Ford has traced the problem of stalling to the vehicle's motor electronics coolant pump. Over time, the coolant pump may wear out and fail to work, causing the motor electronics system to heat up. If this happens, the vehicle might be in a stall-like condition while cruising on the road. The engine should be able to restart once the electronics cool down.
The automaker started investigating the issue in April as a response to the several warranty claims and complaints received from owners. Prior to this, the company sent a technical service information bulletin to dealers more than five years ago. The purpose was to advise them on how to test for problems that involve the motor electronics pump should an owner complain that the vehicle had reduced power after being in a fail-safe operation mode.
Ford has disclosed the issue with the regulators from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). The automaker said that the coolant pump may not function properly, which could lead to an overheating in the hybrid electronics systems and create a more serious threat to safety.
"When the hybrid electronics system gets too hot it will shut down the powertrain, resulting in a stall-like condition, increasing the risk of a crash," said Ford in its filing with the NHTSA.
The affected hybrids were sold in the U.S. and Canada with the latter having 3,500 vehicles set to be recalled. In North America, around 7,800 Mariner hybrids and 66,000 Escape hybrids are bound to be recalled.
Ford will start conducting the recall on Oct. 27. Owners can bring their affected vehicles to the nearest dealer to get a free replacement for their coolant pump.
The automaker will also conduct a recall of almost 400 Ford Focus sedans (2014) and Lincoln MKC crossovers (2015) for suspected issues with the cars' fuel delivery module filter.
So far, no accidents or injuries have been reported as a result of the issue.
As if the company seemed to be in a "recalling mood," even its pickup trucks are not spared from the recall marathon. Additionally, Ford is recalling around 1,700 of its most massive pickup truck models, the diesel-engined Ford F-650 and F-750 of model year 2014. The recall aims to resolve a possible issue with the seals on the trucks' fuel filters. The trucks were sold in Canada and the U.S.
Ford said that no injuries or crashes that are linked to the issue have been reported to their office.
