Tag: Newsletter 4th Article

Ford Motor Company has issued six new recalls covering a total of about 171,000 vehicles, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

The recalls include:

Daytime running lamps on 91,198 2018-2020 F-150 vehicles do not dim may reduce the visibility of other drivers, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fordsaid the vehicles previously repaired incorrectly under recall number 20V097. When the headlight switch is turned from “Autolamps” to “Headlamps On,” the daytime running lamps may remain fully bright instead of dimming to parking lamps as intended. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 108, “Lamps, Reflective Devices and Associated Equipment.”

Dealers will reprogram the body control module software, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed July 6. Owners may contact customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford’s number for this recall is 26C28. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will become searchable on NHTSA.gov on July 6.

A closing window that does not reverse direction as expected can pinch a driver or passenger before retracting, increasing the risk of injury. The recall applies to some 18,124 2017 Ford Escapes.

The vehicles were previously repaired incorrectly under recall number 16V617. The power-operated windows may exert excessive force when encountering an object, before they automatically reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 118, “Power-Operated Window Systems.”

Dealers will update the power window operating system software, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed July 6. Owners may contact customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford’s number for this recall is 26C29. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will become searchable on NHTSA.gov on July 6.

Unintended gear selection may cause the vehicle to move in an unexpected direction, increasing the risk of crash or injury.

Ford is recalling 10,742 2018 F-150 vehicles previously repaired incorrectly under recall number 17V669. Quickly moving the shift lever from Park to Drive may cause a loss of gear indication on the instrument cluster display and a momentary selection of an unintended gear, such as Reverse or Neutral.

Dealers will update the powertrain control module software, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed July 6.. Owners may contact customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford’s number for this recall is 26S42. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will become searchable on NHTSA.gov on July 6,.

A transmission fluid leak in the presence of an ignition source such as hot engine or exhaust components can increase the risk of a fir

Ford is recalling 5,252 2015-2018 Focus and 2013-2016 Fusion vehicles previously repaired incorrectly under recall numbers 18V169 and 18V845. The clutch may fracture, resulting in damage to the transmission assembly and possibly a transmission fluid leak.

Dealers will update the software, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed July 6. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford’s number for this recall is 26S43. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will become searchable on NHTSA.gov on July 6.

The steering wheel hands-off detection alerts may fail on certain 2019 Lincoln Nautilus vehicles and may increase the risk of a crash. The recall applies to 1,013 vehicles

Ford is recalling previously repaired vehicles incorrectly under recall number 19V031. The lane center assist system may not adequately detect if a driver has their hands off the steering wheel for a prolonged period of time.

Dealers will update the power steering control module software, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed July 6. Owners may contact customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford’s number for this recall is 26S44. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will become searchable on NHTSA.gov on July 6.

Unexpectedly downshifting into first gear may result in a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash in some F-150 vehicles.

Ford is recalling some 44,963 model year 2014 F-150 vehicles previously repaired incorrectly under recall number 24V444. A loss of signal between the transmission output shaft speed sensor and the powertrain control module (PCM) can cause the transmission to unexpectedly downshift into first gear.

Dealers will update the PCM software, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed July 6.. Owners may contact customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford’s number for this recall is 26S45. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will become searchable on NHTSA.gov on July 6.

Sun Auto Tire & Service continues to grow its Midwest presence with the acquisition of the Main Street Tire & Auto location in Virden, Illinois. The store officially joins the Sun Auto Network and will rebrand as Plaza Tire Service.

Ters of the deal were not made public.

Plaza Tire Service, known as the ‘Quick Change Artist’, has supported the Midwest for over 60 years. The acquisition strengthens Plaza Tire Service’s presence in Illinois and expands service coverage in the region through a trusted community location backed by the resources of a national network.

“Virden represents an important opportunity to continue growing the Plaza Tire Service brand in Illinois. This location allows us to expand our reach while reinforcing the operational strength and consistency our network is known for,” said Rob Kingery, Regional Vice President, Operations.

As part of the Sun Auto Network, the Virden location will benefit from operational support, advanced technology and customer-focused tools designed to enhance the overall service experience while maintaining the local relationships customers know and trust. The location will offer a full range of automotive care, including an array of top tire brands with Sun Auto’s price match guarantee, alignments, brake service, oil changes, batteries, diagnostics and preventative maintenance.

The addition marks the 16th location in Illinois and further supports Sun Auto’s continued expansion across key Midwest markets.

Sun Auto Tire & Service owns and operates more than 575 tire and service centers across the United States.

Diversified Royalty Corp. recently announced that it, and its newly formed wholly owned subsidiary, have entered into an agreement with Mr. Lube Canada Limited Partnership and Mr. Lube Canada GP Inc. for the acquisition of the Mr. Lube + Tires franchisor business in Canada.

