Fire Issues Prompt Seventh Ford Escape Recall

For the seventh time since its redesign for the 2013 model year, the Ford Escape SUV is being recalled, this time for potential oil and fuel leaks that could lead to fires.

Filed through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the service action is a combination of two separate recalls, the first covering more than 160,000 Escape SUVs equipped with Ford’s 1.6 liter engine option for faulty cylinder heads that can overheat and crack, resulting in oil leaks that could cause engine fires.

To date, 13 fires resulting from oil leaks have been reported by owners, though there have been no reports of injuries.

The second recall affects approximately 12,000 Escape models which may have had their fuel lines improperly installed. An earlier recall announced last year attempted to prevent fuel lines from chaffing and leaking, but the problem appears to have persisted, requiring Ford to issue a second fix. Even models that received the previous recall fix were found to have fuel lines that could develop leaks.

Escape owners will receive recall notifications starting in January, at which time they will be instructed to take their vehicles to the nearest Ford dealership for repairs, which will be made at no cost.

For more than a year, the Ford Escape has suffered through several safety defects, ranging from improperly installed floor mats that could lead to pedal entrapment and unintended acceleration to coolant leaks that could cause serious engine fires. In their first fuel line recall, Ford even advised owners to stop driving their vehicles immediately until repairs could be made. Nevertheless, the Escape continues to be one of best sellers within its class.

Other troubled systems like the MyFordTouch and MyLincolnTouch infotainment systems have also created the need for repeated service actions from Ford, which has started to drop in quality and reliability surveys after receiving top marks in past years.

As an Escape owner, or any vehicle owner, if you receive notice of a recall, it is important to respond quickly to ensure your safety. When a recall is announced, a regularly appearing defect has been identified with the potential to lead to accidents or injuries if left untouched.

By delaying your recall response, you will expose yourself to the threat of harm, even in otherwise normal driving conditions. In virtually all cases, recalls are offered at no cost to owners, eliminating any financial concerns that could prevent repairs from being made.

If you’ve been injured in accident as a result of a vehicle defect not covered by recall however, you may have the right to legal action. Depending on the circumstances that surround your case, you may be able to receive compensation to help pay for the damages you’ve suffered.

At AA Accident Attorneys, we understand your legal rights, and can help you recover everything that you need to get back on your feet. As always, we will not charge you for any of our services until your case is won; if we are unable to collect on your case, then you will not owe us anything.

If you’d like more information about what a personal injury lawyer can do for you, or for a free evaluation to discuss your options, call us today at 800-260-2577. We are available to take your call seven days a week, any time day or night.

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