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DETROIT (AP) — The U. S. government’s auto protection company has opened an investigation into a Ford recall for gas leaks due to cracked fuel injectors that can cause engine fires, saying in documents it does not repair the leaks.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said in documents released Friday that the investigation will “evaluate the adequacy and protection consequences of the remedy” specified by Ford in the recall.
The firm acted swiftly, releasing documents detailing the “withdrawal request” just two days after the withdrawal was made public.
The recall covers approximately 43,000 model year 2022 and model year 2023 Ford Bronco Sport SUVs, as well as 2022 Escape SUVs. All are supplied with 1. 5-litre engines.
NHTSA said fuel injectors can crack, causing gas or steam to leak onto hot surfaces in the engine compartment.
The Associated Press reported Wednesday that Ford’s solution to the leaks was to install a drain pipe to keep fuel away from hot surfaces, as well as a software update to detect a pressure drop in the fuel injection system. If this happens, the software will shut down the high-effort fuel pump, decrease engine power, and lower the temperature in the engine compartment. Owners will also receive a “service search” message.
But the U. S. said Friday that Ford’s proposed solution allows fuel to flow from a hollow cylinder head to the floor beneath vehicles. “The recall does not include replacement of the cracked fuel injector,” the firm said.
Ford said Friday that it is cooperating with NHTSA in the investigation.
The company said in documents that it had reported five hood fires and 14 warranty fuel injector replacements, but there were no reports of injuries or injuries.
In an email published Wednesday, Ford said it would not upgrade the fuel injectors because it was confident that recall-like maintenance would “prevent the failure from continuing and protect the customer. “The new software generates a soft warning for the dashboard and allows consumers to drive to a location, stop the vehicle and set up service, the company said. NHTSA filings submitted through Ford imply that the problem only occurs in about 1% of SUVs.
The company also announced that it will increase the warranty for cracked fuel injectors, so that homeowners who experience the problem can get replacements. Repairs are already available and the main points of the extended warranty will be available in June, Ford said.
The recall is an extension of the 2022 recall for the same issue, according to Ford. The fix has already been tested on the cars involved in the previous recall and Ford said it was not aware of any problems.
The company also said it does not recommend that SUVs be parked only outside, as there is no evidence of fires occurring when cars are parked and engines are off.
NHTSA said in documents that in the 2022 recall, which covered about 522,000 Bronco Sports and Escapes, Ford had the same as in the last recall.
Michael Brooks, executive director of the nonprofit Center for Automotive Safety, called Ford’s proposal for fuel leaks a “band-aid recall” and said the company is looking to avoid fuel injector repair costs.
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