Federal investigators are expressing concerns about a recent Ford SUV recall that fails to address gasoline leaks leading to engine fires. The U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has requested detailed information from Ford regarding a March 8 recall of nearly 43,000 Bronco Sport and Escape SUVs from 2022 and 2023. The SUVs have fuel injectors prone to cracking, allowing gas or vapor to leak near hot engine parts, posing a fire risk. The agency believes the current remedy does not address the root cause of the issue.
Ford’s solution for the leaks involves adding a drain tube to remove gas away from hot surfaces and a software update to detect changes in fuel injection pressure, which would disable the high-pressure fuel pump and reduce engine power if needed. However, the agency is seeking clarification on Ford’s testing to verify the effectiveness of this fix and whether any hardware repairs are necessary. Safety advocates have criticized Ford for opting for a cheaper fix that drains gasoline to the ground instead of replacing the faulty fuel injectors.
NHTSA has asked Ford to provide details on how the software will detect a fuel pressure drop, the time interval between cracking and detection, and the impact of disabling the high-pressure fuel pump on other parts of the fuel system. The agency is also inquiring about the amount of fuel leakage, compliance with environmental standards, and Ford’s obligations to prevent fuel leakage on roadways. Ford must submit the requested information by June 21, and depending on the investigation’s outcome, additional repairs may be required. Ford has reported incidents of under-hood fires and warranty replacements of fuel injectors but no crashes or injuries.
Ford has expressed confidence in the recall repairs, stating that the new software triggers a warning light when issues arise, allowing drivers to stop the vehicle safely and seek service. The company will extend warranty coverage for cracked fuel injectors and offer replacements to affected owners. The recall is an extension of a previous 2022 recall for the same issue, and repairs have already been tested without any reported problems. Ford also clarified that there is no evidence to suggest fires occur when the vehicles are parked outdoors with the engines turned off.
Overall, the NHTSA’s investigation into the Ford SUV recall highlights concerns about the adequacy of the current fix for fuel leaks leading to engine fires. Ford’s response includes adding a drain tube and a software update to detect pressure changes, but the agency is seeking detailed information on testing and potential hardware repairs. The recall extension and warranty coverage for cracked fuel injectors aim to address any lingering issues, with Ford maintaining confidence in the recall repairs’ effectiveness. The investigation’s outcome could lead to additional repairs or modifications to better prevent fuel leaks and protect SUV owners from potential safety risks.
