Ford Recalls 8000 New Shelby GT350, GT350R Mustang Over Engine Fire Risk

The 2015, 2016 and 2017 Ford Shelby GT350 Mustang is the most capable muscle car on the market when it comes to road course racing, especially in GT350R form, but it seems that a component of the engine oiling system could fail – leading to engine failure or an engine bay fire. Because of that, Ford has issued a recall for more than 8,000 Shelby Mustang coupes around the world to address this issue.

It should be noted that there have been no reports of fires or accidents associated with this issue, but to make sure that they keep it that way – Ford is getting the GT350 and GT350R Mustangs back to dealerships for repairs.

The Shelby Mustang Recall Detailed
The 2015-2017 Ford Shelby GT350 and GT350R Mustang is fitted with a unique 5.2L flat plane V8 engine which delivers 526 horsepower, but more importantly, the newest Shelby Mustang features an engine protection system to keep that high performance mill running cool for long periods of time on the track. Part of that system is an engine oil cooler and unfortunately, it seems that the lines running to that auxiliary oil cooler could lead.

According to Ford, the engine oil cooler hoses may have insufficient crimps on the ends where they attach to the engine oil cooler of the Shelby Mustang. If those crimps get too loose, engine oil could escape around the edges. Over time, the engine oil levels could drop dangerously low, risking damage to the high performance engine. Worse yet, if the engine oil leak is severe enough while driving, there is a chance that the oil could catch fire in the engine bay and with an ample source of oil available – it could be one serious fire.

This risk is particularly high when the Shelby Mustang is being raced, as the engine bay would be at its hottest and oil pressure would be at its highest, so a sudden oil leak could lead to one beast of a fire.

Again, Ford has not received a single report of an engine bay fire in a new Shelby GT350 or GT350R Mustang, but to stay on the safe side, they are recalling these vehicles to replace those troublesome engine oil cooler lines. This work will be performed free of charge to the owner, of course.

Affected Vehicles
This new recall affects the Ford Shelby GT350 Mustang and the Ford Shelby GT350R Mustang from the 2015, 2016 and 2017 model years which were built between February 24th 2015 and August 30th 2016. In total, there are 8,026 Mustangs affected by the recall with 6,523 in the United States, 957 in Canada 346 in Mexico and 59 outside of North America.

The recall notice specifies 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. Once you provide the dealer with your VIN, they will be able to tell you whether or not your Mustang is included in this recall.