Ford Recalls 8026 New Shelby Mustangs Over Engine Fire Risk
Shelby Mustang Recall Details
The affected models are fitted with the unique 5.2L flat plane V8 engine which delivers 526 horsepower. Most important, the new Shelby Mustang features an engine protection system which helps keep this high performance machine run cool. Part of that system is the engine oil cooler which is where the problem lies. The cooler lines that run to the auxiliary oil cooler can start to leak.
Ford stated that the engine oil cooler hoses may have "insufficient crimps" on the ends where they attach to the engine oil cooler of the Shelby GT350 Mustang. Engine oil could leak out around the edges. Over time, the engine oil level will drop dangerously low which could cause damage to the engine or ultimatly an engine failure all together. If the engine oil leak is severe enough while under extreme driving condition, there could be a chance that the oil catches fire in the engine bay.
Of course the risk is much higher while the Shelby GT350 is being raced. Under these conditions all of the fluids will be hottest and along with higer oil pressure. Sudden oil leaks could lead to a monsterous fire! Ford hasn't received any reports of an engine bay fire in any of the 2015-2017 Shelby GT350 or GT350R Mustangs. They're simply playing the safe side here and recalling the affected vehicles to replace those troublesome engine oil cooler lines.
Affected Vehicles Recalled
The recall affects the 2015, 2016 and 2017 Ford Shelby GT350 Mustang and the Ford Shelby GT350R Mustang models. These were built between February 24th 2015 and August 30th 2016.Of the 8,026 Mustangs affected by the recall 6,523 are in the United States, 957 in Canada, 346 in Mexico and 59 are outside of North America.
Recall notices specifiy that “certain” Shelby Mustangs are affected, so this recall might not reach every GT350 and GT350R from those model years, so if you own a new Mustang with the flat plane V8 and you are concerned about your engine oil cooler – check with your local Ford dealership for more information or visit Ford's Recall Website here. Once you provide your vehicle VIN they'll will be able to tell you whether or not that specific Mustang is included in this recall or not.
