US regulatory agency, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) said yesterday (20 October) that it is upgrading an investigation into the 2011−12 model-year Ford F-150 pick-up, reports the Detroit News. The investigation covers 252,910 vehicles suspected of braking problems linked to at least seven crashes and one injury, the report says. The investigation is looking into claims related to failures of the electric brake vacuum assist pump with the 3.5-litre V6 EcoBoost engine. The Detroit News reports that the NHTSA said the pump failure leads to "increased brake pedal effort at cold start and extended stopping distance while driving in traffic". Ford has reportedly turned over records related to 1,851 warranty claims that cover either a hard brake pedal condition or reduced effectiveness and 4,600 others for the part. The NHTSA reportedly says it has reports of 432 complaints and 6,476 warranty claims related to the failures. Ford says the F-150s under investigation use a traditional brake vacuum booster to provide power assist for braking; the pump is intended to maintain consistent brake pedal feel and the engine intake manifold is the primary source of vacuum for the booster and meets safety standards without the electric pump, the report says. Ford reportedly told the NHTSA that it does not believe a recall is necessary, as conditions related to a change in brake pedal feel are "limited and temporary" and that the failure of the electric pump due to rust is progressive and gives warning with noise and vibration before there is a change in brake pedal feel.
Significance: The NHTSA opened its initial probe into the situation in June. Depending on the results of the upgraded investigation, Ford may be asked to recall the vehicles. It is not clear which direction the final conclusion will go, but Ford has said that it will continue to co-operate with the regulatory agency.
