Recall Alert: The 2021 Ford F-150 Has Failing Brake Boosters

by Gabrielle DeSantis

Oh goodness, not again! There is another Ford F-150 recall. This 2021 Ford F-150 recall takes place after nearly one million Ford models were recalled last week. This makes the fourth recall in recent days, and it’s due to defective electronic brake boosters. 

2021 Ford F-150 recall for defective brake boosters 

2021 Ford F-150 XLT | Ford

The latest 2021 Ford F-150 recall bucks the modern trend of waiting for a massive amount of vehicles to experience the problem before issuing a recall. The new recall for F-150 models only affects about 50 units. 

This recall comes shortly after Ford issued three other recalls covering 850,000 vehicles for multiple problems in the front and rear. Also, Ford is currently unaware of any injuries related to this issue. 

Basically, this recall is caused by defective electronic brake boosters. There is an incomplete cinch between the sensor and brake booster housing. As a result, brake fluid may leak through a pressure sensor and into the booster control unit. 

Drivers at risk may notice that it becomes harder to press the brakes, and the pedal could experience extended travel. Also, there could be a reduction in braking, making it harder to stop. This increases the risk for injuries and accidents. Drivers may be made aware of this issue if they see the ABS ESC, and Brake lamp indicators illuminated in the digital cluster display. 

What to do if your Ford F-150 is at risk 

If your 2021 Ford F-150 model is affected by this recall, then Ford will contact you. Ford will begin contacting owners around July 26. You can also visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHSTA) site here. Enter your 17-digit Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) to see if your truck is at risk. 

You can also call the Ford Customer Service hotline at 866-436-7332 or call the NHSTA Vehicle Safety Hotline at 888-327-4236 for more information. The federal safety agency can be contacted through its website at www.safercar.gov. 

Dealers will replace the defective electronic brake booster assembly for free. You don’t have to return to the same place where you purchased your truck. A local Ford dealership will provide the required maintenance. Remember, it’s always best to call ahead of time to schedule a service appointment. This can reduce the amount of time spent waiting. 

Is this Ford’s fault? 

The 2021 Ford F-150 driving on the road by trees
2021 Ford F-150 | Ford

This 2021 Ford F-150 recall is caused by the supplier. Ford is not responsible for the bad boosters. But Ford built the trucks with this problem at the Dearborn Truck Plant in Michigan between December 11, 2020, and January 31, 2021. Also, the Ford reference number for this recall is 21S33. 

The other recent recalls include 774,696 Ford Explorer models built between 2013 to 2018. Due to a front ball joint issue, the vehicles could have a seized cross-axis ball joint. As a result, it could fracture the rear suspension tow link. 

Ford also recalled Super Duty trucks, including the F-350, F-450, and F-600, equipped with dual rear axles or dualies. The hub extenders were not properly tightened by the supplier and could cause the front tire and wheel assembly to detach from the front axle. 

Last but not least, 2020 – 2021 Lincoln Aviator models equipped with the 3.0-liter gas engines may have an improperly secured battery cable wire harness. This could cause the cables to contact the air conditioner cable pulley and rub the wires heiress insulation. This could cause a short circuit or spark a fire. 

RELATED: The Chevy Silverado Finally Stomped the Ford F-150

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Is the 2021 Ford Bronco First Edition Worth an Extra $94k Because It Is Popular?

by Gabrielle DeSantis

The Ford Bronco is a highly desired vehicle this year. In fact, one buyer listed the 2021 Ford Bronco First Edition on eBay, trying to take advantage of its popularity. While the 2021 Ford Bronco starts at $28,500 for the base model, buyers have been listing these vehicles for double the price on eBay. Would you buy one?

How many 2021 Ford Bronco First Editions will be made?

2021 Ford Bronco First Edition | Ford

Ford had limited the production of the 2021 Ford Bronco First Edition to only 7,000 vehicles. With the Bronco being as popular as it is, that ensures a mad dash for these vehicles. Like most vehicles on the planet right now, the prices are skyrocketing due to demand and low supply. The 2021 Ford Bronco First Edition is no exception.

Ford has not escaped the semiconductor chip shortage, which resulted in canceled and delayed orders. While buyers who ordered a Bronco ahead of time are better, these orders have still experienced delays and sometimes cancelations. While the rest of the market catches up, there is still room for extreme price situations across the automotive market.

According to GoodCarBadCar, the Bronco sold 5,120 in 2020 and 60,514 units in 2021. For comparison’s sake, the Toyota Highlander sold 212,276 units in 2020 and 144,380 units so far in 2021. The Jeep Wrangler sold 201,310 units in 2020 and 118,666 units in 2021.

