These SUVs Have Been Recalled Because They Could Catch Fire
If you’re feeling déjà vu after seeing a Ford sports utility vehicle recall, you’re not wrong. The Broncos were recalled earlier this month due to problems with their rearview cameras , and earlier this spring there was an issue with an engine oil leak that could have started a fire. This time, Ford is recalling about 520,000 Bronco Sport and Ford Escape SUVs due to a potential cracked fuel injector, which could increase the risk of under-hood fires.
The recall was initiated after the manufacturer received 20 recall-related fire reports , according to a company spokesman, as reported by the Wall Street Journal. Some fires were so severe that nearby buildings caught fire. According to the recall, it is possible that with the engine running, a cracked fuel injector could cause fuel or fumes to accumulate near hot surfaces and cause a fire. There were no official reports of deaths, but there were four non-burn injuries associated with the recall.
Which Fords are being recalled?
The following Ford models and years are SUVs affected by the recall:
- Bronco Sport 2021
- Bronco Sport 2022
- Bronco Sport 2023
- Escape 2020
- Escape 2021
- Escape 2022
- Escape 2023
What to do if your Ford has been recalled?
Ford stated that if there is no smell of gas or smoke, there is no driving ban. Starting December 19, 2022, letters with instructions on how to check the car will be sent to victims. Owners can deliver the SUVs themselves to their respective dealerships, according to a CNN report. Upon delivery to the dealership for recall, the engine management software will be updated to include a fuel injector leak detector that will alert the driver on the dashboard if a cracked injector is detected. If this happens, drivers can safely stop and call tech support. They will also install a drain pipe free of charge to drain fuel from hot surfaces.
If you have questions about the recall, you can contact Ford at 1-866-436-7332. Recall number 22S73.