The Ford Escape is one of Ford’s most popular selling vehicles, but appears to be one of its most troubled as of late 2013. The company has recalled the 2013 Ford Escape due to problem that have cause a reported 13 engine fires.
Ford officials have released a statement that a “misinstalled fuel line could chafe and eventually leak fuel”. The most recent recall affects 149,386 vehicles. This is the seventh recall of the vehicle in the months since its appearance on the market.
There have not been any reported injuries or deaths linked to the latest recall problem with the vehicle, however 117 complaints have been filed and many owners are afraid to drive the vehicle.
The company acknowledges having begun getting reports of engine fires in late August. Ford is attempting to remedy the issue with the 2013 model and this is the third recall addressing the fuel leakage and overheating issues the vehicle presents. Recalls to address these issues were done in July, September and December of 2103. Both problems pose the potential risk of engine fires.
Ford will inspect the engines of 2013 Ford Escapes and if necessary replace or fix any defective fuel lines for free. Ford will begin notifying owners on January 23 and dealers will modify engine shielding, cooling and control systems as well.
Owners of the affected vehicle can call Ford at 866-436-7332 with any questions or contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) hotline at 888-327-4236.
The Ford Escape is second in highest sales of a small SUV only to the Honda CR-V, which has only been recalled once. Other competing vehicles like the Chevy Equinox, Toyota RAV4, and Subaru Forester have not been recalled at all for the 2013 model year.
More then 390 million cars, trucks, buses and recreational vehicles are recalled due to defects. Manufacturers voluntarily initiate many of these recalls, while others are done due to NHTSA investigations or ordered via the courts. A vehicle may be defective and recalled for a various reasons such as steering components that break suddenly, accelerator control issues, wiring problems, improper airbag deployment, etc.