REPORT FROM THE DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE AND CONSUMER AFFAIRS – The Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs issued a consumer warning through the State Certified Arbitration Program (SCAP) in response to the recall of 2013 Ford Escapes with 1.6 liter engines built through July 11, 2012.
Ford Motor Co. has voluntarily recalled these vehicles for a fire risk. The auto manufacturer is telling owners to park them until they are fixed.
According to a news release posted on Ford’s website, Ford is advising owners not to drive their vehicles and to contact their Ford dealers immediately for a needed repair. According to the information provided, dealers will deliver a loaner vehicle to customers and then transport their 2013 Escape to the dealership until repairs are done. Ford dealers will also stop delivering and conducting demonstration drives of the 2013 Escape vehicles equipped with 1.6 liter engines until the issue has been resolved.
The recall is being taken to replace an engine compartment fuel line, which could split and leak fuel, potentially resulting in an under-hood fire. Information from Ford indicates no injuries have been reported.
“Because the information from Ford instructs owners to stop driving, we urge Hawai’i consumers to heed the warnings,” SCAP Program Administrator Bobbi Lum-Mew said. “Affected owners should contact Ford’s Customer Relationship Center at 1-866-436-7332 or their local Ford dealer. Information is also available on the Ford website at www.fordowner.com.”
The Ford press release can be found at https://www.ford.com/newsevents/news.
Hawai’i’s SCAP program helps consumers who buy or lease new motor vehicles and have repeated problems getting their vehicles repaired under a manufacturer’s warranty. The program provides consumers with a self-help arbitration process that may be less complicated and less expensive than going to court. The program also works to educate consumers and to get the word out about current motor vehicle issues affecting consumers.