Ford remembers over 634,000 SUVs that would burst into flames

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 mentioned Thursday it’s not recommending that house owners cease driving the autos or park them outdoor as a result of fires are uncommon and usually don’t occur when the engines are off.

However Ford mentioned it has obtained 20 studies of fires, together with three that ignited close by constructions. The corporate additionally mentioned it has 4 claims of fires that had been observed lower than 5 minutes after the engines had been turned off. Ford additionally has 4 damage claims not involving burns, and 43 authorized claims attributed to the issue.

Repairs aren’t but obtainable, however as soon as they’re, house owners ought to schedule service with a most popular vendor, Jim Azzouz, government director of buyer expertise, mentioned in a press release. House owners will likely be notified by letter beginning Dec. 19.

House owners can take their SUVs to the vendor and get a free loaner, or they’ll get free pickup and supply.

Sellers will examine the injectors and change them if crucial. Ford additionally says it’s extending warranties to cowl cracked gas injectors for as much as 15 years.

Sellers will replace the autos’ engine-control software program so it detects a cracked injector. Drivers will get a dashboard message to get service. Additionally, if there’s a stress drop within the injectors, engine energy will likely be reduce to reduce threat and let drivers get to a secure location to cease and name for service, Ford mentioned.

They’ll additionally set up a tube to empty gas from the cylinder head and away from scorching surfaces.

Ford mentioned it’s not 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).