The U.S. auto security regulator mentioned on Friday it was opening a preliminary analysis into 210,960 Ford automobiles following complaints alleging diesel gas leaks which will end in a fireplace.
The Nationwide Freeway Visitors Security Administration mentioned its Workplace of Defects Investigation has obtained 27 complaints, together with 12 stories of fires and a complete of 4 accidents, and that it could examine Ford F-250, 350, 450, and 550 Tremendous Responsibility automobiles outfitted with 6.7L diesel engines of mannequin years 2015-2021.
The company mentioned a fracture within the secondary gas filter within the automobiles might end in a fireplace, because the proximity of the filter to excessive warmth sources creates a possible for auto-ignition thermal occasions and fires.
The NHTSA has contacted the filter’s maker, Allevard Sogefi USA, and mentioned it realized the secondary gas filter is examined to function at diminished ranges of stress through the manufacturing course of, in contrast with the doable most working stress within the gas system of the car.
Ford mentioned it was working with the NHTSA to assist its investigation. Allevard Sogefi USA’s mother or father Sogefi was not instantly obtainable for a remark.
The company’s preliminary analysis is step one to find out whether or not the automobiles pose an unreasonable threat to security. It might shut the investigation with out taking any potential motion.
Individually, the NHTSA mentioned on Thursday it had “vital security considerations” over Ford’s recall of greater than 42,000 SUVs over considerations on gas leaks that would result in an engine hearth.
Whereas Ford had proposed an engine management software program replace and set up of a drain, the NHTSA mentioned the corporate’s plan “doesn’t deal with the basis reason for the problem and doesn’t proactively name for the alternative of faulty gas injectors previous to their failure”.