My grandfather owns a 2022 Ford Escape with a 1.5-liter inline 3-cylinder engine and an 8-speed automatic transmission. He is a great fan of Ford cars, so I decided to gift him a Ford Escape on his 75th birthday. He was very happy receiving the birthday gift.
But now, my grandfather has to get rid of this car as Ford has issued a recall due to a problem with fuel leaks that could heighten the risk of the vehicle catching on fire. Ford Motor Co. has had more recalls than any other car company this year.
This is the 88th recall filed with the NHTSA since January. To fix the problem, this time, the Dearborn-based automaker will lose around $570 million, which is equal to its second-quarter earnings.
Let’s discuss the complete report.
How Many Ford Vehicles Are Affected in this Recall?
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), Ford is recalling 694,271 SUVs in the United States and its territories.
Ford spokesman Mike Levine claimed that in the United States alone, the recall affects around 687,000 vehicles.
These vehicles include;
- 2021–24 Ford Bronco Sport
- 2020-22 Ford Escape SUVs with 1.5-liter engines
Levine added that about 858,000 vehicles globally are part of the recall. It adds one more name to the list: 2019-24 Ford Kuga. According to NHTSA, it is estimated that around 0.3% of recalled vehicles may have the issue.
If you want to learn about other major recalls affecting the Ford Escape, check out this recall report.
What is the Reason Behind the Recall?
After a yearlong investigation, the National Highway Traffic Administration said in a July 14 filing that the 2020-22 Ford Escape, including other vehicles that are being recalled, are facing fuel leaks that could heighten the risk of the car catching fire.
Owners may notice a strong fuel smell inside or outside the vehicle, smoke, instrument panel warnings, or visible flames.
Why are Ford Vehicles Facing the Problem of Fuel Leaks?
According to the NHTSA filing, there may be a crack in the fuel injectors, causing fuel to leak into the engine compartment and possibly ignite.
Other Potential Reasons for Fuel Leaks
- Faulty Fuel Lines: Fuel lines are the pipes that carry fuel from the tank to the engine. Over time, these pipes get corroded or damaged due to normal wear and tear, causing the leak.
- Damaged Fuel Pump: If there is a crack in the fuel pump, it can leak fuel into the engine compartment. It can damage the engine.
- Issue with the Fuel Cap: The fuel cap is responsible for sealing the fuel tank. If the fuel cap is damaged, it will allow fuel to leak out of the tank.
- Ageing: One of the most common reasons for a fuel leak is the deterioration of fuel components. Over time, fuel system parts, like fuel lines and connectors, degrade, leading to leaks.
How to Spot a Fuel Leak?
The most obvious sign of a fuel leak is the smell of the fuel around your car. If you notice liquid pouring beneath your vehicle that has a strong gasoline odor, you should immediately call the mechanic to fix the issue.
Make sure not to touch or sniff the liquid as it can be harmful. Poor fuel economy is another indication of a fuel leak. If you notice that you’re refuelling your vehicle more frequently than usual, there must be a hidden leak.
Have any Ford Vehicles Really Caught Fire Due to the Fuel Leak Issue?
Yes, around eight vehicles experienced an underhood fire due to a fuel leak issue. Before the number gets bigger, Ford issued the recall to fix the problem as soon as possible. Thankfully, there is no news about injuries from the underhood fire.
During an interview with the Detroit Free Press, Mike Levine claimed that the automaker is not aware of any injuries from fire.
Ford Vehicles have been Facing this Issue Since 2022
What does it mean?
It means this is not the first time Ford vehicles have faced the fuel leak issue. In 2022 and 2024, the automaker recalled around 42,000 cars for the same issue. At that time, Ford didn’t solve the root cause of the problem.
That is why the issue appeared again in the vehicles this year. According to a report by Reuters, an internal committee had just recommended a software update and a drain tube to redirect fuel away from ignition sources instead of replacing the faulty fuel injectors.
According to the NHTSA report, these faulty fuel injectors are supplied by an Italy-based company, Dumarey Flowmotion Technologies.
Why is Ford Struggling with the Quality of its Vehicles?
Ford Motor Co. topped all other automakers in the number of recalls filed this year. According to the NHTSA data, this is Ford’s 88th recall filed since January.
The automaker has been struggling with the quality of its vehicles for the past several years; in fact, it has topped in recall filings since 2020.
Why is that?
During Jim Farley’s CEO tenure at Ford in October 2020, maintaining quality and lowering warranty costs were top priorities. So far, Farley has been unsuccessful in achieving that. He had to pay a huge price for not hitting company-set quality improvement targets, such as his compensation fell by $1.6 million compared with 2023.
In the NHTSA history, Ford paid the second-highest civil penalty of $165 million in November 2024 as part of a three-year consent order. In 2021, NHTSA started the investigation and found that the automaker didn’t issue a recall for vehicles with defective rearview cameras on time.
NHTSA also claimed that Ford failed to provide accurate recall information as per the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act requirements.
According to some safety advocates, Ford is having more recalls because of a consent order that forces the company to follow specific safety rules. Since the automaker is facing difficulties in meeting these requirements, it’s recalling more vehicles.
How will Ford Fix the Issue in this Recall?
After learning from their prior mistakes, Ford has decided to include a new remedy for the fuel leak issue in this safety recall. Ford’s Levine made a statement that the new remedy is currently under development and expected to be finalized soon.
The recall will include an interim software update, which will help to detect the cracked fuel injectors and mitigate fire risk.
What You Should Do in the Recall?
During the safety recall, Ford owners should immediately take their vehicles to an authorized dealer to fix the issue as soon as possible. The dealers will update the engine control software free of charge until a mechanical repair is determined.
You may also contact Ford customer service at 866-436-7332.
How Can You Prevent Fuel Leak Issues in Your Ford Escape?
Regular maintenance is the key to preventing future leaks. Make sure to have your fuel tank and lines inspected during routine services to catch any potential problems early. You should also avoid driving over debris or potholes.
Last but not least, ensure you’re using high-quality fuel that won’t corrode your fuel system.
Wrapping Up
A heartfelt gift for my grandfather has now turned into a cautionary tale. Ford’s ongoing battle with the fuel leak issue since 2022 isn’t just about faulty fuel injectors; it’s about quality and the responsibility every automaker has to its customers.
With around 858,000 vehicles affected globally and $570 million in recall-related costs, the recall clearly shows that loyal Ford fans deserve better. Whether you’re owning a 2020 Ford Escape or a newer Bronco Sport, after the recall news, you should immediately take your vehicle to an authorized dealer to fix the issue as soon as possible.
However, Ford is still working on a long-term fix and will soon come up with a new remedy for this fuel leak issue. For now, the dealers will update the engine control software free of cost.
After hearing all the recall news, you must be in doubt whether you should buy a Ford Escape SUV. You can check out my previous article on (Ford Escape years to avoid) to make the right decision.
Safe Driving!
Sources: Detroit Free Press, Edmunds, Timber Towing And Recovery, NC Complete Auto Care
