This is the fourth recall issued for the Escape in the past four months, which affects vehicles sold in the US and Canada from the 2013 model year with 1.6-liter turbocharged engines. Previous recalls involved problems with coolant leaks, cracked fuel lines and carpet padding.
Ford reported to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) yesterday that it was aware of 13 fires, the first occurring in early September. In its report to the NHTSA, Ford said it had been investigating this issue since September and that it appeared an unidentified liquid was leaking when the engine overheated.
This isn’t the first time there has been a problem with the Escape model. The NHTSA in October said it might open a formal investigation into 1.6 million older Ford Escape SUVs for engine problems. And in July, 485,000 Escapes were recalled to repair sticky gas pedals that can lead to unintended acceleration incidents.
While Ford says it is working on fixing the leak, the company urges all owners of the recalled Escape and Fusion vehicles to call their dealers and get loaner cars. Although the vehicles can still be driven, Ford warns owners to pull off the road, turn off the engine and leave the vehicle if dashboard warning lights illuminate.
