Ford recalls nearly 519,000 US vehicles

Cars susceptible to fire risk from leaks

California – Ford Motor Co is recalling nearly 519,000 sport utility vehicles (SUVs) in the US over fire risks from possible cracked fuel injectors and will urge owners to have their cars inspected, the company said yesterday.

America’s No.2 automaker by sales said the recall covers 2020-2023 model year Bronco Sport and Escape SUVs with 3 cylinder, 1.5-litre engines, including many also recalled in April because an oil separator housing could crack and develop a leak that could cause an engine fire.

Ford said when engines in the SUVs are operating, a cracked fuel injector could cause fuel or fuel vapour to accumulate near hot surfaces, potentially resulting in fire under the bonnet. Once repairs are available, dealers will update vehicle software to detect whether a fuel injector is cracked and provide a dashboard message to alert drivers.

“If a pressure drop in the fuel rail is detected, engine power will automatically be reduced to minimise any risk, while also allowing customers to drive to a safe location and stop the vehicle and arrange for service,” Ford said.

Dealers will also instal a tube draining fuel from the cylinder head and away from hot surfaces and check for excessive fuel odour near the top of the engine.

Ford said it has 54 total reports of under-bonnet fires, including four with cracked fuel injectors. About 13 others were probably caused by a leaking fuel injector. There are no deaths linked to the recall.

Ford said it is not telling owners to stop driving vehicles. The company projects a low failure rate for fuel injectors experiencing external leaks. Reuters

No deaths linked to 54 reports of fire under bonnet