Fire Risks Force Ford to Recall 100,000 SUVs and Trucks

Ford (and the people who drive its popular sport utility vehicles) has a fire problem on its hands.

The company recently announced that it is expanding an earlier recall of Ford Expeditions and Lincoln Navigators that the automaker says could go up in flames.

“In the event of an engine failure, engine oil and/or fuel vapor may leak and accumulate under the hood of your vehicle,” Ford explained in a letter to owners of the recalled cars. “Engine oil and/or fuel vapor that accumulates near a combustible source may ignite, increasing the risk of a fire.”

The recall covers certain 2020-2022 Ford Escapes, 2021-2022 Lincoln Corsairs and 2022 Mavericks equipped with 2.5-liter hybrid or plug-in hybrid powertrains. It now expanded to about 100,000 vehicles, months after the company initially called back some 39,000 vehicles over the issue.

Ford is asking owners of recalled cars to bring their vehicles to a local dealer for inspection and repair. The process is expected to take less than two hours, according to Ford.

The company also instructed dealers to fix the defect on recalled cars that have yet to be sold.

Ford Defects Increase Accident Risks

Recalls are unfortunately all too common for Ford and other car manufacturers. While Ford said it was not aware of any accidents or injuries caused by the engine issue, manufacturers regularly call back vehicles for a wide range of defects that put everyone on the road at risk.

In March, for example, Ford announced that it was calling back 18,000 sport utility vehicles at risk of engine fires if the cars are involved in crashes. 

More recently, the company issued a stop sale order on certain Bronco sport utility vehicles because of defective child locks. And the company recalled nearly 50,000 Mustang Mach-E vehicles over a defect that could cause the electric cars to lose power without warning.

Know Your California Lemon Law Rights

There is some good news for Ford and other vehicle owners in California. The state’s lemon law offers some important protections against being stuck with a defective or malfunctioning vehicle.

The lemon law forces carmakers to do a wide range of repairs on vehicles while they are under warranty. It also forces the companies to buy back vehicles that they are unable or not willing to fix. That means compensating the owner for the purchase price, as well as financing charges, rental car costs and other related expenses.

A car manufacturer can instead offer to replace the vehicle, but it is up to the owner to decide whether to accept or reject this alternative arrangement. A California lemon law attorney can help you understand your rights and take action. 

Talk with a California Lemon Law Attorney

If you have been stuck with a defective or malfunctioning vehicle, a California lemon law attorney at Bickel Sannipoli APC can help you fight back.  

Call us at (888) 800-1983 or contact us online to speak with a California lemon law attorney.