Ford recalling about 85,000 Explorer police vehicles over potential engine fires

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Ford Recalls 85,000 Police Interceptor Vehicles Due to Engine Fire Risk

Overview

Ford has issued a recall for approximately 85,000 Police Interceptor Utility vehicles manufactured between 2020 and 2022 due to a potential engine failure that could lead to a fire.

Affected Vehicles

The recall affects Explorer Police Interceptor Utility vehicles with 3.3L hybrid or gas engines. These vehicles are typically used by law enforcement agencies.

Cause of the Issue

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has identified a potential issue with the engine block of the affected vehicles. Under certain circumstances, the engine block may crack, causing engine oil or fuel vapor to leak into the under-hood area. This leaked fluid can accumulate near ignition sources, increasing the risk of a fire.

Symptoms

Vehicle owners may notice one or more of the following symptoms prior to an engine failure:

  • Unexpected engine noises
  • Reduced engine torque
  • Smoke from the engine compartment

Fire Risk

As of July 9, there have been 13 reported cases of under-hood fires in North America resulting from engine block cracks in Explorer PIU vehicles. The NHTSA emphasizes that these fires have only occurred in police vehicles. There have been no reported fires in non-police vehicles with the 3.3L engine.

Ford’s Response

Ford is advising vehicle owners to park their vehicles safely and turn off the engine immediately if they experience any of the above symptoms. The company is also sending letters to affected owners, informing them of the ongoing investigation and the availability of future updates.

Ford is currently developing a service remedy for the issue. Parts and software are expected to be available in the second quarter of 2023. Affected vehicle owners will be notified when the remedy is available.

Additional Information

The NHTSA has opened an investigation into the issue (NHTSA Recall Number: 22V-499). Ford has pledged to cooperate fully with the investigation and provide updates as they become available.

For more information, vehicle owners can contact Ford’s customer service line at 1-800-392-3673 or visit Ford’s website: https://www.ford.com