For the third time, Ford is recalling its 2013 Ford Escape SUVs because a part incorrectly installed could ultimately generate a fire in the engine. Approximately 7,600 2013 model year Escapes—6,150 in the U.S. and 1,300 in Canada–built from October 2011 through August 2012 and have a 1.6 liter EcoBoost engine are involved in this recall. The reason for the recall is that a manually installed cup plug on the engine cylinder head can loosen causing engine coolant to leak and the engine to overheat and catch fire. Coolant contains combustible ethylene glycol. The cup plug was formerly installed manually in England and the part is now installed with automated machinery. Ford says this recall is unrelated to the previous recall of 11,500 Ford Escapes due to a fuel line defect (which could also cause an engine fire). This most recent recall came to light when a car on a dealer lot spontaneously combusted due to a “dislodged” plug. It is believed that possible evaporation of water in the engine coolant resulting in a more concentrated and combustible form of ethylene glycol. Another fire in July 2011 was also involved a vehicle with a missing plug. Through August 2012, Ford had sold more than 177,000 Escape SUVs, an increase in sales of approximately five percent over last year. This is a safety-related defect. If you have one of these Escapes, get it to your dealer as soon as possible. Your Ford (or any car) should not spontaneously combust. For more information on automobile defects and recalls, see: http://www.nhtsa.gov
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