Ford and Lincoln Recall Issued Due to Fire Risk

About 390,783 Ford and Lincoln vehicles from the 2013 model year have been recalled due to problems with a fuel delivery module, which may develop cracks and allow fuel to leak, posing a potential fire risk.  

Ford Motor Company announced the 2013 Ford and Lincoln vehicle recall (pdf) on June 3, after detecting the fuel system problems, which could result in a fire if leaking fuel is exposed to an ignition source.

The auto maker indicates that components may lead to a crack in the outlet port fitting over time. If consumers smell a strong fuel odor or see fuel on the ground under the fuel system, it may be a sign that their vehicle is at risk.

The potential for a fuel leak was discovered during vibration testing by Ford. During the test, small surface cracks were found that could expand to a large enough size to cause leaks.

To date, no incidents or vehicle fires have been reported in relation with the fuel leaks, but the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports there is no way to know how many of the 390,783 recalled vehicles are affected with the current defect.

The Ford fuel system recall consists of the following 2013 models; Explorer, Flex, Fusion, Police Interceptor sedan, Police Interceptor utility, Taurus, Lincoln MKS, Lincoln MKT, and Lincoln MKZ.

The fuel delivery modules in the recalled vehicles were supplied to Ford by DENSO International America Inc. of Southfield, Michigan.

This is the second major Ford recall due to fire risk in less than a year. In December of 2012, Ford recalled 89,000 vehicles from their 2013 model year, including Ford Escape crossover SUV’s and Fusion vehicles, suggesting that it is not safe for owners to continue to drive them due to the risk of overheating engines, which may catch fire.

Ford announced they anticipate the latest recall to be initiated on July 15, and plan to replace the fuel delivery module at Ford and Lincoln dealers upon the owners scheduled appointments. Owners of the recalled models may contact Ford Motor Company Customer Relationship Center at 1-866-436-7332 or contact the NHTSA Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 for further inquiry.

Photo Courtesy of noelweathers via Flickr CC by 2.0