Ford has issued two recalls for its E-Transit and Transit Trail models due to potential fire risks and engine stability issues. The first recall affects the 2026 E-Transit, where missing washers on busbar connections in the battery pack can cause high electrical resistance or electrical arcing, leading to a fire risk and loss of propulsion. A total of 98 vehicles are impacted by this issue.
Ford became aware of the problem last November after a worker noticed two bolts were missing conical washers during production. The investigation revealed that the issue was caused by a supplier sorting error that failed to detect the absence of washers during production, which appears to have been a rare oversight. Ford believes that only 1 percent of the recall population is impacted, equating to one van.
Dealers will inspect and replace busbar fasteners as needed, while technicians may replace the entire busbar if necessary. The second recall affects 1,403 Transit vans from the 2023 and 2024 model years, where engine crossmembers may not have been properly secured due to a lack of washers. This can result in joint failure over time, causing the engine to shift out of position and potentially leading to brake failure or loss of drive power.
The issue was caused by the use of substitute bolts that may not have included washers on vehicles equipped with the off-road focused Trail package. Ford learned about this issue last summer after running a series of tests to validate the modifier used on Transit Trail vehicles. The automaker is taking steps to address these issues and ensure customer safety.
These recalls highlight the importance of thorough quality control measures in the automotive industry, particularly when it comes to high-voltage battery packs and engine components. It's reassuring that Ford has identified the root cause of the issue and is taking proactive steps to address it, but it's also a reminder that even with the best intentions, human error can still occur.
