WASHINGTON, December 4 (RIA Novosti) - The Ford Motor Company said Monday it is still working to fix problems plaguing its newest Escape SUVs and Fusion sedans. More than 89,000 of its biggest-selling models have been recalled because the engines can overheat and catch fire.
“We have identified an issue and are taking actions in the best interest of our customers,” said Steve Kenner, director of Ford’s Automotive Safety Office. “It is important that affected customers not ignore this recall and contact their dealer as soon as possible.”
According to the recall notice, some drivers reported experiencing high engine temperatures followed by a notice that reads, “Engine Power Reduced to Lower Temps” or “Engine over temp, stop safely.”
Some customers also reported vehicles sounding a chime and illuminating a red light.
“Drivers who see any of these indications should safely pull off the road as soon as possible, turn off the engine and exit the vehicle,” the statement said.
According to media reports, on Friday Ford filed documents with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration indicating it learned about the first fire in a 2013 Escape in early September.
Over the next two months, Ford received eight additional reports of vehicle fires, including one fire in a Fusion sedan. Ford also reported two previously undisclosed fire reports in vehicles that were not yet sold to customers.
The recall comes just days after the 2013 Ford Fusion, which went on sale this fall, was named Green Car of the Year at the Los Angeles Auto Show.
This marks the fourth recall for the 2013 Escape, which debuted in the spring. The car was previously recalled over reported coolant leaks, cracked fuel lines, and wrongly positioned carpet padding that could cause drivers to hit the side of the brake pedal when switching from the accelerator.
The current recall affects 73,320 Escape and 15,833 Fusion SE and SEL models in North America with the 1.6-liter turbocharged Ecoboost engine.
Ford said in a statement it is working on a fix, and is asking owners to contact dealers, who will arrange for complimentary loaner cars until the repairs are made.
