Business & Tech

Engine Fires Ignite Ford Escape, Fusion Recalls

It's the fourth recall for the brand-new Escape. Ford is offering loaner cars to buyers until they can fix the problem.

The 2013 Ford Escape is undergoing its fourth recall since its introduction this spring.

Ford Motor Co. is recalling more than 89,000 new Escape SUVs and Fusion sedans because the engines can overheat and cause fires.

The Escape is a top seller for Ford. The 2013 version went on sale in the spring, and it already has had problems with coolant leaks, cracked fuel lines and carpet padding.

Interested in local real estate?Subscribe to Patch's new newsletter to be the first to know about open houses, new listings and more.

Both the Fusion and Escape are among Ford's top-selling vehicles selling a combined 427,000 already this year, according to Autodata Corp. Note this figure includes those from the previous model year.

Ford said it is working on a repair plan and trying to find out what causes the overheating problem, where the engines can overheat and leak fluids onto hot parts, causing fires.

Interested in local real estate?Subscribe to Patch's new newsletter to be the first to know about open houses, new listings and more.

What Should Owners Do?

The company is asking owners to contact dealers, who will arrange for loaner cars at no charge until the repairs are made.

"It is important that affected customers not ignore this recall and contact their dealer as soon as possible," Steve Kenner, director of Ford's Automotive Safety Office, said in the statement.

The recall affects vehicles from the 2013 model year with 1.6-liter turbocharged engines that were sold in the U.S. and Canada, the company said in a statement.

The cars can still be driven, but owners whose dashboard warning lights illuminate should pull off the road, turn off the engine and leave the vehicle, the company said.

Escape and Fusion owners can find out more about the recall by going to Ford's website. If you are unsure if this affects you, enter your Vehicle Identification Number here to find out. You can also call Ford at 866-436-7332 in the U.S. or 888-222-7814 in Canada, Ford said in a statement.

Recall Details

The recall affects Fusions and Escapes with "SE" and "SEL" packages. Models with different engines don't have the problem and are not involved in the recall. About 73,000 Escapes and 16,000 Fusions are affected, according to the compnay.

Previous Recalls

In September the company recalled 7,600 new Escapes to fix coolant leaks that can cause engines to overheat or catch fire. Plugs in the engine may not have been installed properly and can fall out while the motor is running. Coolant can leak and cause engines to overheat.

In July, the company recalled 11,500 Escapes to fix fuel lines that can crack, leak and cause fires.

In the same month Ford recalled more than 10,000 of the vehicles to fix carpet padding that can interfere with braking.


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here