Ford issued a recall for 404 Escape SUVs from model years 2023-2025 and Bronco Sport SUVs from model year 2025 because an engine oil leak could trigger a vehicle fire.
The company told federal safety regulators an error in heat treatment left some 1.5-liter 3-cylinder engines with cylinder heads more brittle than specified. That can cause the heads to crack, losing their ball plugs. Oil could then splash out on hot engine parts, potentially causing a fire.
Drivers might see an oil pressure warning light or notice a burning smell or unusual noise as the problem develops.
Ford is not aware of any injuries or accidents related to the problem, but has received at least one warranty claim.
Dealers will replace the cylinder heads to fix the problem.
Recall repairs are always free.
Automakers recall many cars to fix safety defects, sometimes more than once. They try to contact every owner to ask them to bring the vehicle in for repair, but they rarely reach them all. Millions of vehicles on American roads need free recall repairs. To find out if your car is one of them, check the easy VIN tool at our recall center.