Ford Motor Company, in cooperation with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), is recalling 6,146 Escape vehicles due to a defect in the engine cooling system that can result in an engine fire. The cylinder head cup plug, also known as the freeze plug, can become dislodged, causing a significant amount of engine coolant to leak onto the hot engine. As the engine coolant evaporates, chemicals within it can ignite and cause a fire in the engine compartment.
The affected vehicles include model year 2013 Ford Escape SUVs equipped with 1.6L engines that were produced from October 5, 2011 through August 31, 2012. Ford will notify owners of the recall and dealers will add a secondary plug cover, as well as seal the existing plug, at no-cost.
The recall was expected to start on or around September 10, 2012. Owners can call Ford Motor Company at (866) 436-7332 for more information and may also call the NHTSA Vehicle Safety Hotline at (888) 327-4236. The Ford recall campaign number is 12S39.
If you or a loved one has been injured as the result of a vehicle defect in New Jersey, the knowledgeable New Jersey auto product liability attorneys at Blume Forte can investigate the details of your injury accident and determine whether your potential claim has merit. To learn more about your legal rights and options, contact our office for a no-cost consultation at 973-845-4421.