Excerpts from abcnews.go.com:
Ford has announced a recall of nearly 43,000 small SUVs due to a potential fire hazard caused by fuel leaks from the fuel injectors. The issue arises when gasoline or vapor accumulates near hot engine components, posing a risk of ignition. However, the recall does not involve replacing the faulty fuel injectors directly.
The affected models include certain 2022 and 2023 Bronco Sport SUVs, as well as 2022 Escape models, all equipped with 1.5-liter engines. According to Ford’s filings with U.S. safety regulators, cracks in the fuel injectors could lead to fuel leakage, which may come into contact with ignition sources under the hood.
To address the problem, dealers will install a tube that directs fuel away from hot surfaces and onto the ground beneath the vehicle. Additionally, they will update the engine control software to detect pressure drops in the fuel system. If detected, the software will disable the high-pressure fuel pump, reduce engine power, and lower temperatures in the engine compartment, as outlined in documents published on the NHTSA website.
Owners are expected to receive notification letters starting April 1. Ford has reported five instances of under-hood fires and 14 warranty replacements for fuel injectors, but no crashes or injuries have been recorded so far.
In an email, Ford stated that it is not replacing the fuel injectors because it believes the current repair measures will prevent failures and keep customers safe. The updated software will also trigger a warning light on the dashboard, allowing drivers to safely pull over and seek assistance. According to NHTSA documents, the issue affects only about 1% of the affected vehicles.
Furthermore, Ford will extend the warranty coverage for cracked fuel injectors, ensuring that owners who encounter the issue can get replacements. While repairs are already available, details about the extended warranty will be released in June.
This recall is part of an ongoing effort that began in 2022 for the same issue. Ford claims that the repair method has already been tested on vehicles from the previous recall and that no problems have been reported.
Despite the recall, Ford has not advised owners to park their vehicles exclusively outdoors, as there is no evidence that fires occur when the engine is off. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has stated it will monitor the effectiveness of the recall through field data, even though it doesn’t have the authority to pre-approve recall fixes. Owners with questions are encouraged to reach out to their local dealership or Ford directly.
Wuxi Wushi Machinery Factory , https://www.cnrollmill.com