Ford Motor Co. recalls 525,000 units due to risk of power loss and fire
Monday, January 16th, 2012
Ford will be recalling over 270,000 units of 2001-2002 MY Ford Escape due to risks of catching fire. They have also advised owners not to park these vehicles inside their garages at home until the problem is resolved.
The recall also involves 274,368 Ford Escape units which has problems with an electrical connector for the anti-lock brake module. The car manufacturer though disclosed that replacement parts for this may not come until after several months.
The recalls will be implemented after a two year investigation of the NHTSA or National Highway Traffic Safety Administration on the car’s risk for catching fire using some recalled units of Ford Escape.
According to the agency, there were 86 cases of fire reported with Ford Escapes which had been recalled before and serviced. NHTSA details the problem with the potential leaking of the brake fluid to the electrical connector of the ABS module which may lead to corrosion and eventually start a fire.
The root of the problem actually started back in 2007 when the car company had to recall 2001-2004 Escapes because of a misplaced or missing seals for the wiring connector to the ABS module. Ford relates that these vehicles might have not been properly serviced with electrical grease which was part of the recommendation before , and that the vehicles might have not been inspected properly.
Ford has not received reports of injuries caused by the problem. There were also few instances of damages to property due to the faulty Ford Escape.
Ford had major recalls in the recent years for fire risk issues.
Back in August, the company recalled about 1.2 million units of their popular tracks sold in the US and Canada due to fuel tank problem which potentially may hit the ground and spark and cause a fire. Back in 20120, 4.5 million units were also recalled due to cruise control problems also linked to fire risks.