Ford Escape, Bronco Oil Leaks Prompt New Recall

Ford Motor is calling back roughly 345,000 vehicles, citing the risk of fires stemming from oil leaks.

“Crack damage at the edge of the oil separator housing results in a loss of seal support which may lead to an oil leak between the oil separator and engine camshaft cover,” the company told federal regulators. “If sufficient engine oil leaks, accumulates, and migrates to an ignition source, an underhood fire can occur, increasing the risk of injury.”

The recall covers certain 2020-2022 Escape and 2021-22 Bronco Sport vehicles equipped with 1.5L engines. Ford planned to notify owners of recalled cars by the end of April, the company said in a defect report filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

In the meantime, Ford said owners should look for warning signs of trouble. They “may smell or see oil smoke emanating from the underhood area,” the company said.

The latest recall is unfortunately old hat for Ford and many of its car buyers. 

Like other major auto manufacturers, the company routinely recalls hundreds of thousands of vehicles, citing serious defects that pose real safety threats. These recalls are often announced long after vehicles have left factor floors, been delivered to dealers and have been sold to unsuspecting buyers.

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.

The company said late last year it was recalling some 185,000 F-150 pickup trucks. The vehicles’ malfunctioning insulators could damage driveshafts and cause drivers to lose control or driving power, Ford said at the time.

California Ford Owners: Know Your Legal Options and Rights

The good news for car owners in California is that you have some valuable rights when it comes to defective and malfunctioning vehicles. The California lemon law generally requires carmakers to perform a wide range of repairs on vehicles while they are under warranty. 

Also known as the Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act, the law forces carmakers to buy back vehicles that they are unable or simply refuse to fix. That means compensating the owner for the vehicle’s purchase price, as well as financing charges, rental car costs and other related expenses.

A car manufacturer can instead offer to replace the vehicle, under the law. It is up to the owner, however, to decide whether to accept or reject this alternative arrangement. A California lemon law attorney can help you understand your rights and explore your options. Manufacturers are required to foot the bill for certain legal fees that car owners incur while enforcing their rights.

Speak with a California Lemon Law Attorney

If you have been stuck with a defective or malfunctioning vehicle or are haggling with a car manufacturer over repairs, 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.