The engine fire recall affects over 360,000 vehicles in North America and Europe. In North America, it includes:
- Escape SUV model year 2014
- Fiesta ST model years 2014 and 2015
- Fusion model years 2013 and 2014
- Transit Connect van model years 2013-2015
In Europe, the recall affects:
- C-Max hybrid model years 2010-2015
- Focus model years 2010-2015
- Transit Connect van model years 2013-2015
All recalled vehicles have 1.6-liter four-cylinder turbocharged engines.
A lack of coolant circulation could cause the engine to overheat, forcing a crack in the cylinder head through which oil can leak, resulting in an engine fire. Ford said it has received at least 29 reports of fires in the U.S. and Canada.
Owners can continue to drive the vehicles safely and park them in garages or other structures, a Ford spokesperson said. The company is mailing vehicle owners instructions on how to check and refill coolant.
Dealers will also check coolant levels for owners free of charge. If vehicles leak coolant or overheat, they should be taken to a dealer as soon as possible.
Ford is also adding 211,000 vehicles to a 2015 recall to replace defective door latches that can break, either stopping the doors from closing or causing them to open while being driven.
That recall covers the 2014 Fiesta and the 2013 and 2014 Fusion and Lincoln MKZ. The expansion brings the total from the 2015 recall to nearly 757,000.
Source: ABC News