Ford recollects 634,000 SUVs attributable to gasoline leaks and fireplace danger

DEARBORN, Mich. — Ford Motor Co. is recalling over 634,000 SUVs worldwide as a result of a cracked gasoline injector can spill gasoline or leak vapors onto a sizzling engine and trigger fires.

The recall covers Bronco Sport and Escape SUVs from the 2020 by 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 automobiles or park them outdoor as a result of fires are uncommon and usually do not occur when the engines are off.

However Ford stated it has acquired 20 experiences of fires, together with three that ignited close by buildings. The corporate 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 but out there, however as soon as they’re, homeowners ought to schedule service with a most well-liked seller, Jim Azzouz, govt director of buyer expertise, stated in an announcement. House owners can be notified by letter beginning Dec. 19.

House owners can take their SUVs to the seller and get a free loaner, or they will get free pickup and supply.

Sellers will examine the injectors and change them if essential. Ford additionally says it is extending warranties to cowl cracked gasoline injectors for as much as 15 years.

Sellers will replace the automobiles’ engine-control software program so it detects a cracked injector. Drivers will get a dashboard message to get service. Additionally, if there is a stress drop within the injectors, engine energy can be lower to reduce danger and let drivers get to a secure location to cease and name for service, Ford stated.

They will additionally set up a tube to empty gasoline from the cylinder head and away from sizzling 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 speed is for 15 years or 150,000 miles (240,000 kilometers).