WASHINGTON, D.C. -

About 400,000 pickups — the Ford F-150 from the 2011 through 2013 model years — are being probed by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s Office of Defects Investigation.

Officials indicated they have received 95 reports alleging incidents of reduced engine power during hard accelerations by trucks equipped with 3.5-liter gasoline turbocharged direct injection (GTDI) engines.

ODI indicated Ford has issued three technical service bulletins related to intermittent tumble/misfire on acceleration from highway cruise in humid or damp conditions in some of these units equipped with these engines.

The most recent bulletin mentioned several procedures, including protocol for:

— Diagnosing a condition related to moisture accumulation in the charge air cooler (CAC) during extended highway cruising at constant throttle in humid or damp conditions

— Repairing the condition by reprogramming the powertrain control module with the latest calibration and installing a new CAC and air deflector plate.

Officials pointed out approximately one-third of the reports received by ODI indicate that the incidents occurred while driving in humid or rainy conditions.

“Many complaints allege safety concerns associated with overtaking vehicles. No related crashes have been reported to ODI to date,” officials said.

“A preliminary evaluation has been opened to gather information to assess whether the subject vehicles contain a safety related defect,” they went on to say.

These trucks have been the subject of NHTSA announcements earlier this month, too.

The 2011 and 2012 F-150 along with the 2012 Ford Expedition and Lincoln Navigator as well as the 2012 and 2013 Ford Mustang are part of a NHTSA recall for failing to comply with the requirements of Federal motor vehicle safety standard No. 102, “transmission shift lever sequence, starter interlock, and transmission braking effect” and No. 108, “lamps, reflective devices and associated equipment.”

Officials indicated a total of 10,500 units may have a transmission range sensor (TRS) that was calibrated out of specification for reverse gear.

If this condition exists, NHTSA fears the transmission may not go into reverse or when the driver pushes the shift lever in the reverse “R” position and the vehicle’s transmission does go in reverse, the “R” may not illuminate on the dashboard of the units.

Furthermore, the rear of these vehicles may not illuminate, according to NHTSA.

“These conditions increase the risk of a crash or a pedestrian being struck due to the vehicle’s not signaling it is in reverse,” agency officials said.

Ford told NHTSA it will notify owners, and franchised dealers will inspect and replace the TRS as necessary, free of charge. The safety recall is expected to begin on or about June 25.

Owners can contact the Ford Customer Relationship Center at (866) 436-7332 and mention recall No. 12C23.

Recall for 2013 Cadillac SRX

In other news from NHTSA, administrators have indicated that General Motors is recalling certain 2013 Cadillac SRX models equipped with 18-inch wheels to prevent possible loosening of the wheel nuts.

Approximately 18,871 vehicles are included in the United States with a small number of units in Canada and China.

“If the lug nuts loosen, they may fall off or cause the wheel studs to fracture. Either condition would allow the wheel to separate from the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash,” NHTSA said.

Automaker officials countered by stating, “GM knows of no crashes or injuries due to this condition and no wheels have separated from vehicles.

“Dealers will rotate the tires on the recalled vehicles, which testing has shown to eliminate the condition. This will be done at no cost to the customer,” they went on to say.

NHTSA noted the recall is expected to begin by June 3. Owners may contact GM at (800) 521-7300 and mention recall campaign No. 13116.

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