Ford is catching heat again for problems involving its popular 2013 Escape SUV. On Tuesday, Ford issued its third recall of the world’s best-selling small SUV, this time to address potential engine fire issues involving a coolant leak.
In its September 4th announcement, Ford recalled another 7,600 of the 2013 model Escapes, all equipped with 1.6-liter EcoBooster four-cylinder engines. If a faulty cup plug in the engine cylinder head is bumped out of place, a significant amount of coolant can spill onto hot engines parts and ignite, potentially causing an engine fire.
The Louisville Ford plant manufactured the affected vehicles between October 5, 2011 and August 31, 2012. The engines were made in England.
No injuries or consumer complaints have been reported with this latest recall. A vehicle engine did catch fire at a Tennessee dealership prompting Ford’s recall decision.
Local Ford dealers will re-seal the plug, and install a plug cover, free of charge. The recall begins September 10, 2012. Contact your local dealer for details on the recall and to schedule a repair.
In July, Ford recalled 10,000 of its 2013 Escapes to fix a braking interference issue with the driver’s side carpet padding. Days later, another 11,500 vehicles were recalled for a faulty fuel line. Ford warned its customers to stop driving the SUV’s immediately until repairs were completed. (See our July blog “Ford issues two recalls involving its 2013 Escape)
If it’s true that things occur in threes, let’s hope this is the last problem for Ford and owners of its 2013 Escape.
Questions?
Contact Ford at 1-866-436-7332, or your local Ford dealer.
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration 1-888-327-4236.