2013 Ford Escape SUVs recalled due to engine fire risk

Consumer Reports News: September 05, 2012 05:38 PM

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Ford Motor Co. has issued a recall for its 2013 Escape sport-utility vehicles in North America. Approximately 6,150 of the redesigned Ford SUVs in the United States and another 1,300 in Canada have an improperly installed plug that may allow engine coolant to leak and possibly catch fire.

This is the third recall of the totally redesigned 2013 Ford Escape SUV, an important new model in the competitive small SUV market.

In mid-July, more than 10,000 new model Escape SUVs were recalled due to improper carpet padding that could interfere with the SUV's pedals. A few days later, another 11,500 2013 Escapes were recalled due to fire risks from potentially leaky fuel lines.

Consumer Reports has bought both the 2013 Ford Escape SE and 2013 Escape Titanium SUVs for testing and evaluation. Our initial impressions of both SUVs have been favorable—although the SE model was part of July's recall due to fuel line leakage. (See our report and video: "2013 Ford Escape impresses at the track.")

According to a Ford spokesperson, it is unlikely for the coolant plug to become loose and an "even lower likelihood" of an engine fire. The company says replacement parts to correct the possible coolant leak are now available at local Ford dealerships and the repairs to recalled Ford Escapes are expected to take about 3-1/2 hours.

For more information, consumers can contact Ford Motor company's toll-support number (866-436-7332) or visit the NHTSA website: www.SaferCar.gov.

Sources:
Recall: 2013 Ford Escape SUV - Engine and engine cooling Campaign #: 12V431000 [NHTSA]
Ford recalls new Escape for 3rd time, citing fire risk [Chicago Tribune]
Ford recalling 2013 Escape for fire risks [Detroit News]
Ford recalls new Escape again, citing fire risk [Reuters]

—Paul Eng