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Ford and Lincoln power cables may arc, risking fire

NHTSA campaign 18V548000 · Reported 2018-08-20 · Ford Motor Company

critical How serious is it? About this label

Serious, because of the fire risk; the notice does not tell owners to stop driving or park outside, but have the inspection done right away.

What's wrong, in plain English

The heavy electrical cables that run to the starter motor and to the alternator may not have been fastened down properly when your vehicle was built. A cable that is not secured can arc, meaning electricity jumps across a gap and makes intense heat. That arcing can start a fire. A dealer will look at both cables, check that they are tight and secured, and correct them if they are not, at no cost to you.

What you should do

1. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm your vehicle is covered.
2. Call your Ford or Lincoln dealer, or Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332, and reference recall 18S25.
3. Have the starter and alternator cables inspected and secured — the work is free.

Affected vehicles (4)

2018 Ford Edge
2018 Lincoln MKX
2019 Ford Flex
2019 Lincoln MKT

Who to contact

Ford — official Ford recall lookup

Customer service: 1-866-436-7332

Lincoln — official Lincoln recall lookup

Customer service: 1-866-436-7332

Any franchised dealer for the brand can do the repair. Phone numbers are taken from manufacturer sites and recent NHTSA notices; if one has changed, the number in your own recall letter is the one to use.

The bigger picture

Why do Ford hybrid batteries and power cables keep getting recalled? · all 39 Ford recalls in this area
Lincoln electrical recalls: hybrid battery fires, blank screens, trailer brakes · all 17 Lincoln recalls in this area

Official notice

Component: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:ALTERNATOR/GENERATOR/REGULATOR
Summary: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018 Ford Edge, Lincoln MKX, 2019 Ford Flex, and Lincoln MKT vehicles. The power supply cables at the starter and the alternator may not have been properly secured, possibly resulting in an electrical arc.
Safety risk: An electrical arc can increase the risk of a fire.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the alternator and starter motor power supply cables to verify that they are properly secured, correcting them as necessary, free of charge. The recall began September 26, 2018. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 18S25.

Verify your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov. Recall repairs are free of charge by law.