Ford Issues Recall for Explorer Police Interceptor Vehicles Over Fire Risk

Ford Motor Company is recalling approximately 85,000 Explorer Police Interceptor Utility (PIU) vehicles due to potential engine failures that could lead to fires. The recall affects models from 2020 to 2022 equipped with 3.3L hybrid or gas engines. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) announced that engine failures may release significant amounts of engine oil or fuel vapor, which could accumulate near ignition sources, posing a fire hazard. As of July 9, the NHTSA has received 13 reports of under-hood fires linked to engine block breaches in Explorer PIU vehicles manufactured with 3.3L engines prior to June 2, 2022. Notably, there have been no incidents of fire reported in non-police vehicles. Ford has stated that it is not aware of any accidents or injuries resulting from this issue. In response to the recall, Ford will be sending letters to affected vehicle owners, informing them that an investigation is ongoing and that they will receive further updates as more information becomes available. The automaker advises owners to park their vehicles safely and turn off the engine if they notice any unusual engine noises, unexpected torque reduction, or smoke emanating from the engine compartment. A service remedy is currently in development, with parts and software expected to be available by the second quarter of next year. Ford is committed to ensuring the safety of its customers and addressing this critical issue promptly.