United States: Ford recalls 39,000 SUVs after engine fire

By David Shepherdson

WASHINGTON (Reuters) – Ford announced on Thursday it was recalling 39,000 SUVs after 16 fires, and advised owners to park their vehicles outside the structures until a solution is found.

The 2021 model year will affect the recall of Ford Expedition and Lincoln Navigator vehicles, the second-largest U.S. automaker said, even if the ignition is turned off and there is a risk of engine compartment fire while driving or at the station.

One Ford was injured, but no fires were reported, and 14 of the 16 vehicles involved belonged to rental car companies.

The company said it was working to establish the cause of the incidents and find a solution to address them.

This year, Ford issued 30 recall requests covering 3.5 million vehicles in the United States.

Two more recalls were issued this week affecting 310,000 2016 model year F-250, F-350, F-450 and F-550 Super Duty trucks. Dust on the steering wheel clock spring can cause the electrical connection to be disconnected. The driver’s airbags are not used properly. Ford has not received any reports of injuries related to these models.

Ford is also updating the software for the 2021 464 Mustang Mach-E AWD, as one of the powertrain control modules may not detect a software error, resulting in unplanned acceleration.

(French version edited by Tina Cartid, Kate Entering)