Ford announces that it is going to recall around 100,000 hybrid vehicles in the US. The recall is expanded to the earlier recall over fire risks. There were a series of reported fires according to the report.
The new recall covers certain 2020 through 2022 model-year Ford Escape, Maverick, and Lincoln Corsair vehicles with 2.5-liter Hybrid/Plug-In Hybrid engines. Ford said in the event of an engine failure, significant quantities of engine oil and fuel vapor may be released that could accumulate near ignition sources, resulting in a potential under-hood fire.
Dealers will modify the Under Engine Shield and Active Grille Shutter to address safety concerns. There are no accidents or injuries associated with this issue and customers do not need to park their vehicle outside. Ford is separately expanding its recall of 2021 Ford Expedition and Lincoln Navigator SUVs for under-hood fire risks by another 27,000 U.S. vehicles after five additional fires were reported after its recall of 39,000 vehicles announced in May following 16 fire reports. One injury has been reported.
The No. 2 U.S. automaker is still advising customers to park those vehicles outside and away from structures until repairs are completed. Vehicles may pose a risk of under-hood fire, including while the vehicle is parked and switched off. Ford said it has recall parts available for about one-third of vehicles with an 800-watt cooling fan system but will not have all parts available for vehicles with a 700-watt cooling fan system until September.
Recalls
Ford believes the cause of these vehicle fires can be traced to a change in manufacturing location by a supplier during the COVID-19 pandemic. Ford has led all U.S. automakers so far in 2022 with 44 recall campaigns covering 6.7 million vehicles before Friday’s announcement.
A month ago, the recall includes just over 2.9 million U.S. vehicles and 394,000 in Canada. A damaged or missing shift cable bushing may prevent the vehicle from shifting into the intended gear, or the vehicle may roll after the driver selects the ‘Park’ position.
Back then, Ford said it was aware of six reports alleging property damage and four reports of injuries potentially related to the recalled vehicles. It was Ford’s fifth recall over the issue since 2018, it told the agency. Ford previously recalled about 1.4 million vehicles worldwide in an earlier shift cable part recalls.
After an April recall linked to the same issue, Ford continued to hold talks with NHTSA over field reports related to vehicles that were not included in previous recalls. “Although claim rates and projected failures remained low, Ford recommended a safety recall for the remaining vehicles in North America” with the specific shift cable bushing.
