Recalls

Lincoln MKC recalled because start button located too close to touchscreen [UPDATE]

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UPDATE: Ford spokesperson Kelli Felker responded to our questions and let us know that the fix for the push-button start on the 2015 MKC has the switch moved to the top of the of the column of gear shift buttons instead of the bottom. Owners should be notified about both campaigns "toward the end of February."

After massive campaigns from General Motors and to fix Takata airbag inflators, 2014 will undoubtedly go down as The Year Of The Recall. And with little time to spare, Ford is getting in just under the wire to adding two more to its yearly total.

The larger of the campaigns is actually one of the most bizarre campaigns we've heard of all year. Lincoln is recalling 13,574 units of its 2015 MKC compact crossover in North America to move the location of the push-button ignition switch on the dashboard. According to the automaker's announcement: "Due to the switch's close proximity to other controls, occupants are inadvertently shutting off the engine while driving." The button is located near the bottom of the touchscreen, which can apparently make it possible to hit by mistake.

Back when Autoblog first drove the new MKC in June, we came away very impressed, but noted: "... we're still not completely sold on the aforementioned pushbutton transmission selector ... it still seems somewhat gimmicky and it can't be operated by feel alone, as you might when shifting a traditional console-mounted lever from Park to Drive."

According to Lincoln, there have been no reported accidents or injuries stemming from this button misapplication. Of the affected vehicles, there are 11,144 in the US, 2,033 in Canada and 397 in Mexico.

To fix the problem, dealers are moving the button to a different location and reprogramming the powertrain control module. According to Automotive News, models built since September already have a different layout. The change was reportedly done to match the rest of the Lincoln lineup.

The second recall covers 12,205 units of the 2014 Ford Escape (2015 model year pictured below) and 2015 Lincoln MKC in North America because of a problem with nickel plating on the fuel pump. The issue can cause the pump to seize, which can cause the crossovers not to start or stall while driving. The automaker is not aware of any accidents or injuries related to this fault. Dealers are replacing the fuel deliver module to fix the situation. Of the affected vehicles, there are 9,038 in the US, 3,074 in Canada and 93 in Mexico. This is the 13th time the Escape has been recalled since its redesign two years ago.

Read below for Ford's official announcement of the campaigns.
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FORD ISSUES TWO SAFETY RECALLS IN NORTH AMERICA
DEC 31, 2014 | DEARBORN, MICH.

Ford is issuing two safety recalls in North America. No accidents or injuries are attributed to either of these conditions. Details are as follows:

Ford issues safety recall for certain 2014 Ford Escape and 2015 Lincoln MKC vehicles in North America for fuel pump issue

Ford is issuing a safety recall for approximately 12,200 2014 Ford Escape and 2015 Lincoln MKC vehicles in North America (actual 12,205) for an issue with the nickel plating on the fuel pump, which may cause the pump to seize. If the fuel pump seizes, a vehicle may not start or may stall while driving. An engine stall without warning while driving increases the risk of a crash.

Ford is not aware of any accidents or injuries related to this condition.

Affected vehicles include certain 2014 Ford Escapes built April 15, 2014 to May 8, 2014 at Louisville Assembly Plant and certain 2015 Lincoln MKC vehicles built April 21, 2014 to May 15, 2014 at Louisville Assembly Plant.

There are 9,038 vehicles in the United States and federalized territories, 3,074 in Canada and 93 in Mexico.

Dealers will replace the fuel delivery module at no cost to the customer.

Ford issues safety recall for certain 2015 Lincoln MKC vehicles in North America for push-button keyless ignition switch location issue

Ford is issuing a safety recall for approximately 13,500 2015 Lincoln MKC vehicles in North America (actual 13,574) to move the push-button keyless ignition switch location. Due to the switch's close proximity to other controls, occupants are inadvertently shutting off the engine while driving. If the push-to-start button is inadvertently actuated while driving, the restraint system may not perform as intended in a crash, increasing the risk of injuries.

Ford is not aware of any accidents or injuries related to this condition.

Affected vehicles include certain 2015 Lincoln MKC vehicles built Aug. 20, 2013 to Sept. 9, 2014 at Louisville Assembly Plant. There are approximately 13,500 vehicles in North America, including 11,144 in the United States and federalized territories, 2,033 in Canada and 397 in Mexico.

Dealers will replace the gearshift module with one that has the push-to-start button in a different location and reprogram the powertrain control module.

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