Ford Recalls Nearly 1.2 Million F-150s and Some Lincoln Mark LTs

Just the Facts:

• After pressure from U.S. safety regulators, Ford is recalling 1.19 million F-150 trucks and some Lincoln Mark LTs to fix a short-circuit that could cause airbags to deploy unexpectedly, according to NHTSA.
• The action expands a previous recall of the pickup trucks and comes after talks between Ford and federal regulators.
• To correct the defect, Ford dealers will install a new clockspring jumper wire that incorporates a protective mesh cover.

WASHINGTON — After pressure from U.S. safety regulators, Ford is recalling 1.19 million F-150 trucks and some Lincoln Mark LTs to fix a short-circuit that could cause airbags to deploy unexpectedly, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

The action expands a previous recall of the pickup trucks and comes after talks between Ford and federal regulators. The new recall includes 2004-'06 Ford F-150 trucks and 2006 Lincoln Mark LTs.

"If the clockspring jumper wire comes in contact with the driver side frontal airbag lower horn plate, the wire insulation may become chafed, creating a potential for a short circuit," said NHTSA in its recalls summary of the defect. "If this occurs, the airbag warning lamp may illuminate, indicating that service is required. The driver side frontal airbag could inadvertently deploy, increasing the risk of injury or loss of vehicle control if occurring while in motion."

In other documentation filed with the federal government, Ford said: "As the agency is aware, Ford does not believe that these inadvertent deployments present an unreasonable risk or that these vehicles contain a safety defect based on the conditions required to obtain an inadvertent deployment."

But it added that "to avoid a protracted dispute with the agency, Ford has decided to recall these vehicles because they exhibit a markedly higher potential for inadvertent deployment than vehicles manufactured at the other assembly plants producing vehicles at the same time."

The Dearborn automaker said it was expanding the recall to "reassure customers of Ford's commitment to safety," according to a letter to NHTSA signed by James P. Vondale, director of Ford's Automotive Safety Office.

Ford said the trucks were produced at the Dearborn Truck Plant, Kansas City Assembly Plant and Norfolk Assembly Plant.

Ford said the only "alleged" accident "involves an operator who chose to jump from the vehicle after the deployment had occurred."

To correct the defect, Ford dealers will install a new clockspring jumper wire that incorporates a protective mesh cover. The recall began on some vehicles in March and the expanded recall is expected to begin on May 9. Owners can contact Ford at 1-866-436-7332.

Inside Line says: If you own the aforementioned Ford trucks, be aware that a recall is in the works — Anita Lienert, Correspondent