Ford Motor Co. is recalling over 634,000 SUVs worldwide as a result of a cracked gas injector can spill gas or leak vapors onto a scorching engine and trigger fires.
The recall covers Bronco Sport and Escape SUVs from the 2020 by means of 2023 mannequin years. All have 1.5-liter, three-cylinder engines. The Dearborn, Michigan, automaker stated Thursday it isn’t recommending that homeowners cease driving the autos or park them outdoor as a result of fires are uncommon and customarily do not occur when the engines are off.
But Ford stated it has obtained 20 stories of fires, together with three that ignited close by buildings. The firm additionally stated it has 4 claims of fires that have been observed lower than 5 minutes after the engines have been turned off. Ford additionally has 4 harm claims not involving burns, and 43 authorized claims attributed to the issue.
Repairs aren’t yeta accessible, however as soon as they’re, homeowners ought to schedule service with a most popular seller, Jim Azzouz, govt director of buyer expertise, stated in an announcement. Owners can be notified by letter beginning Dec. 19.
Owners can take their SUVs to the seller and get a free loaner, or they will get free pickup and supply.
Dealers will examine the injectors and substitute them if obligatory. Ford additionally says it is extending warranties to cowl cracked gas injectors for as much as 15 years.
Dealers will replace the autos’ engine-control software program so it detects a cracked injector. Drivers will get a dashboard message to get service. Also, if there is a stress drop within the injectors, engine energy can be reduce to reduce danger and let drivers get to a protected location to cease and name for service, Ford stated.
They’ll additionally set up a tube to empty gas from the cylinder head and away from scorching surfaces.
Ford stated it isn’t changing the injectors as a result of the failure price that causes leaks is low, an estimated 0.38% for 2020 fashions and 0.22% for 2021 to 2022 fashions. The price is for 15 years or 150,000 miles (240,000 kilometers).