Remember that dramatic recall for the Ford Escape a few days ago involving potentially leaking fuel lines? The one where Ford said not to drive the Escape anywhere, even going so far as to send transportation to get affected vehicles to the dealership for repairs? Turns out, it’s not Ford’s fault—it’s all TI Automotive’s fault, according to Ford, for messing up the Escape’s fuel lines.
On Friday, Ford filed documents about the recall to the NHTSA. In there, Ford claims that TI Automotive’s plant in Indiana “mechanically scored” some of the fuel lines, scratching them on the outside. The slightly cut fuel lines could split open and leak, which was why Ford advised owners of Escapes with the 1.6-liter engine to park their cars and get them picked up by a Ford dealer.
TI Automotive fixed the manufacturing flaw and is still making fuel lines for the Escape. They have not returned calls for comment.
About 11,500 Escapes were affected by the recall, which was formally announced last week—out of these, 4,800 have made their way into owners’ hands. They were manufactured by Ford at its Louisville plant from last October to this past July. Production hasn’t stopped for the 1.6-liter engine, which comprises about 45 percent of Escape models. Owners will be notified by their local Ford dealers to arrange a pickup of their Escape, and will be given a loaner vehicle.
And if you’re one of these 4,800 affected, you can contact Ford at its owner website or by calling Ford’s Customer Relationship Center at (866) 436-7332.
Source: Automotive News
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