Ford Motor Co. is recalling 140,201 Ranger pickup trucks in the U.S. due to damaged wires that can create an electrical short and cause a fire, increasing the risk of injury or a crash.
"The sun visor or headliner wiring harnesses may be improperly positioned or have excessive tape thickness, which can result in damaged wires," the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) said on Wednesday.
The recall covers Ranger vehicles from the 2015, 2016, and 2017 model years with a 6-speed transmission. The issue is a loss of signal between the transmission range sensor and the powertrain control module (PCM), which can cause the transmission to unexpectedly downshift into second gear. An unexpected downshift can cause a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Dealers will inspect the wiring for damage and update the body control module software, NHTSA said. Damaged wiring harnesses will be replaced as necessary. The recall is identified by NHTSA campaign number 26V237000 and Ford's recall number 26S28.
This recall adds to a series of recent recalls for Ford. The company also recently recalled 1.4 million F-150 pickups for an unexpected downshift issue. The financial impact of these recalls on Ford's earnings has not been disclosed.
The recall is a negative development for Ford and could impact investor confidence. The company's stock (F) may see a short-term decline as the market digests the news. Investors will be watching for the company's next earnings report for any commentary on the financial impact of the recalls.
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice.