 opened an investigation into 360,000 F-150s (model years 2011 – 2013) for issues with reduced engine power during hard acceleration. No recall had been issued at the time. The near 360,000 F-150s brought into question were powered by 3.5-liter twin-turbocharged engines. Tests revealed that […] "'Pin It")
NHTSA Closes Investigation into 360,000 F-150s
NHTSA closes investigation into 360,000 F-150s from model years 2011 – 2013.
In May of 2013, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) opened an investigation into 360,000 F-150s (model years 2011 – 2013) for issues with reduced engine power during hard acceleration. No recall had been issued at the time.
The near 360,000 F-150s brought into question were powered by 3.5-liter twin-turbocharged engines. Tests revealed that the loss of engine power during acceleration was caused by condensation in the charge air cooler (CAC). Reportedly, water could be pulled into the engine, and the cylinders could then possibly misfire.
In total, the government safety administration received 525 complaints about the issue, and Ford received 3,731. It was determined, however, that most of the complaints were caused by an array of unrelated issues, “including faults with ignition coils, spark plugs, a catalytic converter, the throttle body, turbocharger, fuel pump/filter, powertrain control module (hardware or software) or transmission shifting problems. Ford also noted that in a large number of warranty claims on the subject vehicles, the CAC was replaced or a TSB procedure was performed when the symptoms exhibited were inconsistent with a CAC water ingestion related issue.”
Ford issued service bulletins to its dealerships about the issue, which the NHTSA says has satisfied the problem. Thus, no recall will be issued.
No crashes or injuries have been reported as part of the problem, but the NHTSA will continue to monitor complaints and take action if it proves necessary.
Timothy Moore takes his leadership inspiration from Michael Scott, his writing inspiration from Mark Twain, and his dancing inspiration from every drunk white guy at a wedding. When Tim is not writing about cars and money, he’s working on his novel or reading someone else’s, geeking out over strategy board games, hiking with his pooch, or channeling his inner Linda Belcher over beers with his friends. See more articles by Timothy.