It’s been a rough start for the 2013 Ford Escape and Fusion models. Both are complete redesigns that focus on technology, fuel economy, styling and safety, but it’s that last part that’s wreaked havoc on both. The fourth recall for the Escape, and the first on the Fusion. Read on for more details regarding this recall.
At the heart of the matter is Ford’s 1.6-liter EcoBoost engine. While responsible for two of the previous three recalls, this one is the most serious. Something about it causes it to overheat, and while it isn’t yet clear what the cause is, in some cases it’s led to an under-hood fire. Ford is still working out the repair procedures, but in the mean time, is urging customers to park their cars and contact their local dealer, who will set up alternate transportation until the issue is resolved. Ford is also reimbursing customers for any overheating-related expenses.
2013 Ford Fusion
The recall only affects 1.6-liter EcoBoost-equipped Escapes and Fusions, so if you’re driving a Hybrid or one with the 2.5-liter, 2.0-liter EcoBoost, you’re fine. “Titanium” examples of each are unaffected as well. I suspect it’s either packaging of the engine, or an errantly-placed hose or pressure line which is causing the headaches, and hope Ford figures it out soon. While the redesigns of both vehicles have been quite popular, a string of recalls like this can’t do anything but hurt sales figures in the longer term.
The combined figure of roughly 89,000 includes some 73,320 Escapes and 15,833 Fusions either sold or in the distribution channel in the US and Canada, with most of them residing in the US.
Ford Acts Promptly for Customer Safety by Recalling 2013 Escapes with 1.6-liter Engines and 2013 Fusions with 1.6-liter Engines for Risk of Overheating That May Result in Engine Fires
Ford Motor Company is acting on behalf of its customers by conducting a voluntary safety recall of 2013 SE and SEL model Ford Escape vehicles equipped with the 1.6-liter engine and 2013 SE and SEL model Fusions equipped with the 1.6-liter engine
The recall comes after reports of engines overheating, followed by vehicle fires starting in the engine compartment when the engine is running; no injuries have been reported
Ford is advising owners of these vehicles to contact their dealer immediately for alternative transportation at no cost to the customer; U.S. owners also may call 866-436-7332 and Canadian customers also may call 888-222-7814 for details on securing alternative transportation
Repair procedures are not currently available
Customers can determine whether their vehicle is part of the recall by:
Checking their 17-digit Vehicle Identification Number (VIN); the eighth character will be an “X” on Escapes or an “R” on Fusions,
Logging onto Ford.com, select the “Support” tab, click “View Notices and Recalls” and input their VIN, or
Calling the numbers listed above or contact their dealer
Escapes equipped with the 2.0-liter and the 2.5-liter engines are unaffected as are Fusions equipped with the 2.5-liter and hybrid engines
DEARBORN, Mich., November 30, 2012 – Ford Motor Company today announced a voluntary safety recall of 2013 Ford Escape SE and SEL models equipped with the 1.6-liter engine and 2013 Ford Fusion SE and SEL models equipped with the 1.6-liter engine.
Ford estimates that there are approximately 73,320 Escapes and 15,833 Fusions produced and distributed for sale in the U.S. and Canada with 1.6-liter engines, with most in the U.S. market. The issue does not affect 2013 Escape or 2013 Fusion models with other engines.
Customers driving 2013 Escape vehicles equipped with the 1.6-liter engine and 2013 Fusion models equipped with the 1.6-liter engine are advised to contact their dealer as soon as possible to arrange for alternative transportation at no charge. Repair procedures are not currently available.
Ford is voluntarily recalling these vehicles because of reports of engine overheating, resulting in engine fires while the engine is running. No injuries have been reported.
Some drivers who have experienced high engine temperatures followed by engine fires say that theirclusters have shown the message “Engine Power Reduced to Lower Temps” or “Engine over temp, stop safely.” Some also indicated that their instrument clusters sounded a chime and illuminated a red light.
Drivers who see any of these indications should safely pull off the road as soon as possible, turn off the engine and exit the vehicle. Ford will compensate owners for costs tied to overheating as well.
“We have identified an issue and are taking actions in the best interest of our customers,” said Steve Kenner, director of Ford’s Automotive Safety Office. “It is important that affected customers not ignore this recall and contact their dealer as soon as possible. While we recognize the inconvenience recalls cause our customers, we are taking these actions on their behalf to help ensure their safety.”
Ford is working on a repair procedure. When parts are available, the company will notify customers so they can schedule a service appointment with dealers.
Meanwhile, Ford is advising affected owners to contact a Ford dealer as soon as possible for alternative transportation at no cost to the customer; U.S. owners also may call 866-436-7332 and Canadian customers also may call 888-222-7814 for details on securing alternative transportation.
Customers can see if they are affected by the recall by:
Checking their 17-digit VIN, located on a label on the driver door opening, at the base of the windshield on the driver’s side of their vehicle, or on their vehicle registration. In vehicles with 1.6-liter engines, the eighth character will be “X” on Escapes or “R” on Fusions;
Logging onto Ford.com, click “View Notices and Recalls” in the “Support” tab and input their VIN to determine if their vehicle is part of the recall;
Calling 866-436-7332 in the U.S. or 888-222-7814 in Canada; or
Contacting a Ford dealer
Escapes equipped with 2.0-liter and the 2.5-liter engines are unaffected. Fusions equipped with the 2.5-liter and hybrid engines are also unaffected – as are all Titanium models.
