Ford recalls over 634,000 SUVs due to fuel leaks and fire hazard – The New Indian Express | Rare Techy

Beside Associated Press

DEARBORN, Mich.: Ford Motor Co. is recalling more than 634,000 SUVs worldwide because a cracked fuel injector can spew fuel or leak vapors into a hot engine and cause a fire.

The recall covers the Bronco Sport and Escape SUVs from model years 2020 to 2023. All have 1.5-liter three-cylinder engines.

The Dearborn, Michigan-based automaker said Thursday that owners are not advised to stop driving their vehicles or park them outside because fires are rare and don’t usually happen when the engines are off.

But Ford said it had received 20 reports of fires, including three that ignited nearby structures. The company also said it had four claims of fires that were noticed less than five minutes after the engines were shut down. Ford also has four non-burn injury lawsuits and 43 legal claims related to the problem.

The repair isn’t available yet, but if it is, owners should schedule service with a preferred dealer, said Jim Azzouz, executive director of customer experience. Owners will be notified by letter from December 19.

Owners can take their SUVs to the dealer for a free loan or free pickup and delivery.

Dealers will check the injectors and replace them if necessary. Ford also says it will extend the warranty on cracked fuel injectors by up to 15 years.

Dealers update vehicles’ engine management software to detect a cracked injector. Drivers will receive a notification on their dashboard to receive the service. Also, when injector pressure drops, engine power is reduced to minimize danger and allow drivers to get to a safe place to stop and call for service, Ford said.

They also install a pipe to drain the fuel away from the cylinder head and hot surfaces.

Ford said it will not replace the injectors because the failure rate that causes leaks is low, estimated at 0.38% for 2020 models and 0.22% for 2021-2022 models. The price is valid for 15 years or 150,000 miles (240,000 kilometers).

</p> <p>DEARBORN, Mich.: Ford Motor Co. is recalling more than 634,000 SUVs worldwide because a cracked fuel injector can spew fuel or leak vapors into a hot engine and cause a fire. The recall covers the Bronco Sport and Escape SUVs from model years 2020 to 2023. All have 1.5-liter three-cylinder engines. The Dearborn, Michigan-based automaker said Thursday that owners are not advised to stop driving their vehicles or park them outside because fires are rare and don’t usually happen when the engines are off. But Ford said it had received 20 reports of fires, including three that ignited nearby structures. The company also said it had four claims of fires that were noticed less than five minutes after the engines were shut down. Ford also has four non-burn injury lawsuits and 43 legal claims related to the problem. The repair isn’t available yet, but if it is, owners should schedule service with a preferred dealer, said Jim Azzouz, executive director of customer experience. Owners will be notified by letter from December 19. Owners can take their SUVs to the dealer and get a free loan or free pickup and delivery. Dealers will check the injectors and replace them if necessary. Ford also says it will extend the warranty on cracked fuel injectors by up to 15 years. Dealers update vehicles’ engine management software to detect a cracked injector. Drivers will receive a notification on their dashboard to receive the service. Also, when injector pressure drops, engine power is reduced to minimize danger and allow drivers to get to a safe place to stop and call for service, Ford said. They also install a pipe to drain the fuel away from the cylinder head and hot surfaces. Ford said it will not replace the injectors because the failure rate that causes leaks is low, estimated at 0.38% for 2020 models and 0.22% for 2021-2022 models. The price is valid for 15 years or 150,000 miles (240,000 kilometers).</p> <p>