— A Ford hybrid fire recall includes about 100,000 Ford Escape, Ford Maverick and Lincoln Corsair vehicles equipped with 2.5-liter hybrid or plug-in hybrid systems.
The 2020-2022 Ford Escape, 2021-2022 Lincoln Corsair and 2022 Ford Maverick hybrid vehicles are at risk of engine fires if engine oil and fuel vapors build up near ignition sources if the engines fail.
Owners are advised to park and shut off the engines as quickly as possible if they hear unexpected engine noise (clanking metal), see smoke, or notice a reduction in vehicle power.
However, Ford believes at least 23 underhood engine smoke, melting and fire incidents have occurred in the vehicles worldwide.
Ford alleges the engines can fail from machining problems, but the automaker also believes the chance of an engine failure is rare based on current failure rates of 0.17 repairs per 1,000 hybrid vehicles.
"Of the 23 reports, Ford’s CCRG has categorized the warranty and field reports as: nine describing under hood or vehicle fire, six reporting localized under hood melting, seven describing under hood smoke, and one that did not contain sufficient detail to characterize. Ford is not aware of any reports of accident or injury related to this condition." — Ford
Other than the engine fires, Ford isn't aware of any crashes or injuries and owners have not been warned to completely stop driving the hybrid vehicles unless symptoms appear.
Ford dealers will make changes to the engine shields and active grille shutters so that more air can flow to reduce temperatures.
Ford expects to contact Ford Escape, Ford Maverick and Lincoln Corsair hybrid owners in August, but concerned owners with questions should call 866-436-7332.
Ford's number for this recall is 22S47.
