Ford recalls 634,000 SUVs worldwide over possible cracked fuel injectors

The Ford logo is pictured at the Frankfurt Motor Show in Frankfurt, Germany on September 10, 2019. WOLFGANG RATTAY REUTERS Ford Motor Co is recalling 634,000 sport utility vehicles SUVs worldwide due to fire risks from possible cracked fuel injectors, and will urge owners to have their cars inspected, it said on Thursday.

The recall covers the 2020 -- 2023 model year Bronco Sport and Escape SUVs with 3 cylinder, 1.5 liter engines, including many recalled in April because an oil separator housing could crack and develop a leak that could cause an engine fire, according to 2 automaker by sales. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said that vehicles that were repaired under the earlier recall will still need the new recall fix.

Ford said when engines in the SUVs covered by the latest recall are operating, a cracked fuel injector could cause fuel or fuel vapor to accumulate near hot surfaces, potentially causing a fire in the vehicle.

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Dealers will update vehicle software to detect if a fuel injector is cracked and provide a dashboard message to alert drivers.

If a pressure drop in the fuel rail is detected, engine power will automatically be reduced to minimize any risk, while also allowing customers to drive to a safe location and arrange for service, Ford said.

Dealers will also install a tube draining fuel from the cylinder head and away from hot surfaces and check for excessive fuel odor near the top of the engine.

The recall covers around 520,000 vehicles in the United States and about 114,000 in other countries.

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Ford said it had 54 total reports of 1.5 liter under-hood fires, including four with cracked fuel injectors. A leaking fuel injector is likely to have caused 13 others to be damaged.

There isn't a death linked to the recall.

Ford isn't telling owners to stop driving vehicles under this recall. Fuel injectors with external leaks are at a low failure rate, according to the company.