Ford Issues Safety Recall for Turbocharger Oil Leak Risk in Select 2016-2017 Models
Recall Summary: Ford Motor Company has issued a safety recall affecting approximately 1,200 vehicles across multiple models due to potentially defective turbocharger oil supply tubes that may leak engine oil, creating a fire hazard.
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Affected Vehicle Models and Production Dates
The recall impacts the following Ford and Lincoln vehicles equipped with 3.5-liter gasoline turbocharged direct injection engines:
- 2016 Ford Taurus: Manufactured between October 18 and November 2, 2016 at the Chicago Assembly Plant
- 2016-2017 Ford Flex: Manufactured between October 18 and November 10, 2016 at the Oakville Assembly Plant (Canada)
- 2017 Ford Explorer: Manufactured between October 15 and November 12, 2016 at the Chicago Assembly Plant
- 2017 Ford Police Interceptor: Manufactured on November 2, 2016 at the Chicago Assembly Plant
- 2016-2017 Lincoln MKT: Manufactured between October 18 and November 10, 2016 at the Oakville Assembly Plant
Understanding the Safety Risk
The recall addresses improperly brazed turbocharger oil supply tubes that may develop leaks. When this occurs:
- Engine oil can seep onto the turbocharger and surrounding components
- The leaked oil may come into contact with hot engine surfaces
- In the presence of an ignition source, this creates an increased fire risk
Ford has stated they are not currently aware of any fires, accidents, or injuries related to this specific issue. However, the potential severity of the risk prompted the voluntary recall.
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Ford's Recommended Solution
Authorized Ford dealerships will perform the following repairs at no cost to vehicle owners:
- Thorough inspection of both right-hand and left-hand turbocharger oil supply tubes
- Replacement of any defective tubes with properly manufactured components
- Complete system verification to ensure proper oil flow and sealing
The repair process typically takes 2-3 hours, though owners should schedule service in advance to ensure parts availability.
What Affected Owners Should Do
Immediate Action Steps
- Check your VIN: Visit MotorVero's recall lookup tool to confirm if your specific vehicle is included
- Monitor for warning signs: Be alert for oil smell, smoke, or unexpected oil level drops
- Schedule service: Contact your local Ford dealer once notification letters are mailed
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While Ford has not yet announced their official owner notification schedule, concerned owners can:
- Contact Ford Customer Service at 866-436-7332
- Reference recall number 23S27 (subject to change)
- Visit the official Ford recall website for updates
Finding Authorized Repair Services
To locate a certified Ford service center near you:
- Use MotorVero's dealer locator tool
- Filter for dealerships with recall repair certification
- Schedule appointments online for convenience
All recall-related repairs will be performed free of charge at authorized Ford dealerships.
Additional Technical Details
The recall specifically involves the turbocharger oil supply tubes where:
- The brazing process during manufacturing may have been incomplete
- This can lead to microscopic cracks developing over time
- Under normal engine operation, these cracks may propagate, leading to oil seepage
Ford's quality control systems identified the issue through warranty claim analysis before any field incidents were reported.
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Preventative Measures While Awaiting Repair
Until the recall repair can be performed, owners should:
- Regularly check engine oil levels (at least weekly)
- Be alert for the smell of burning oil
- Monitor for any smoke from the engine compartment
- Park outdoors when possible as a precaution
If any oil leaks are observed, owners should immediately contact their Ford dealer and avoid driving the vehicle if possible.
Understanding Your Rights
Under U.S. federal law:
- All safety recall repairs must be offered free of charge
- The recall remains active regardless of vehicle age or mileage
- Subsequent owners are also covered - no original purchase required
Most states require recall completion before vehicle resale, though requirements vary.
Related Recalls and Service Bulletins
Owners of affected vehicles should also be aware of:
- Previous recall on similar models for transmission issues
- Technical service bulletin regarding turbocharger cooling
- Software updates for engine control modules
These unrelated service actions may be addressed during the same dealership visit.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How long will the repair take?
Most vehicles can be serviced within one business day, though parts availability may vary by location.
Is my vehicle safe to drive?
Ford has not issued a "do not drive" warning, but recommends prompt service scheduling.
What if I already paid for this repair?
You may be eligible for reimbursement - contact Ford Customer Service with receipts.
Stay Informed About Vehicle Recalls
To proactively monitor for future recalls:
- Register your vehicle with Ford's owner portal
- Subscribe to MotorVero's recall alert system
- Regularly check the NHTSA recall database
Early awareness of safety issues helps protect you and your passengers.
