The Economy

Ford Recalls 281,000 F-150 Pickups

Feb. 3, 2011

Automaker will repair door handle on certain 2009 and 2010 models.

Ford Motor Co. is recalling 280,946 F-150 pickups to correct a potential issue with the interior door handle.

The housing embossment retaining the interior door-handle spring could fracture during normal operation, which could prevent the handle from returning to the fully stowed position, the automaker reported to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA).

"In the event of a side-impact crash, the door-handle spring can fail, causing the door latch to open," according to recall information on NHTSA's website.

The recall affects certain model-year 2009 and 2010 F-150 pickups.

Ford will instruct affected owners to take their pickup to a Ford or Lincoln/Mercury dealer if any interior door handle is loose or fails to return to the stowed position after activation, according to the NHTSA.

"Once parts become available, owners will be re-notified and instructed to take their vehicles to a Ford or Lincoln/Mercury dealer for inspection of each interior door handle," according to NHTSA's website. "Depending on the results of the inspection, the dealer will either add a spring embossment reinforcement or replace the interior door handle module free of charge."

The safety recall is expected to begin on or about Feb 14.

About the Author

Josh Cable | Former Senior Editor

Former Senior Editor Josh Cable covered innovation issues -- including trends and best practices in R&D, process improvement and product development. He also reported on the best practices of the most successful companies and executives in the world of transportation manufacturing, which encompasses the aerospace, automotive, rail and shipbuilding sectors.

Josh also led the IndustryWeek Manufacturing Hall of Fame, IW’s annual tribute to the most influential executives and thought leaders in U.S. manufacturing history.

Before joining IndustryWeek, Josh was the editor-in-chief of Penton Media’s Government Product News and Government Procurement. He also was an award-winning beat reporter for several small newspapers in Northeast Ohio.

Josh received his BFA in creative writing from Bowling Green University, and continued his professional development through course-work at Ohio University and Cuyahoga Community College.

A lifelong resident of the Buckeye State, Josh currently lives in the Tremont neighborhood of Cleveland. When the weather cooperates, you’ll find him riding his bike to work, exercising his green thumb in the backyard or playing ultimate Frisbee.