The purchase price was $235 million.

Sean Morrison, Chief Executive Officer of DIV, said, “DIV looks forward to completing the acquisition and increasing its economic exposure to Mr. Lube + Tires, our largest and best performing royalty partner. DIV is keen to work with Mr. Lube + Tires’ management as part of DIV and as equity partners, to continue Mr. Lube + Tires’ impressive growth and build it into Canada’s leading automotive services franchise business.

Pamela Lee, President and CEO of Mr. Lube + Tires, said, “Over its 50-year history, Mr. Lube + Tires has delivered trusted, convenient automotive maintenance to millions of Canadians who visit its locations each year. Mr. Lube + Tires has been partners with DIV for over 11 years, and we are excited to continue our partnership with DIV and unlock new growth opportunities for our franchisees as we execute on our strategy to become the largest automotive services franchise business in Canada.”

Mr. Lube + Tires is the leading Canadian automotive service chain specializing in fast, drive-in drive-through, noappointment-needed vehicle maintenance.

Founded by Cliff Giese in Edmonton in 1976, the creation of Mr. Lube + Tires launched the quick lube service
industry in Canada, and around the world. Conceived as a way to provide quick, no-appointment oil changes that appealed to the consumer’s need for convenience, over time Mr. Lube + Tires expanded its offerings to include other light automotive services including tire sales and installations; such other services now representing the majority of system sales.

As the chain grew, it also became one of the most successful franchising groups in Canada, with franchisees operating 186 of the 187 locations. For the past 13 years Mr. Lube + Tires has been named one of Canada’s Best Managed Companies, and it was recently recognized as having Canada’s Most
Admired Corporate Culture.

Mr. Lube + Tires services over 2 million Canadians customers each year, generating over $500 million in system sales.

Mr. Lube + Tire joins Diversified Royalty’s other holdings, which include:

• Nurse Next Door: Home care services
• Stratus Building Solutions: Commercial cleaning services
• BarBurrito: Fast-casual Mexican restaurants
• Cheba Hut: Toasted sub sandwich shops
• Mr. Mikes: Casual dining restaurants
• Sutton Group: Real estate services
• Oxford Learning Centres: Supplemental education

GreatWater 360 Auto Care has acquired Andy’s Tire & Auto Service in Alton, Illinois, expanding its footprint to 153 locations throughout the Midwest and Texas, and 47 locations in Illinois.

Founded in 1974, Andy’s Tire & Auto Service has built a long-standing reputation in the Alton community for full-service automotive repair, tire expertise, and customer service. The shop will continue operating under its existing name with its current team in place.

“The addition of Andy’s not only brings a valued location to our network but also aligns with our recent focused expansion into the southern Illinois and greater St. Louis market,” said Scott Anderson, President & COO of GreatWater 360 Auto Care. “We’re excited to support the team as they continue to grow and serve the Alton community.”

Concentrating on markets where it already has a foundation, GreatWater continues to build density while supporting local teams with the tools, training, and operational resources needed for long-term success.

“This acquisition reflects GreatWater’s disciplined approach to growth — partnering with legacy shops that align with our core values,” added Anderson. “Supporting the Andy’s team as they continue delivering high-quality, community-focused service is a natural fit with our teammate-first approach.”

CS Automotive of Tennessee has been acquired by Left Lane Auto.

A family-owned business, CS Automotive has been part of the Brentwood, Tennessee community for nearly 20 years. Since opening in 2006, Rob and Kim Auernheimer have grown from a single bay in a warehouse to a thriving 10-bay shop—and expanded with a second location in Monteagle in 2023.

A statement from Left Lane said, “Their commitment to exceptional service and building trust within the community has made them a go-to for drivers across the region—and we’re excited to carry that legacy forward. With CS Automotive joining the team, we’re now proud to have 87 shops in the Left Lane Auto family.”

Left Lane Auto is based in Champaign, Illinois and recently acquired Don Foshay’s Discount Tire and Alignment in Maine. Last year, Left Lane acquired 30 locations in 2025.

:Ford Motor Co. recently recalled some 255,000 SUVs because a software flaw can cause an intermittent loss of the rearview camera image or advanced driver assist features, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Recalled vehicles include the 2025 Ford Explorer and Lincoln Aviator; 2022-2025 Lincoln Navigator; and 2024-2025 Lincoln Nautilus. All of the recalled vehicles are believed to have the defect, which can cause the “image processing module A” to become overloaded and reset under certain traffic conditions. 

The vehicles will receive an over-the-air software update to address the concern, but customers can also visit a Ford or Lincoln dealer to have the update performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were sent beginning March 30 and were expected to be completed by April 6.