The Recall Desk
SevereNHTSA·12V431000·Announced 2012-09-04

Ford Recalls 2013 Escape Vehicles Due to Engine Fire Risk

Ford is recalling 2013 Escape vehicles with 1.6L engines because a cylinder head plug may dislodge, causing coolant leaks that can ignite and start a fire.

What this means for you

Illness, injury, or structural failure has been reported. Stop using the product immediately and contact the manufacturer for a refund or repair.

Our severity reasoning: The recall involves a structural vehicle defect (cylinder head plug) that poses a risk of engine compartment fire, which aligns with the rubric criteria for a Severe (4) rating involving significant injury or property damage risks.

Plain-English summary

Ford Motor Company is recalling certain model year 2013 Ford Escape vehicles equipped with 1.6L engines. These vehicles were manufactured between October 5, 2011, and August 31, 2012. The recall affects 6,146 vehicles.

The defect involves the cylinder head cup plug, also known as a freeze plug, which may become dislodged. This can result in a significant loss of engine coolant. As the leaking coolant evaporates on the hot engine, the glycol may ignite, potentially causing an engine compartment fire.

Ford will notify owners, and dealers will seal the existing plug and add a secondary plug cover free of charge. The safety recall began on September 11, 2012. Owners may contact Ford at 1-866-436-7332 or the NHTSA Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236.

The recalled product

Product
FORD ESCAPE
Brand
FORD
Manufacturer
FORD MOTOR COMPANY
Category
Vehicle — SUV
Hazard
Affected units
6,146

Is your product affected?

Check your packaging against the codes below. If any of them match, the product is part of this recall.

Model numbers (1)

  • ESCAPE

Distribution

Distributed nationwide across the United States.

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