Even though the third-generation Ford Escape is one great-looking, fast-selling, tech-laden, well-rounded, and enjoyable crossover, it also seems to be a glutton for recalls. By this point, the amount of problems that have been reported and/or fixed is numerous, and includes such items as child locks, a few engine-related issues, as well as one related to the crossover’s carpet. Unfortunately, the 2013 Escape is the subject of two more recalls, bringing the total amount of recalls affecting The Blue Oval’s all-new compact CUV to seven in a single model year. Both of the two new recalls affect the 1.6 liter turbo-charged EcoBoost engine.
1. (Another) 1.6 Liter EcoBoost Overheating Recall
The problem: according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, vehicles “may experience localized overheating of the engine cylinder head which may cause cracks that could allow oil to leak”. If that oil leaks onto the hot engine, it could start a fire. To note, this recall is in addition to a previous one that outlined overheating issues. That could mean that for some of the vehicles included in this recall could be on their second visit to the shop for a similar issue.
Affected vehicles: 2013 Ford Escape with the 1.6 liter EcoBoost engine built between between October 5, 2011 and June 2, 2013.
Number of vehicles potentially affected: 139,917 units.
The fix: owners should begin receiving notifications of the recall around January 23, 2014. After receiving the recall notice, owners should take their Escape to a Ford dealer, where it will be inspected and the appropriate adjustments to the engine shielding, cooling, and control systems made free of charge.
Contacts: owners can contact Ford at 866-436-7332 (Ford recall number 13S12) or the NHTSA at 888-327-4236 (recall campaign #13V583000).
2: Original 1.6 Liter EcoBoost Recall, Recalled
The problem: months ago, Ford initiated a recall to fix a possibly-defective fuel line in the 2013 Escape. The faulty fuel line could potentially leak gasoline into the engine compartment, causing a fire. Today’s second recall is to fix a mistake made during the recall initiated months ago. As it turns out, the original fix was problematic, since the 9,469 vehicles that were repaired as part of the recall might not be any better than they were previously. “In some cases, the engine compartment fuel line may have been installed incorrectly when repaired under the prior recall. The misinstalled fuel line could chafe and eventually leak fuel.”
Affected vehicles: 2013 Ford Escape that was the subject of the initial fuel line recall.
Number of vehicles potentially affected: 9,469 units.
The fix: Ford will alert owners of the recall around January 23, 2014. After receiving the recall notice, owners should take their vehicles to a Ford dealer, where its fuel line will be examined and replaced, if necessary. Both the inspection and any replacements will be completed free of charge.
Contacts: owners can contact Ford at 866-436-7332 (Ford recall number 13S12) or the NHTSA at 888-327-4236 (recall campaign #13V584000).
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