers about the importance of proactive measures and customer service reputation in an ever-competitive business landscape.
Ford, as one of the leading names in the automobile industry, showed its commitment towards customer safety and satisfaction. This entire incident and its resolution underpinned the core values and integrity of the company, strengthening its strong customer base, reputation and positioning it favorably for its future prospects.