Ford is recalling more than 140,000 SUVs due to fire risks linked to sensors
Ford Motor Co. announced Friday that it is recalling more than 140,000 of its vehicles due to the risk of the battery monitor sensor overheating and possibly catching fire.
The company said in a statement that customers who own certain Lincoln MKC vehicles from the 2015 to 2019 model years should park their vehicles outside and away from structures while Ford supplies its dealers and Lincoln dealers with the parts and repair instructions needed to fix the problem.
Ford said the location of the sensor in these vehicles could leave it vulnerable to damage when the battery or other related electrical components are serviced. The damage can cause an electrical short circuit to occur on the circuit board, which can cause the surrounding materials to overheat.
Ford said it is aware of 1[ads1]9 potentially related reports of under-hood fires, including some from when the vehicle was parked and turned off. The company said owners do not need to stop driving these recalled vehicles and has not received reports of any accidents or physical injuries related to the problem.
Of the 19 fires, 11 occurred in the United States, seven occurred in China and one occurred in Canada.
An in-line fuse will be added to the battery monitor sensor circuit in the affected vehicles to prevent the electrical current from causing overheating.
Customers can check if their vehicle is included in the recall by searching the identification number on Ford’s website.
Ford plans to send letters to MKC owners between June 26 and 30 notifying them of the recall and giving them instructions, including that they should take the vehicle to a dealer to receive necessary repairs.
Consumers will be able to have their costs covered until 30 November.
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