Ford is recalling the current-generation Escape for engine fires, according to the company and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). This is the fifth such recall, involving some 400,000 Escape vehicles in the United States, since the compact SUV made its debut for 2013.
The 2014 Escape, along with the 2014?2015 Fiesta ST, the 2013?2014 Fusion, and the 2013?2015 Transit Connect, have a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine that, due to a leaky coolant system, can overheat, crack the cylinder head, and then leak oil. A total of 208,584 cars are affected in the United States.
A November 2013 recall addressed this same problem on 140,000 Escape models from 2013, the first model year of the car?s redesign and the first application of the 1.6-liter engine. A December 2012 recall, also on 2013 Escape models, addressed the coolant leaks. Ford recalled the 2013 Escape two more times for fuel lines on the 1.6-liter engine that could split and leak gasoline. The company said it is aware of at least 29 reported engine fires in the U.S. and Canada. Ford previously modified the cooling system and installed new software to prevent overheating, but this time it doesn’t appear to have a fix to plug the leaks. Instead, Ford will mail instructions to owners reminding them to check their coolant levels, refill the coolant, and schedule service if the coolant ?frequently? needs to be topped off. Later, dealers will install coolant-level sensors on all the aff...