Ford Recalls Over 125,000 Vehicles Due to Engine Failures

What: Ford's Escape, Lincoln Corsair SUVs, and the Maverick compact pickup trucks.

Who: Ford Motor Co.

Why: The recalled Ford vehicles have issues with engine failure that could lead to a fire risk. 

When: Ford initially issued the recall in May; however, they expanded the recall on June 06, 2023, to include other models. 

Where: The recall for the Ford vehicles is taking place in the United States. 

How Can I Identify The Recalled Product?: Drivers can contact a Ford dealership or head to the NHTSA's website and enter their car's 17-digit vehicle identification number to learn if their vehicle is part of the recall. 

Why Have the Ford Vehicles Been Recalled?

According to the report released by the NHTSA, On June 6, 2023, Ford Motor Company(Ford) issued a new recall for three of their vehicles due to engine safety concerns. The auto company has decided to recall 125,322 of certain 2020-2023 Escape, 2022-2023 Maverick, and 2021-2023 Corsair vehicles that are equipped with a 2.5L HEV or a PHEV engine. The report noted that in the event of an engine failure, engine oil, and fuel vapor could potentially be released into the engine compartment. If released, they could accumulate near ignition sources, like the hot engine or the exhaust components, which could result in an engine compartment fire.

In July 2022, Ford issued a similar recall for 100,000 Escape, Corsair, and Maverick in the United States after identifying 23 global reports of fire or smoke after a suspected block or oil pan breach. After the 2022 recall, the motor vehicle company said they were aware of three vehicles that suffered fires after getting the recall repairs. Earlier this year, Ford issued another recall of over 142,000 Lincoln MKC SUVs in the United States due to more fire risks under the car's hood.

 In the recall, Ford advised their drivers to park outside and away from structures until the recall repair was complete to avoid the risk of fire hazards. Drivers of the recalled Lincoln MKC SUVs would need to have an in-line fuse to the battery monitor sensor power circuit. Ford vehicle owners can learn more about the recall here. 

Ford Is Asking Drivers To Stand By for Repairs

As of now, the remedy for the newly recalled vehicles is currently under development and is expected to be available in the third quarter of 2023. As of June 12, 2023, Ford has sent out letters in the mail notifying owners of the safety risk. Until a new remedy can be provided, owners of the recalled vehicles have been advised to look out for unexpected engine noises, notice a reduction in vehicle power, or smoke coming from their engines. If the drivers notice any of the issues, they are advised to park and shut off the vehicle's engine as quickly as possible. 

Once the remedy is available, customers will be mailed a second letter informing them of their next steps. Until then, owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332 for any questions they have regarding their vehicles. This recall expands and replaces recall number 22V-484, and Ford's new number for this recall is 23S27. Ford vehicle owners who previously had their vehicles repaired under the old 22V-484 recall number will need to complete the new remedy provided to ensure their cars are safe to drive.

Ford Owners Can Talk to an Attorney To Learn More

As mentioned, vehicle owners can contact Ford for more information regarding their most recent vehicle recalls, or they can visit the NHTSA's website, NHTSA.gov/recalls, and enter their car's 17-digit vehicle identification number(VIN) to learn if their vehicle has been affected by a recent recall. Drivers can also call NHTSA's Vehicle Safety Hotline at 888-327-4236 to learn more. If you or a loved one have been injured due to the recently recalled Ford vehicles or want to learn more about recalls or your legal options, you can contact a Morgan & Morgan attorney today.