Things like this happen from time to time. It's far from the end of the world. Nevertheless, stop-sale orders are still frustrating for customers anxious to get behind the wheel of a new car. Especially two very popular new arrivals. The Maverick Truck Club forum has uncovered a document sent to Ford dealers only a couple of days ago stating there's a delivery hold for a specific batch of Maverick trucks and Mustang Mach-E SUVs.
The affected models were all built at Ford's Hermosillo plant between October 6 and 20, 2021. The precise problem appears to be rear seat belt anchorages whose tapping plates were manufactured with oversized extruded bolt holes that attach to the rear seat belt buckles.
Ford is rightly concerned this defect could lead to possible injuries. The Mach-E, also built in Mexico but at a separate facility, appears to have the same problem. CarBuzz confirmed the recall with Ford.
"Yes. This action affects 2,626 vehicles in the U.S," said Dawn McKenzie, Ford Truck Communications Manager. "Ford is not aware of any accidents or injuries related to this issue. Oversized extruded bolt holes may decrease the strength of the fastener joint causing inadequate attachment of the rear seat belts during loading, and if they detach, may not adequately restrain an occupant in a crash, increasing the risk of injury."
The stop-sale notice specifically states dealers are not to deliver, let alone show, customers, any Mavericks and Mach-Es currently in stock that are included in the recall. Fortunately, things are moving fast to correct the problem. Ford also informed dealers that the required parts ordering information for the service repairs will be available beginning the week of January 3, 2022.
Dealers won't waste any time placing those orders. Assuming there are no additional hiccups, chances are the currently defective vehicles will be ready for sale once again within a couple of months. Both the Maverick and Mach-E are immensely popular and Ford doesn't want to keep customers waiting any longer than they have to.