Ford Motor Company has issued a recall on over 35,000 Lincoln Navigator cars for a possible fire risk due to defective LED lights in the outside mirrors. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) posted a notice saying that the LED logo lights in some models have a possibility of short-circuiting, creating a serious safety threat. The recall covers Lincoln Navigator cars made from January 17, 2014, to June 30, 2017.
The Reason for the Defect
The defect is caused by a problem with the LED logo lamps that were fitted in the outside mirrors of the concerned vehicles. The NHTSA states that the potting material applied to seal the LED lights did not adhere well to the wire terminals, leaving tiny gaps or cracks. Water or other conductive liquids enter the circuit board of the LED lamp through these gaps. With time, this can result in corrosion, elevating the risk of short circuits and even leading to a fire.
The short detection parameters for the LED lights were also not modified from the older incandescent lamp models, which exposed them to electrical faults. The inability to change the safety detection system for these new LED components has augmented the risk to car owners.
Reports and Investigations
Complaints regarding this matter were initially reported in September 2023, when Transport Canada informed the NHTSA of a fire that occurred on the exterior mirror assembly of a 2017 Lincoln Navigator. Thereafter, extensive safety testing took place between October and November, where it was found that fluid exposure increased the risk of fires substantially. In December, additional corrosion tests were carried out that validated the occurrence of cracks within the potting material, strengthening the sense of urgency behind the recall. Ford formally informed the NHTSA about the problem on February 14, 2025.
Models Affected
The recall is for Lincoln Navigator vehicles manufactured between the years 2015 and 2017. The owners of the vehicle are requested to determine whether their car is covered in the recall by visiting the website of NHTSA or contacting Ford customer service.
Ford’s Response and Recall Process
As a response to the issue, Ford instructed dealerships to uninstall the wires of the LED logo lights from models that were impacted at no additional cost to the customers. The temporary solution resolves the fire hazard while safeguarding customers against incurring the expense of the repair.
Vehicle owners may also call the customer service phone number of Ford at 866-436-7332 and ask for recall number 25S08 for further information.
Possible Hazards to Vehicle Owners
There are no reported accidents or injuries as of yet, but the danger posed by this flaw is also severe. A short circuit in the LED light assembly can cause a fire, endangering drivers, passengers, and other road users. The authorities compel the owners of the affected vehicles to act forthwith and have their vehicles checked and repaired. The authorities seriously compel the owners of the affected vehicles to act quickly and have their vehicles checked and repaired.
Ford’s recall of 35,000 Lincoln Navigator cars also emphasizes the utmost significance of car safety and self-initiated defect control. Although the problem was first realized months prior, rigorous testing validated the potential risks, prompting this massive recall. Thankfully, Ford has accepted responsibility for the issue and is providing a complimentary repair to avoid any subsequent risks.
If you have a Lincoln Navigator from the impacted model years, it is critical to move fast by calling Ford or your local dealer. Having your vehicle repaired as quickly as possible will not only safeguard your safety but also that of others on the road.
