Ford To Offer Software Fix In Recall Of Fusion And Escape Vehicles

According to a Ford press release from December 10, "an intensive, cross-discipline engineering team" discovered the root of the problem lay in "an original cooling system design [that] was not able to address a loss of coolant system pressure under certain operating conditions, [and] which could lead to a vehicle fire while the engine was running."

To address the problem, Ford plans "software updates to the cooling system" which "will better manage engine temperatures during a unique overheating condition that could occur under unique operating conditions."

Ford says it expects to have the software update at its dealerships by early January, and that the fix should take less than half-day to complete. Until then, Ford is advising its Fusion and Escape owners affected by the recall "to contact their dealer to arrange for alternative transportation at no charge."

In early December, Ford announced the recall of 15 833 current-model Fusion sedans and 73 320 Escape crossover vehicles in the U.S. and Canada manufactured from February 3, 2012 through November 29, 2012 because their 1.6-liter engines could overheat and catch fire. Ford had received reports of twelve vehicles catching fire since the vehicles were first sold.

According to the December 3 recall notice, "the engines may overheat leading to fluid leaks that may come in contact with the hot exhaust system." When Ford made the announcement, it had not isolated the cause of the problem, or, in as stated in the recall notice, "a remedy for this recall campaign is still under development."

Ford said that it was working on a fix "which is designed to keep the fluids from reaching the hot exhaust components." Until then, drivers were warned to pull to the side of the road and exit the vehicle if their instrument cluster indicated, "Engine power reduced to lower temps" or "Engine over temp, stop safely." Ford promised to "compensate owners for costs tied to overheating."

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