Introduction:
Ford has issued a safety recall for nearly 2,000 units of the Transit Trail due to a potential issue with the 30.5-inch tires that can rub in certain conditions. The company has identified the problem and is working on a remedy to ensure the safety of affected owners.
**1. Recall details**
Ford’s safety recall, assigned number 24V-226 by the NHTSA, applies to 1,902 examples of the Transit Trail built between March 15, 2022, and March 6, 2024. The company estimates that only 25% of these vans are affected by the defect, which could lead to tire wear and potential accidents.
**2. The cause of the issue**
According to Ford, the front tires of the Transit Trail can contact the front wheel arch liner and body flange under certain vehicle loading, steering angle, and braking conditions due to insufficient packaging allowance. The issue was not fully accounted for during the development of the off-road-focused van.
**3. Analysis of the problem**
Through field reports, Ford discovered that the shoulder area of the front tires can rub against the wheel arch liners at 60% of full turn while braking when the van is at or near its Front Gross Axle Weight Rating (FGAWR). While there have been reports of the rubbing noise being audible in the cabin, there have been no injuries or accidents reported so far.
**4. Solution in progress**
Ford is actively working on a solution to address the tire rubbing issue in the Transit Trail. The company plans to start reaching out to owners of affected vans on April 8, 2024, to inform them of the problem and update them on the development of a remedy. However, details about the fix and its timeline have not been disclosed yet.
**5. Ensuring safety**
While the recall may cause inconvenience to owners of the affected Transit Trail vans, it demonstrates Ford’s commitment to ensuring the safety and reliability of its vehicles. By promptly addressing potential issues and implementing necessary fixes, the company aims to maintain a high standard of quality for its products and protect the well-being of its customers.