According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), Ford Motor Company is recalling 9,320 Escape vehicles due to a defect in the fuel system, which could cause a fuel leak and increase the risk of a fire and/or personal injury.
The recalled SUVs include model year 2013 Escapes equipped with a 1.6 Liter engine that were manufactured from October 5, 2011 through July 11, 2012. The engine compartment fuel line in these vehicles may split and cause a fuel leak. If the leak is in proximity to an ignition source, the possibility of an engine fire and burn injuries increase.
Ford Motor Co. will notify owners of the recall and instruct them to stop driving their vehicles and to contact a Lincoln or Ford dealer to arrange the pick-up of the defective vehicle as well as a rental car, if necessary. The dealer will replace the vehicle’s engine compartment fuel line at no cost to the owner. For more information, owners can call Ford at (866) 436-7332 or the NHTSA Vehicle Safety Hotline at (888) 327-4236. The Ford recall number is 12S35.
Auto manufacturers are responsible for the safety of their vehicles. If a defect contributes to a traffic accident resulting in an injury, the auto manufacturer may be held liable.
At Blume Forte, our experienced New Jersey fuel system defect lawyers have the knowledge and resources to investigate your accident in order to determine whether you may have a meritorious claim. If you would like to learn more about your legal rights and potential options, contact us for a no-cost consultation at 973-845-4421.