It all began with a few complaints. Some Ford drivers noticed the smell of gas near their vehicles. Others spotted drops of fuel under the car after parking. These seemingly small signs led to a much bigger issue—one that Ford could no longer ignore.
After more than a year of investigation, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) confirmed the problem: a faulty fuel injector in several Ford crossovers was leaking fuel, raising the risk of engine fires.
The big recall announcement
On July 16, Ford officially announced the recall of 694,271 crossovers in the United States. The recall affects two of Ford’s most popular models—the Ford Escape and the Ford Maverick. According to Ford, the affected vehicles include:
- Ford Escape: Model years 2020 to 2023
- Ford Maverick: Model years 2022 to 2023
Both vehicles are equipped with 2.5-liter hybrid or plug-in hybrid engines, which appear to be at the center of the fuel leak issue.
What exactly is the problem?
Ford explained that a cracked fuel injector can leak gasoline into the engine compartment. If that happens, the leaked fuel could come in contact with hot engine surfaces, increasing the chance of a fire. Even worse, the driver might not notice the problem until it’s too late.
In some cases, drivers might smell fuel or even see smoke coming from under the hood. But in others, there may be no warning signs at all.
Ford’s plan to fix it
Instead of replacing the fuel injectors—which could be a massive and expensive job—Ford is taking another route. Dealerships will update the engine control software to detect possible cracks. If a crack is found, the system will reduce engine power and alert the driver with a warning message.
In addition, Ford will install a drain tube to direct any fuel away from hot engine surfaces. This will lower the risk of a fire even if a leak does occur.
The recall work will be done free of charge, and Ford says it will notify affected owners by mail starting in August.
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It could cost millions
Although nearly 700,000 vehicles are affected in the U.S. alone, the total cost of this recall could run into hundreds of millions of dollars. If additional vehicles in Canada or other countries are added to the list, the price tag could be even higher.
What drivers should do now
If you drive a Ford Escape or Maverick from the affected model years, be on the lookout for a notice in the mail. You can also check your vehicle’s recall status using your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) on Ford’s website or the NHTSA’s recall portal.
Until your car is repaired, it’s a good idea to stay alert for fuel smells or dashboard warnings. And if anything seems unusual, don’t wait. Get your vehicle checked as soon as possible.
