Ford expands recall over engine fire concerns

Erik Bascome
Staten Island Advance

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — A recall advising drivers to park their vehicle outdoors due to the risk of engine fire has been expanded to include over 27,000 additional vehicles.

In May, Ford issued a recall on over 39,000 2021 Ford Expeditions and Lincoln Navigators built between Dec. 1, 2020, and April 30, 2021, citing the risk of an engine fire.

The company has reported 21 unexplained fires, 18 of which took place in rental cars, with the majority of the incidents occurring when the car is parked and turned off.

Some drivers have experienced an early indication of the issue, reporting a burning smell from the front passenger engine compartment while driving.

Due to the fire risk, Ford has advised all vehicle owners to park their SUV outside and away from any structures, though owners have been told that they can continue to drive the vehicle.

Ford has identified the cause of the issue as printed circuit boards that are “uniquely susceptible to a high-current short.”

Approximately one-third of affected vehicles can be repaired immediately, though remaining vehicles will require additional parts, which are expected to arrive at dealerships in early September.

“Dealers will first inspect the battery junction box for melting damage, and if so, will replace the entire component. They will then remove the engine fan ground wire from the battery junction box in affected vehicles with an 800-watt cooling fan system, which represents about one-third of the recalled vehicle population. This repair can be done immediately,” according to a Ford statement.

“For the remaining affected vehicles with a 700-watt cooling fan system, the repair is the same, except for the installation of an auxiliary box with a wire jumper. Parts for this repair are expected to be available starting in early September,” the statement continued.

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