If it seems as if Ford is constantly recalling its newly launched 2013 Escape crossover, it’s because it is.
After two recall actions in July, the first affecting 8,266 models to fix carpet padding that could get in the way of braking, and the second around 11,500 models with the 1.6-liter EcoBoost engine over a potential fire risk, the Blue Oval has issued a third recall, again due to a fire hazard for the same engine.
This time, Ford said that the recall affects 6,146 units of the 2013 Escape manufactured from October 5, 2011, through August 31, 2012, and equipped with the 1.6-liter EcoBoost inline four-cylinder turbo engine, because the cylinder head cup plug (freeze plug) may become dislodged resulting in significant loss of engine coolant.
“As leaking engine coolant evaporates on the hot engine, the glycol may ignite causing an engine compartment fire,” Ford told the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
An additional 1,300 vehicles sold in Canada are also affected by the same recall.
Ford said that it will begin notifying owners with the recall to begin on, or about, September 10, 2012. The company’s dealers will seal the existing plug and add a secondary plug cover, free of charge, to resolve the problem.
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