Ford has issued a voluntary safety recall for all of its 2013 Escape models fitted with a 1.6-liter EcoBoost engine. The vehicles in question are fitted with an underhood fuel line that could split and cause a fire. While none of the approximately 11,500 Escapes equipped with this engine have experienced the problem thus far, the automaker stressed that owners should immediately stop driving them and contact their local dealers. At that point, the dealers will pick up the customer’s Escape and replace it with a free loaner car they will be allowed to use until repairs can be completed on their own vehicle. In its statement on the matter, Ford indicated that there is no danger of an underhood fire unless the engine is running, and that the problem does not exist in any other version of the 2013 Escape.
"We have identified an issue and are taking quick actions in the best interest of our customers," said Ray Nevi, assistant director, Ford Automotive Safety Office. "Our intensive investigation and testing has identified the area of concern and we are moving as quickly as possible to repair vehicles for our customers. In the meantime, it is extremely important that affected customers not ignore this recall and immediately contact their dealer."
According to Nevi, the corrective fix is relatively simple and should take under an hour to complete, pending parts availability. Ford believes that if owners of all the 1.6-liter Escape models take action quickly, the entire process should be completed within two weeks.
