For the second time in less than a week a Ford assembly plant has been shut down over electrical issues. Late last week it was production at the F-150 Lightning plant in Dearborn, Michigan that was stopped. The production halt today is for the Ford Louisville Assembly Plant, where the Escape SUV crossover is made. But there is also an unusual recall for Bronco, F-150, Mustangs, and more we’ll get into in a bit. 

How long will the Ford plant be closed?

Ford’s Louisville plant wil stay closed all this week, through February 19, according to WDRB News. “We’re on a day-by-day basis right now and I know that’s frustrating,” building chairman Brandon Reisinger said. “The issue we’ve got, the cluster, is a software issue. It’s not a hardware issue. If it were to get out, it would not be something that would endanger anybody … but it would have the vehicles coming back to the dealership.”

As we reported earlier, this follows the F-150 Lightning plant stoppage over “potential battery issues.” The problem was discovered in a pre-delivery quality inspection. But Ford still is not saying what the specific issue is. 

Which models are involved in today’s recall?

Lightnings that made it to dealers have a no-stop order meaning they can’t be sold until the issue is resolved. As of now there is no word from Ford when the plant will restart production. 

Today Ford also issued a recall for certain 2022 and 2023 F-150s, Broncos, Explorers, Lincoln Aviators, and Mustangs involving problems found with their 10-speed transmissions. What’s unusual is that it is not for component failures or associated problems. 

The issue is with a loose bolt or bolts within the transmission at assembly. About 1,000 vehicles are affected. The bolts can prevent the transmissions from going into Park. Even if it is indicated to be in park, it may actually not be. 

Ford has a lot of recalls

Of the 966 potentially affected vehicles, 600 have not been sold, according to a Ford spokesperson. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration will announce the recall on February 16, tomorrow. 

As you may be aware, Ford is becoming the poster boy for recalls. In 2022 alone there were 66 recalls for over 8.6 million vehicles. The year before, there were 53 recalls affecting 5.4 million cars and trucks. 

Ford CEO Jim Farley has not been shy about the issue. In fact, he told Wall Street that its disappointing amount of 2022 recalls were a major drain on the company. He said the automaker has spend billions of dollars to take care of the recalls through warranties. Another concern is that since these quality issues have happened over time, that it won’t be fixed in months but maybe years, according to the Detroit Free Press.

If you have questions about your Ford product over this latest news, you can go to the Ford Recall Center website. You’ll need to put in your VIN number, and it will give you further instructions should your vehicle be part of these issues.