Ford recall 18V548 covers 87 2018-2019 Edge, Mkx, Mkt, and Flex vehicles for loose power cables. Repair is free at any franchised Ford dealer.
Ford is recalling 87 2018-2019 Edge, Mkx, Mkt, and Flex vehicles because power supply cables at the starter and alternator were not properly secured. The loose cables can create an electrical arc and increase the risk of a fire; the Ford dealer repair is free.
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What's wrong?
The starter and alternator on affected 2018-2019 Edge, Mkx, Mkt, and Flex vehicles depend on heavy power supply cables. The starter uses battery power to crank the engine. The alternator generates electrical power while the engine runs and helps keep the battery charged. Those cables have to be clamped tight so high current stays on the intended path.
On these vehicles, the cable fasteners at the starter and alternator were not secured correctly during a short production period. Ford traced the issue to a manual torque verification process used for approximately 1.5 hours after a cut ethernet cable interrupted the normal automated check. If the nut is loose, the cable connection can move or lose firm contact, creating an electrical arc.
An owner can see warning messages on the instrument cluster before the problem is found. The engine also can fail to start. Treat either sign as a reason to have the recall checked, because the problem is at the high-current cable connection, not a normal low-battery symptom.
Who's affected?
Spans Ford Edge and Flex plus Lincoln Mkx and Mkt across the 2018 and 2019 model years, all tied to electrical system starter or alternator components.
| 2018 Ford Edge | electrical system |
|---|---|
| 2018 Ford Edge | electrical system |
| 2018 Lincoln Mkx | electrical system |
| 2018 Lincoln Mkx | electrical system |
| 2019 Lincoln Mkt | electrical system |
| 2019 Lincoln Mkt | electrical system |
| 2019 Ford Flex | electrical system |
| 2019 Ford Flex | electrical system |
| Units affected | 87 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged no field incidents to date. |
A matching year and model does not guarantee inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific SUV is included.
What's the safety risk?
An electrical arc raises the risk of a fire. Warning messages on the instrument cluster or an engine that will not start are signs to stop using the vehicle and call a Ford dealer. Schedule the cable inspection soon. Repair is free at any franchised Ford dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2018-2019 Edge, Mkx, Mkt, or Flex is included in this Ford recall.
- Contact a franchised Ford dealer to schedule the free inspection and repair for the alternator and starter power-supply cables that can arc if they are loose.
- Bring the recall notice if Ford mailed one. If not, reference recall number 18V548 when you call.
- Park away from structures if you smell burning, see smoke, or notice electrical arcing, then call the dealer before driving again.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Ford technician inspects the alternator and starter motor power supply cables to confirm they are properly secured. The technician corrects any loose or unsecured cable routing or attachment points covered by the recall. Parts and labor are covered. Ford has a general reimbursement plan on file for this campaign. If you already paid out of pocket for this repair before the recall work, bring documentation to the service desk and ask how Ford's standard reimbursement plan applies.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| August 20, 2018 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| August 21, 2018 | Dealer notification began |
| August 21, 2018 | Dealer notification ended |
| September 17, 2018 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
| September 26, 2018 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 18V548?
Recall 18V548 covers 87 2018-2019 Ford Edge, Mkx, Mkt, and Flex vehicles with starter and alternator power supply cables that were not properly secured. An electrical arc can increase the risk of fire. Ford dealers will inspect the cables and secure them as needed for free.
What should I do if my 2018-2019 Ford Edge, Mkx, Mkt, or Flex is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific vehicle is included in recall 18V548. If it is, contact a franchised Ford dealer to schedule the starter and alternator cable inspection. Reference recall number 18V548 when you call. The repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost. Ford dealers will inspect the alternator and starter motor power supply cables, then secure them as needed, free of charge.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is fire. If the starter or alternator power supply cables are loose, they can create an electrical arc. Ford's recall filing says an electrical arc can increase the risk of a fire, and the dealer repair is free.
What if I bought this Ford vehicle used?
The free repair still applies. Recall coverage follows the VIN, not the first owner. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific Edge, Mkx, Mkt, or Flex is included, then contact a franchised Ford dealer and reference recall number 18V548.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/18V548000 |
|---|---|
| Ford customer service | 1-866-436-7332 |
| NHTSA recall # | 18V548 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 18V548000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Misc. Document (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Recall Report (PDF)
- Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on May 25, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →