In one of the most dramatic actions taken in recent memory as part of a recall campaign, last week, Ford instructed owners of 2013 Escape models equipped with the 1.6-liter EcoBoost engine to not drive their vehicles. The automaker told the owners that their vehicles would be picked up by dealerships for repairs.
The action was taken after two Ford employees and a customer in Canada experienced engine fires. According to a report from Reuters, the source of the engine fires has since been identified. Supplier TI Automotive, which supplies the fuel lines for the 1.6-liter Escape models, had shipped a batch of lines that were "mechanically scored." The compromised fuel lines could split open and leak, leading to engine fires. Ford is reportedly reimbursing dealers up to $660 per vehicle to offset transportation and rental costs.
Approximately 4800 2013 Escape SUVs have been sold to customers in the U.S. and Canada and models fitted with the 1.6-liter EcoBoost engine account for just under half of the total. Escapes equipped with the 2.0-liter EcoBoost and 2.5-liter naturally-aspirated four-cylinder engines are not affected by the recall.