Ford will update software on 2013 Escape SUVs and Fusion cars to fix a coolant problem that can cause fires.
Last month the automaker recalled more than 89,000 of the vehicles after getting complaints about overheating and fires. It urged owners to get loaner cars from dealers until Ford found a fix. Only vehicles with 1.6-liter turbocharged engines are affected.
Ford Product Development Chief Raj Nair says the problem happens when a coolant doesn’t flow through the radiator to be cooled. That is because a valve is out-of-sync with the thermostat. Overheated coolant can blow gaskets and leak onto hot exhaust parts.
The problem has caused nine fires. Nair says the software change will fix the problem.
So far only about 17,000 customers have taken their cars to dealers.
USFA: Changing Severity of House Fires Related to Building Configuration and Flammability Issues
Hundreds of Aftershocks Since 2011 Virginia Quake
University of Illinois Researchers Ease Switch to New Healthcare Codes
Only 2 of 13 Small SUVs Do Well in Crash Tests
UN: $2.5 Trillion in Disaster Losses Since 2000
Motorcycle Group Holds Power in Wisconsin Helmet Debate
Claims Costs Rise While Dog Bite Claims Fall in 2012
Big Rigs Drive Big Risk for Cars
