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American vehicle manufacturer Ford has ordered the recall of some of its vehicles because of a potential hazard.
The company announced in September that it would recall two million units of its F-150 Regular Cab and SuperCrew Cab models in the United States and Canada. Seventeen smoke- or fire-related reports concerning vehicles in the United States and six concerning those in Canada necessitated the recall.
Prior to the announcement, the company conducted an investigation in August. Findings showed that there were defects in some parts of the models’ driver and front passenger seat belts. The seat belts could produce sparks when used, resulting in fire inside the vehicles.
Once Ford recalls the problematic vehicles, the company’s dealers will repair the defective seat belt parts and attach heat-resistant tape to the vehicles’ carpets. The repairs will be applied at no extra cost.
Overall, the recall will cost the company around $140 million. It is also expected to put a dent in the company’s sales as the recalled vehicles are some of Ford’s bestsellers.
Previously, Ford has also recalled vehicles over safety concerns. In 2017, the company asked for the return of around 230,000 units of the Escape, Fiesta ST, Fusion, and Transit Connect models in North America. These models ran the risk of engine-related problems like overheating.
In the same year, around 211,000 units of the Fiesta, Fusion, and Lincoln MKZ models were also recalled. The vehicles had faulty door latches that could cause passenger injury.
The 2017 recalls caused the company to lose around $295 million.