Ford is recalling roughly 85,000 Explorer Police Interceptor Utility autos as a result of the engines might fail prematurely and probably lead to a fireplace.
The Nationwide Freeway Site visitors Security Administration mentioned Friday that the recall is for autos with mannequin years 2020 to 2022 and have 3.3L hybrid or gasoline engines.
The NHTSA mentioned that if an engine failure happens, vital portions of engine oil or gasoline vapor could also be launched into the below hood space and will migrate to and accumulate close to ignition sources, leading to a possible under-hood fireplace, localized melting of parts, or smoke.
The company mentioned that as of July 9, there are 13 studies of below hood fires in North America ensuing from engine block breaches on Explorer PIU autos constructed with 3.3L engines made earlier than June 2, 2022. There are not any studies of fireside ensuing from engine block breaches on non-police autos.
Ford is not conscious of any studies of accident or harm associated to this situation, the report mentioned. The automaker will likely be mailing a letter to automobile homeowners advising them that the investigation is ongoing and that they are going to be contacted when additional data is offered.
Ford may even advise prospects within the letter to securely park and shut off the engine as quickly as attainable after they hear surprising engine noises, or after experiencing an surprising torque discount, or see smoke from the engine compartment.
A service treatment is at the moment being developed. Elements and software program are anticipated to be out there within the second quarter of subsequent yr.