Ford Motors is recalling a group of 2020 Ford Expeditions and Lincoln Navigators because their Pre-Collision Assist features may be non-functional due to a software error. The driver might not receive any warning that the safety features aren’t working, and that could easily mean crashes.
The Pre-Collision Assist features include:
- Forward collision warning (FCW)
- Automatic emergency braking (AEB)
Only those models with the standard, camera-only Pre-Collision Assist features are affected. There is also an upgrade that has an optional radar in addition to the camera, but upgraded models are not affected.
By far, the vast majority of the vehicles recalled are Ford Expeditions. Only 187 of 25,081 SUVs being recalled were Lincoln Navigators, but that should not give Navigator owners a false sense of security.
According to Consumer Reports, the issue is a software error that was discovered in a shuttered plant. Once the plants reopen, all new vehicles will have updated software. However, existing vehicles will need to get a software update at the dealership.
Which vehicles are covered by the recall?
Again, the recall covers vehicles with the standard, camera-only, Pre-Collision Assist features. The recalled vehicles include:
- Certain 2020 Ford Expeditions manufactured between April 16, 2019 and March 20, 2020
- Certain 2020 Lincoln Navigators manufactured between July 19, 2019 and March 19, 2020
If your car meets those criteria, you should check on the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s (NHTSA) recall website and enter your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) into the search field. This will pull up any active recalls affecting your vehicle.
The VIN is a 17-digit number that is available from several places on your vehicle. One is just at the base of the windshield on the driver’s side. Another is just inside the driver’s door.
Check NHTSA’s recall website on a regular basis to make sure you are aware of any active recalls that affect your vehicle.
NHTSA’s recall campaign number is 20V-262. Ford’s reference number for the recall is 20S20. You can contact Ford’s customer service line at 866-436-7332.
Stop driving any affected vehicles until fixed
Whenever a recall could affect your safety, we recommend you stop driving the vehicle immediately. It does not appear that any accidents or injuries have been reported in connection with this recall. However, if you or a loved one has been in a crash where you expected the Pre-Collision Assist features to work, you may have legal rights. Contact an attorney who handles product liability law.
