Ford Recalls 465,000 Vehicles

The Dearborn, MI-based car maker announced on June 3 that it’s recalling 465,000 vehicles because of fuel tank leaks that could cause fires.

The worldwide action affects 2013 Ford Fusion, Explorer, Taurus, Flex, Police Utility, and Police Interceptors. Additionally, 2013 Lincoln MKS, MKT, and MKZ are subject to the recall.

A connector from the fuel tank to the fuel line is the source of the leak, according to the company. Customers could smell gas or see a leak on the ground. Ford said no fires or crashes have been reported because of the problem.

Dealers will replace the fuel delivery module, which includes the connector. Ford said it had received 600 complaints about the fuel leak from customers as of March 31.

Last July, Ford recalled 11,500 of its 2013 Escape SUVs because a defect in the fuel line that could cause a fire. At the time Ford took the unusual step of advising drivers not to even drive the vehicles until they were repaired. There was no such warning with the most recent recall.

About 390,000 of the vehicles are in the U.S., with another 23,000 in Canada, and 7,600 in Mexico. The rest are in Europe, South America, Asia, and other areas.

Ford also announced two smaller recalls. The company is recalling 25 Fusions are at risk of impaired steering or the loss of steering control due the lack of an internal retaining clip. The Fusions are 2013 models.

It has also recalled 500 of its 2013 Lincoln MKZ vehicles because the insulation on the engine block heater can crack at extremely low temperatures. The engine block heater cords on the MKZ and steering gears on the Fusion are being replaced free at dealers this month.

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