The 2021 Ford Bronco First Edition on eBay has quite a markup

According to Motor1, one buyer in Long Island, New York, one buyer claims to have been one of the first deliveries of the First Edition. It is a four-door in Area 51 color. The VIN is #409, which means this was a reasonably early production vehicle. Of course, he put it on eBay immediately. On the Ford website, the 2021 Ford Bronco First Edition is listed at $56,915.

This Bronco is listed at $150,000.00 and has no bids for some reason. It has 200 miles and a bank lien on it. That means whoever buys the Bronco has to pay $150,000.00 cash. The SUV comes with the Mid Package, High Package, Lux Package, and Sasquatch Package.

It offers upgraded tires, four-wheel-drive, and G.O.A.T. (Goes Over Any Type of Terrain) modes. Leather seats, a 12-inch touch screen, heated steering wheel, and black hardtop roof are also included.

Taking advantage of supply and demand

This seller isn’t alone. There are quite a few 2021 Ford Broncos listed on eBay for way above MSRP. The 2021 Ford Bronco Badlands Edition has an MSRP of $42,095, but one buyer has it listed at $84,000 buy it now. As of publication, the Badlands edition has 14 bids and is up to $67,100. Another 2021 Ford Bronco First Edition is listed at $102,999 buy it now. Some other options sit around $75,000

But buyers aren’t the only ones. Dealerships that have been able to get ahold of popular vehicles have also been marking up the price of cars. Millennium Toyota in Long Island had a variety of 2021 Toyota 4Runners available on the website. A few of the vehicles listed say “Call for Price.” One 2021 Toyota 4Runner TRD Pro had an initial cost of $52,753. Due to “limited availability,” the dealership added $23,000 to the price. This makes the 4Runner price $75,753.

Another 2021 Toyota 4Runner TRD Pro in the Lunar Rock color had an MSRP of $52,569. The note on the window sticker has “+$30,000” due to limited availability. That brings the price up to $82,569. On the paper, it notes that these prices are the “dealer’s asking price (not the manufacturer’s suggested retail price).”

While someone out there might want the 2021 Ford Bronco First Edition badly enough to pay $150,000 for it, it will be interesting to see how this pans out. The hype will eventually die down, and some buyers are going to end up with the most expensive Bronco on the market for no reason.

RELATED: The 2021 Ford Bronco VIN #1 Sells for a Surprising Price

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The 2021 Ram 1500 Is “Kinder, Gentler” Than the 2021 Toyota Tundra

by Gabrielle DeSantis

The 2021 Ram 1500 is the highest rated pickup truck in its class, and with good reason. It combines a solid road test score with a positive owner satisfaction rating, though it’s predicted reliability is a little low. In fact, Consumer Reports calls it, “a kinder, gentler pickup truck in this crowded field.” Let’s look at why Consumer Reports favors the 2021 Ram 1500 over the 2021 Toyota Tundra. 

2021 Ram 1500 | Ram

The Ram’s road test score blows away the Tundra’s

The Ram 1500 scores a much higher 83 in Consumer Reports’ road test. The Tundra only gets a 59 in this. So what does the road test include? Consumer Reports conducts tests such as emergency handling, braking, and comfort on cars they’ve independently purchased. 

Consumer Reports gives the 2021 Ram 1500 scores a 4/5 for its acceleration. It can reach 0 to 60 in 7.1 seconds. Its transmission scores a 5/5. Routine and emergency handling receive a mediocre 3/55. The Ram 1500’s max avoidance speed is 48 mph.

The 2021 Toyota Tundra also scores a 4/5 for its acceleration. It can reach 0 to 60 in 6.7 seconds. Its transmission scores a 5/5. Routine handling receives a mediocre 3/5, while emergency handling only gets a 2/5. The Toyota Tundra’s max avoidance speed is 44 mph.

The Tundra comes standard with more safety equipment

The 2021 Toyota Tundra comes standard with nearly all of the Consumer Reports recommended advanced safety features. The exceptions are blind-spot warning, rear cross traffic warning, and daytime running lights, which are optional. Unfortunately, lane-keeping assist isn’t available. 

On the other hand, the Ram only comes with a minimal amount of safety features. Only a rear view camera, anti-lock brakes, traction control, stability control, and daytime running lights are standard. 

If you want additional safety equipment, you’ll have to pay. Forward collision warning, pedestrian detection, lane departure warning, as well as lane keeping assist are all optional. Blind spot warning, automatic emergency braking and rear cross-traffic warning are also optional. 

The Tundra’s reliability is twice as high

To determine the reliability of a vehicle, Consumer Reports sends out surveys to people who have bought previous versions of the vehicle. They then combine this survey data with what they know about the current model.

