Ford Recalls 40K+ Vehicles in US, Confirms NHTSA

April 11, 2024 : Ford Motor Company (Ford) is initiating a recall encompassing over 42,652 Bronco Sport and Escape sports utility vehicles (SUVs) within the United States. This action, announced by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) on April 10th, 2024, stems from a potential issue with the vehicles’ fuel injectors.

According to the NHTSA, the crux of the problem lies with the fuel injectors, which are components responsible for delivering pressurized fuel into the engine cylinders. These injectors may be susceptible to cracking, potentially leading to fuel leaks within the engine compartment.

A fuel leak poses a significant safety risk. Leaked fuel can ignite upon contact with a heat source, potentially triggering a fire within the vehicle. To mitigate this danger, Ford is urging affected vehicle owners to schedule immediate service appointments at authorized dealerships.

The repair process for the recalled vehicles will involve a two-pronged approach. Firstly, dealership technicians will update the engine control software to incorporate a fuel injector leak detection feature. This enhanced software will identify any potential leaks and alert the driver accordingly.

Secondly, dealerships will install a drainage tube to redirect any leaked fuel from the engine compartment. This additional safety measure aims to prevent leaked fuel from accumulating and coming into contact with potential ignition sources.

The NHTSA emphasizes that this recall is precautionary in nature. No accidents or injuries related to this specific fuel injector issue have been reported to date. However, the potential fire risk necessitates a proactive response from both Ford and vehicle owners.

The recall encompasses certain 2022 and 2023 model-year Bronco Sport and Escape SUVs equipped with 1.5-liter EcoBoost engines. Ford is finalizing the notification process and expects to mail recall notices to affected owners in April 2024.

Owners of these vehicles can also contact their nearest Ford dealership or visit the NHTSA website for further information and to verify if their specific vehicle identification number (VIN) is included in the recall.

This incident highlights the importance of timely safety recalls within the automotive industry. By proactively addressing potential issues and conducting thorough repairs, manufacturers can help to ensure the safety of both drivers and passengers on the road.

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