Ford is recalling certain models of the Escape, Maverick and Corsair from 2020 to 2022 due to the risk of fires under the hood, according to reports from Reuters and CNBC† The recall affects more than 100,000 vehicles in the US, all of which come with a 2.5-liter hybrid/plug-in hybrid (HEV/PHEV) engine.
In the event of an engine failure, Reuters and CNBC report that engine oil and fuel vapor can overflow ignition sources, potentially starting a fire under the hood of the car. Ford plans to modify the under-engine shield and active grille on affected vehicles to allow for better airflow, and will notify owners of the recall on Aug. 8. According to CNBC, Ford has received 23 reports of the problem with the engines running, although no injuries were reported. Ford did not immediately respond The edge‘s request for comment.
In addition to this recall, Ford is expanding a previous recall of select 2021 Lincoln Navigator and Ford Expedition SUVs risk of fire under the hood. At the time, the recall affected approximately 39,000 vehicles, but an update from Ford expands this pool to 66,221 cars built between July 27, 2020 and August 31, 2021.
The automaker traced the problem to a switchover at manufacturers during the COVID-19 pandemic, saying that this supplier’s circuit boards are “extremely prone to high-current short circuits”. Ford advises owners to park their cars outside and away from structures, but says they can still drive the vehicle until needed replacement parts are available in September.
In June, Ford recalled nearly 49,000 of its Mustang Mach-E electric vehicles due to battery safety issues, and put the deliveries on hold until a solution was found. According to InsideEVdealers now have access to a software update that fixes the issue, and Ford will roll out a wireless update at a later date.