Last week our Houston engine fire injury lawyers mentioned that Ford Motor Company had taken the nearly unprecedented step of telling new Ford Escape owners to stop driving their vehicles immediately. The warning came after the company learned of a defect in a fuel line leading to the engine compartment. The fuel lines, supplied by the TI Automotive plant in Ashley, IN, were mechanically scored, or lacerated, during production.
These fuel lines with the cuts on their surface could split, leading to fuel leaks. The fuel leaks could cause the spilled fuel collected near the engine to catch fire. Indeed 3 vehicles, one owned by a Canadian customer, and two being driven by Ford employees, have already experienced the dangerous engine fires.
Engine fires are a very serious hazard. They can lead to catastrophic wrecks and fatal injuries among those trapped in a vehicle that suddenly catches fore under the hood. So if you own one of the new Ford Escape SUVs affected by the recall, don’t take chances. Stop driving it at once.
The affected Ford Escapes are all 2013 models with 1.6-liter engines that were manufactured at Ford’s Louisville Assembly Plant between October 8, 2011 and July 11th. You could find out your vehicle’s manufacture date and plant of origin by contacting your Ford dealer. TI Automotive has since repaired the manufacturing flaw that led to the cut fuel lines and continues to produce the fuel lines for the Ford Escape SUV.
Ford says that only about 4,800 of the 11,500 Ford Escapes subject to the recall have been sold. The rest remain on dealer lots. Ford Escapes with 2.0 and 2.5-liter engines are not subject to the engine fire danger or the recall.
Our Houston engine fire injury lawyers note that the redesigned Ford Escape, along with the retooled Ford Fusion, was one of the automaker’s two key product launches for the 2013 model year. Ford is taking steps to minimize the danger from this early recall.
And if you own one of the Ford Escape SUVs subject to the recall, the company will come pick up your vehicle and take it to the dealer for a free repair. Ford will also provide a loaner vehicle for you to use while your vehicle is being repaired. The company has allotted $660 per recalled vehicle to defray rental, transportation, and other costs from the defect.
If you have a new 2013 Ford Escape with a 1.6-liter engine, don’t delay. Our Houston engine fire injury lawyers suggest that you stop driving the vehicle immediately. And find out from your dealer if it is one of the SUVx that might have a cut fuel line. Then let Ford make the necessary repair. Sudden engine fires are far too dangerous and potentially deadly a risk to leave things to chance.
If you’ve already experienced an injury from a sudden engine fire or other vehicle defect, you deserve financial compensation from the manufacturer to defray the burdensome expenses that follow such a needless injury. We have the experience and legal knowledge to protect your rights and win your recompense from the big manufacturers.
Contact our Houston engine fire injury lawyers today for a free legal consultation and case evaluation. We could help you understand your available legal options and counsel you to a successful financial recovery against the manufacturer responsible for your harm. Call us toll free at 877-307-9500 or reach us through our online contact forms.