Consumer Reports gives the 2021 Ram 1500 only a 2/5 for its predicted reliability. Major problem areas in the 2019 include the power equipment and in-car electronics. The worst rating for the 2020 1500’s reliability is for the climate system.

The 2021 Toyota Tundra reliability rating is twice as high, at a 4. Reliability for the 2019 and 2020 Toyota Tundras is pretty good. The only score in the 2020 to be mediocre is paint and trim. In the 2019, the only problem area is body integrity.

Overall, the 2021 Ram 1500 is a better truck. Even when taking the reliability ratings into account, the Ram 1500’s ratings are better overall. If you’re shopping for a new pickup truck, the 2021 Ram 1500 is definitely the way to go.

RELATED: Made In America: the Top 10 Most American Cars

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Hear Us Out: It’s Actually a Good Thing That the Tesla Cybertruck Looks Ugly

by Gabrielle DeSantis

Many people have been vocal about their thoughts on both Elon Musk and the Tesla Cybertruck. Both are controversial, but some of those controversies can help spark creativity. The Tesla Cybertruck might look ugly to some people, but that might actually be a good thing.

The Tesla Cybertruck and its controversial reception

The Tesla Cybertruck debut | FREDERIC J. BROWN/AFP via Getty Images

Tesla launched the Cybertruck at the end of 2019. Since then, the electric truck has been the subject of strong feelings because of its unusual style. People suggested it looked like a kid’s drawing, a doorstop, something from an old video game, or a vehicle from the movie Total Recall.

The EV truck has a huge range of 500 miles. The tri-motor version of the Cybertruck can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in just 2.9 seconds. The tri-motor Cybertruck can also tow up to 14,000 pounds, says Kelley Blue Book. Additionally, all versions of the Cybertruck have a bed payload capacity of up to 3,500 pounds. The truck will have a stainless steel body, a 6.5-foot bed, and a 17-inch touchscreen.

The Tesla Cybertruck has a starting price of $39,900 for the single-motor, rear-wheel-drive version. The dual-motor, all-wheel drive version starts at $49,900. The tri-motor, all-wheel drive version starts at $69,900.

Elon Musk might be right about the Cybertruck

Musk, the billionaire CEO of Tesla and SpaceX, is no stranger to controversies, says Business Insider. He’s “incited lawsuits and SEC investigations.” He’s been fired as the CEO of PayPal and been the subject of a defamation lawsuit (for which he was found not guilty).

However, he might be right about the Tesla Cybertruck, at least in supporting its uniqueness. Musk recently tweeted, “I don’t care [if the Cybertruck flops]. I love it so much, even if others don’t. Other trucks look like copies of the same thing, but Cybertruck looks like it was made by aliens from the future.” His passion that comes through helps make this unusual truck possible.

Jalopnik points out that vehicle designs “tend to converge on a particular sort of generalized design of the era.” While most trucks today resemble each other in looks, build, and style, Tesla is experimenting with something different and stands apart with its unusual truck.

Unique vehicles of the past have often been remembered while other models were forgotten. Jalopnik mentions the Chevrolet Corvair and the Volkswagen Beetle. No matter how you feel about the Tesla Cybertruck’s appearance, having more Cybertrucks driving around might inspire car designers to try something new and offer buyers more variety.

Questions about the Cybertruck

While it’s great to have more variety out on the road, that doesn’t mean the Tesla Cybertruck will succeed. In a survey done at the end of 2019, 56% of respondents hadn’t yet seen the Cybertruck or weren’t familiar with it. Of those who were aware of it, 44% had a negative reaction, reports CNET. Another 27% thought the truck was amusing or weren’t sure about it. Only 29% had a positive reaction to it. While the poll wasn’t based on a large sample size, it raises questions about the truck’s likelihood of success.

Automobile designer Frank Stephenson points out that the Cybertruck may quickly feel dated, says Observer. Additionally, he claims the truck doesn’t have an organic feel to its futuristic style, and its triangular shape isn’t that revolutionary.

Some details of the Cybertruck used in the launch also raise questions. The truck has no side mirrors, and its headlights aren’t street legal, reports Wired. It also doesn’t have door handles and appears not to have a “crumple zone,” which collapses during a forward collision to protect the vehicle’s passengers. However, due to its simplified style, it’s possible that manufacturing will also be simplified, keeping costs down.

Delivery of Tesla Cybertruck preorders will begin in 2021, with production increasing in 2022. While it’s impossible to predict whether or not it will be successful in terms of its sales, its successes may come from expanding the possibilities for truck design.

RELATED: Tesla Cybertruck Patent Is Straight Out of Science Fiction

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