Ford is recalling over 634,000 SUVs worldwide due to increased fire risk from fuel injectors that may be cracked.
When the engine runs, the potential cracks can allow fuel or fuel vapors to accumulate on or near hot surfaces and potentially ignite a fire underneath the hood.
Ford Motor Company announced on Thursday that it is urging owners of 2020-2023 model year Bronco Sport and Escape SUVs with 1.5-liter, three-cylinder engines to visit their local dealerships and have their vehicles inspected for a possible cracked fuel injector.
The recall affects 518,993 automobiles in the United States.
However, the Dearborn, Michigan-based automobile manufacturer has not instructed owners to stop driving the vehicles because it projects a “low failure rate for fuel injectors experiencing external leak(s).”
“Taking care of our customers who are affected by this potential issue is our utmost priority,” said Jim Azzouz, executive director of global CX products and customer relations. “Once the repair is available, we will ask customers to schedule service with their preferred dealer.”
He continued, “They can then take advantage of our complimentary pick-up and delivery or a loaner to make sure the repair is completed at their earliest convenience.”
Ford suggested that it is “taking steps to minimize the inconvenience for customers, including providing an option to arrange for free pick up, repair, and delivery, in addition to owners taking vehicles themselves to Ford dealers.”
The company has not said it would replace the fuel injectors, however, because of the projected low failure rate.
Rather, when owners take their vehicles to their dealers for inspection, Ford explained it would update the engine control software to detect whether the fuel injector is cracked. If it is, they will advise the owner to have their vehicle serviced by a technician.
Additionally, if a pressure drop in the fuel rail is detected, engine power will automatically be reduced to minimize any risk, allowing the owner to drive to a safe location, stop the vehicle, and arrange for service.
Ford also said it would install a tube that drains fuel from the cylinder head and away from hot surfaces and check for excessive fuel odor near the top of the engine — another indicator of a possible issue that would require service.
For Dallas-Fort Worth residents, local Ford dealerships can be found here.
