Ford is recalling tens of thousands of SUVs due to risk of fuel leakage not correctly addressed in earlier recalls.
The fuel injectors in nearly 34,000 Escapes and Bronco Sports can crack and leak fuel inside the engine, presenting risk of fire, according to a recall notice on the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration website.
The recall encompasses 2020 to 2022 Escapes and 2021 to 2023 Bronco Sports.
Affected vehicles lack the correct updated software intended to remedy the issue in the earlier recalls. All of the recalled units lack the correct software, recall documents indicate. Dealers will update the power train control module software.
Ford said it knows of four fires in the recall population but that it hadn’t confirmed they’re connected to the unresolved defect and said it was unaware of any accidents or injuries related to the problem.
Owners should watch for smoke or flames coming from the engine or vehicle underbody.
The Detroit-area automaker is scheduled to mail recall notices to owners on April 24.
In a separate event that also involves incorrect repairs in a previous recall, Ford is recalling nearly 13,000 2021 to 2024 Bronco Sports, along with 2022 to 2023 Mavericks. In this case, body and power train control modules can miss a battery charge change.
The incorrectly addressed problem can lead to failure of the vehicles to restart after an auto start/stop or stalling while coming to a stop at low speed, according to recall documents filed with NHTSA.
The phenomenon can also result in the loss of hazard lights and other accessories. Dealers will recalibrate the body- and power train-control modules.
Ford said it knew of no accidents related to the issue. It’s also scheduled to mail owner notices for this recall on April 24.
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