2021 Ford F-650 SD

Defect. Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021 F-650 and F-750 trucks equipped with 7.3L gasoline engines. The underbody heat shield and other heat-protection components were not installed during assembly. Without these components, the interior cabin floor and seat attachments may reach elevated temperatures in certain driving conditions.

Risk. Skin contact with certain areas of the cabin interior floor or seat attachments in these high temperature conditions may cause injury.

Remedy. Ford will notify owners, and dealers will install the missing underbody heat shield, thermal insulator patch, seat base covers, and seat bolt covers, free of charge. The recall began September 28, 2020. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 20S36.

The contact works for a company that owned a 2021 Ford F-650 SD commercial vehicle. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH, he heard an abnormally loud popping sound coming from the rear of the vehicle. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that he looked at the side view mirrors and saw black smoke and a reflection of flames on the rear driver's side of the vehicle. The contact immediately veered to the side of the road. The contact stated that he jumped out of the vehicle and ran in the opposite direction. The contact that the vehicle exploded while he was contacting the police department. A police report was filed. The contact was able to extinguish the fire with the assistance of the fire department. The contact was unsure whether a fire department report was filed. There was no injury sustained. The vehicle was towed to the company's office. The vehicle was totaled. There was no further information provided. An unknown dealer and the manufacturer were notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 30,000. The VIN was unavailable.