The United States investigates Ford's recall of 42,000 Bronco and Escape SUVs due to fuel leaks.

US Authorities Probe Ford's Recall of 42,000 Bronco and Escape SUVs Over Fuel Leak Concerns. The investigation follows Ford's recall announcement, citing potential fuel leakage risks in the vehicles. The move aims to ensure consumer safety and assess the extent of the issue. Regulatory scrutiny intensifies amidst growing concerns over automotive safety standards and manufacturer accountability.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) announced on Friday that it has initiated an investigation into Ford Motor's recall of over 42,000 SUVs due to potential fuel leaks that could pose a risk of engine fires. The auto safety regulator stated that it is assessing the effectiveness and safety implications of Ford's proposed recall solution for the 2022-2023 model year Bronco Sport and 2022 Ford Escape SUVs equipped with 1.5L engines.

Ford has announced a new recall for a fuel injector that may develop cracks and lead to fuel leakage, potentially resulting in underhood fires. In response to the issue, Ford has proposed an engine control software update and the installation of a drain. However, Ford does not intend to replace the cracked fuel injector as part of the recall.

Ford confirmed on Friday that it is collaborating with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to assist in their investigation into the matter. While acknowledging the occurrence of five underhood fires in vehicles equipped with 1.5L engines within the recall population, Ford has stated that there have been no reports of accidents or injuries associated with this issue.

The software update will be designed to detect a drop in fuel rail pressure, triggering a "seek service" message for the driver. Additionally, it will deactivate the high-pressure fuel pump, reduce engine power output, and lower temperatures of potential ignition sources.

In a related development, in 2022, Ford recalled nearly 522,000 2020-2023 Ford Escape and 2021-2023 Ford Bronco Sport vehicles for the same fuel leak issue, employing the same remedy, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

Ford informed NHTSA in late 2022 that it had received 54 reports of underhood fires in 2020-2022 Bronco Sport and Escape vehicles equipped with the 1.5L engine in North America, along with reports of four injuries sustained in two incidents.

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Reporting by David Shepardson in Washington and Nathan Gomes in Bengaluru; Editing by Anil D'Silva and Aurora Ellis

Source: Reuters‍