Source: Gasgoo
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) said on May 9 that it had expressed “serious safety concerns” about one of Ford’s recalls. Previously, Ford recalled more than 42,000 SUVs over concerns that fuel leaks could cause engine fires.
NHTSA said last month it was investigating the adequacy of Ford’s proposed recall remedies for two SUVs and their safety consequences. The two vehicles include the 2022-2023 Bronco Sport and the 2022 Ford Escape SUV with a 1.5L engine.
Ford said the fuel injectors in the vehicles could rupture and leak fuel, which could cause a fire under the hood. The company advised owners to update their engine control software and install a drain line. The company does not recommend replacing fuel injectors that can rupture.
Image source: Ford
In an open letter to Ford on May 9, NHTSA said Ford’s plan “Does not address the root cause of the problem, nor does it proactively require owners to replace defective fuel injectors before they fail.” The agency added that it had “Identified significant safety concerns.”
NHTSA has given Ford until June 21 to answer numerous questions about the recall, including how it will determine a remedy. Ford reiterated on May 10 that it was working with NHTSA to support the agency’s investigation.
Ford said last month that there were five cases of hood fires in 1.5L Ruiji and Bronco Sport vehicles under the new recall, but Ford had received no reports of accidents or injuries related to the issue.
The software update will detect a drop in pressure in the fuel rail, issue a “Seek service” warning to the driver, and turn off the high-pressure fuel pump, which reduces engine power output and lowers the temperature of a potential fire source.
NHTSA said that in 2022, Ford recalled nearly 522,000 models 2020 to 2023 Ruiji and 2021 to 2023 Bronco Sport for the same problem and took the same remedy.
