Ford Produces Fix in Voluntary Safety Recall of 2013 Escapes, 2013
Fusions with 1.6-liter Engines
DEARBORN, Mich., Dec. 10, 2012 /PRNewswire/ --
- Ford today announced a corrective action to address potential
engine overheating that could result in engine fires in 2013 Ford
Escape SE and SEL models with the 1.6-liter engine and 2013 Ford
Fusion SE and SEL models with the 1.6-liter engine
- Ford will make updates to the cooling system software to better
manage engine temperatures during a unique overheating condition.
Original cooling system design was not able to address a loss of
coolant system pressure under certain operating conditions. The new
software will resolve this issue
- Escapes equipped with the 2.0-liter and 2.5-liter engines are
unaffected as are Fusions equipped with 2.5-liter and hybrid
engines
- Ford remains absolutely committed to continuously improving and
providing the highest-quality vehicles to its customers. When a
potential issue is identified, Ford acts promptly on behalf of
customers
Ford Motor Company (NYSE: F) today announced a
corrective action to address potential engine overheating that
could result in engine fires in SE and SEL models of the 2013 Ford
Escape and Ford Fusion models equipped with 1.6-liter engines. The
vehicles were subjects of a voluntary safety recall announced
Nov. 30.
An intensive, cross-discipline engineering team at Ford worked
to identify the root cause of the extreme engine overheating
condition.
To fix the condition, Ford will make software updates to the
cooling system of the 1.6-liter engine available in the SE and SEL
models of the 2013 Ford Escape and 2013 Ford Fusion. The software
updates will better manage engine temperatures during a unique
overheating condition that could occur under unique operating
conditions. The original cooling system design was not able to
address a loss of coolant system pressure under certain operating
conditions, which could lead to a vehicle fire while the engine was
running.
"We remain absolutely committed to continuously improving and
providing the highest-quality vehicles to our customers. When a
potential issue is identified, we act promptly on behalf of our
customers, as we did this time," said Raj Nair, Ford Group Vice
President, Global Product Development.
Ford is now working to deliver the software and repair procedure
to its dealers. The company will begin notifying customers so they
can schedule service appointments with dealers.
Beginning early next week, customers will be able to get the
software update at their dealer. The time needed for this repair is
less than one-half day. However, due to service scheduling
requirements, a dealer may need the vehicle for a longer period of
time.
Until the cooling software is updated, customers driving 2013
Escape vehicles equipped with the 1.6-liter engine and 2013 Fusion
models equipped with the 1.6-liter engine have been advised to
contact their dealer to arrange for alternative transportation at
no charge.
Some drivers who have experienced high engine temperatures
followed by engine fires have said that their clusters have shown
the message "Engine Power Reduced to Lower Temps" or "Engine over
temp, stop safely." Some also indicated that their instrument
clusters sounded a chime and illuminated a red light.
Ford advised drivers who see any of these indications to safely
pull off the road as soon as possible, turn off the engine and exit
the vehicle.
Notifications have been sent to customers affected by the
recall. Customers also can see if they are affected by the
recall by:
- Checking their 17-digit VIN, located on a label on the driver
door opening, at the base of the windshield on the driver's side of
their vehicle, or on their vehicle registration. In vehicles with
1.6-liter engines, the eighth character will be "X" on Escapes or
"R" on Fusions;
- Logging onto Ford.com, click "View Notices and Recalls" in the
"Support" tab and inputting their VIN;
- Calling 866-436-7332 in the U.S. or 888-222-7814 in
Canada; or
- Contacting a Ford dealer
2013 Escapes equipped with 2.0-liter and the 2.5-liter engines
are unaffected. 2013 Fusions equipped with the 2.5-liter and hybrid
engines are also unaffected – as are all Titanium models.
About Ford Motor Company
Ford Motor Company
a global automotive industry leader based in Dearborn, Mich., manufactures or distributes
automobiles across six continents. With about 172,000 employees and
65 plants worldwide, the company's automotive brands include Ford
and Lincoln. The company provides
financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company. For more
information regarding Ford and its products worldwide, please visit
http://corporate.ford.com.
SOURCE Ford Motor Company