Ford Recall: 13 Fires Cause Automaker to Call Back Escape SUVs For Seventh Time

Nov 26, 2013 11:13 AM EST | Matt Mercuro

Ford said this week it is issuing two recalls for fire concerns in select 2013 Escape small SUVs after 13 complaints were received by the automaker, according to Reuters.

The popular SUV has been recalled seven times since it was redesigned and went on sale back in 2012.

The recalls announced this week affects approximately 161,000 Escapes worldwide equipped with 1.6-liter four-cylinder engines.

Ford said in a statement that the cylinder heads can "overheat and crack, causing oil leaks" according to the Associated Press.

Of those vehicles, fuel lines on about 12,000 were likely installed incorrectly. They could become chafed and leak gas. A number of the vehicles were repaired the last time Ford issued a recall.

The 13 fires were caused by oil leaks, though no one was injured in any of the incidents, according to the automaker.

"(Ford) "has received warranty reports of fuel odor or leaks related to engine compartment fuel lines on 2013 model year Ford Escape vehicles that were previously fixed," said the automaker in a press statement. "Subsequent investigation by Ford identified that some engine compartment fuel lines may have been installed incorrectly by service technicians."

Dealers are being instructed to fix cooling and control systems and inspect and replace fuel lines, free of charge. The recalls will start in January according to AP.

Escape sales in the U.S. were up 14 percent through October, as the automaker reported 250,543 units sold in 2013 so far. 

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