500,000 Ford SUVs at Risk for Engine Fires

The Ford Motor Company announced a new recall Tuesday. The recall affects more than 500,000 Ford Escape SUVs. Ford made the decision to recall the vehicles after numerous reports of engine fires. The engine fires reported thus far have been caused by corrosion of the antilock brake connectors. "Ford said the recall involved 444,880 Escapes from the 2001-2004 model years in the United States, and about 75,000 Escapes in Canada, Mexico and Europe. The recall does not affect hybrid versions of the SUV, the automaker said." (ABC News) At this time, the recall has not being reported by the Internet Auto Guide, although other Ford SUV recalls are listed. 50 engine fires have been reported to Ford due to this situation.

At this time, there are no reports of any accidents or injuries due to the engine fires caused by corrosion of the antilock brake connectors. A plan is in place to rectify the situation. "'We have identified a repair, and owners of affected vehicles will be notified soon,' said Ford spokeswoman Kristen Kinley." (ABC News) According to the Ford Motor Company, the vehicles affected by the recall will have the missing or improperly installed seals on the wiring harness of the antilock brake connector replaced.

When the seals of the wiring harness of the antilock brake connector are not properly installed, or even missing, water, salt, or brake fluid can enter the antilock brake connectors and cause corrosion. As a result of the corrosion, the ABS warning indicator light might come on, or the electrical ABS connector might smoke, melt, or burn. Ford states that vehicles affected by the recall, but showing no sign of corrosion, will have the connectors greased and reconnected. Owners of Ford vehicles can register at the Ford website in order to receive up to date recall notifications regarding their vehicle. Owners of Ford Escape SUVs from the 2001 to 2004 model years can also call Ford at (800) 392-3673. This latest Ford SUV recall comes upon significant changes in the US auto industry, and cutbacks within Ford.

Other recalls involving Ford SUVs involve headlights and speed control on the Expedition and Excursion. Website internetautoguide.com provides the up to date recall information for a wide variety of vehicles. It is also suggested that buyers of both new and used vehicles register their vehicles with the manufacturer. Ford expects that most of the Ford Escapes affected by the recall will show no sign of corrosion.

Sources: ABC News, Internetautoguide.com, Ford Website