CNN
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Ford announced another SUV recall, this time affecting about 520,000 Ford Escape and Bronco Sport compacts in the United States. According to Ford and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, potential cracks in the vehicles fuel line could lead to underhood fires in some cars.
A total of 634,000 SUVs are being recalled for the issue worldwide, the company said.
Specifically, the fuel injector may crack in certain model year 2022 through 2023 and 2021 through 2023 Bronco Sports Escapes that are equipped with the 1.5-liter 3-cylinder turbocharged engine. This could allow fuel or fuel vapors to leak onto hot parts of the vehicle and start a fire.
Ford does not suggest that owners stop driving their vehicles. The company said it expects the issue to only occur in a very small percentage of vehicles. The company said it is aware of 20 fires that appear to be linked to this new issue.
Some of these same SUVs were involved in an earlier recall that also involved the possibility of a fire. This announced recall in March, implied a potential leak that could allow oil to get to places in the car where it could catch fire.
The majority of vehicles involved in this earlier recall have had the work done to resolve this issue, according to the company. That doesn’t mean they’re immune to the problem of this latest recall, though.
As part of the new recall, Ford dealers will install a software update that will detect a possibly cracked injector. If an injector crack is detected, a warning light will appear on the vehicle’s dashboard and engine power will be reduced. This will allow the driver to find a safe place to pull over, pull over and call for service, Ford said.
Ford dealers will also install a tube that will drain leaked fuel onto the ground and away from hot vehicle surfaces. The necessary work will be carried out at no cost to SUV owners.
Ford said it is arranging for dealerships to offer free pick-up and return of vehicles for necessary repair work. Owners can also bring their vehicles to dealerships themselves.
The Ford Bronco Sport shares much of its engineering with the Ford Escape. It bears no relation to the larger Ford Bronco, a more truck-like SUV that is a competitor to the Jeep Wrangler.