NHTSA recall 12V431000
Engine and engine cooling
Ford Escape
Reported Sep 4, 20126,146 vehicles affectedFORD MOTOR COMPANYMaker’s number 12S39Built Oct 5, 2011 – Aug 31, 2012
The defect
Ford is recalling certain model year 2013 Escape vehicles manufactured from October 5, 2011, through August 31, 2012, equipped with 1.6L engines. The cylinder head cup plug (freeze plug) may become dislodged resulting in significant loss of engine coolant.
The risk
As leaking engine coolant evaporates on the hot engine, the glycol may ignite causing an engine compartment fire.
The remedy
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will seal the existing plug and add a secondary plug cover, free of charge. The safety recall began on September 11, 2012. Owners may contact Ford at 1-866-436-7332.