Ford SUVs in UAE won't be affected by global recall

Ford SUVs in the UAE are not affected by the global recall of thousands of compact SUVs to check fuel injectors, the spokesperson of Ford Middle East confirmed to Khaleej Times on Friday.

Ford is recalled nearly 43,000 small SUVs because gasoline can leak from the fuel injectors onto hot engine surfaces, increasing the risk of fires. But the recall remedy does not include repairing the fuel leaks.

The recall covers certain Bronco Sport SUVs from the 2022 and 2023 model years, as well as Escape SUVs from 2022. All have 1.5-litre engines.

Ford says in documents filed with US safety regulators that fuel injectors can crack, and gasoline or vapour can accumulate near ignition sources, possibly touching off fires.

Dealers will instal a tube to let gasoline flow away from hot surfaces to the ground below the vehicle. They’ll also update engine control software to detect a pressure drop in the fuel injection system. If that happens, the software will disable the high-pressure fuel pump, reduce engine power, and cut temperatures in the engine compartment, according to documents posted on Wednesday on the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration website.

In an e-mail, Ford said it is not replacing fuel injectors because it is confident the recall repairs “will prevent the failure from occurring and protect the customer".

The new software also will trigger a dashboard warning light and allow customers to drive to a safe location, stop the vehicle and arrange for service, the company said. NHTSA documents filed by Ford say the problem happens only in about one per cent of the SUVs.

The company also said it will extend warranty coverage for cracked fuel injectors, so owners who experience the problem will get replacements. Ford said repairs are already available, and details of the extended warranty will be available in June.

“This recall is not happening in our region,” noted Rasha Ghanem, communications director at Ford Middle East. “We only have 83 vehicles impacted which are all in Tunisia.”

“We have not issued instructions to stop driving or to park outside. We will provide extended warranty coverage. The details for this programme will be available when we contact customers in early June,” Ghanem added.