Buying a brand-new car like the Ford Escape is exciting, but recent recalls have stirred concerns among owners. Ford is grappling with a series of recalls, particularly affecting 2022-2023 Escapes, that have made this popular model a problem for buyers.
If your car is subject to any of these recalls, it’s crucial to get the problem addressed as soon as possible for your safety and financial well-being. Below, we’ll discuss the recent recalls, potential issues such as engine fires, gas leaks, and oil leaks, and how to determine if your vehicle is affected. Additionally, we’ll discuss the recourse available to Ford Escape owners, including filing a lemon claim for serious, recurring manufacturing defects. If you find yourself dealing with ongoing warranty issues, the expert lemon law attorneys at Johnson & Buxton – The Lemon Law Guys are here to help.
4 Recent Ford Escape Recalls That May Affect You
Carmakers typically issue recalls when they discover a manufacturing defect that impacts the safety of their vehicles. Here are four of the most concerning safety problems that have led Ford to recall 2022-2023 Escapes in the past year.
1. Instrument Panel Failures: 38,695 Cars Affected
One of the recent recalls for the Escape involves instrument panel failures. In July 2023, the manufacturer recalled 38,695 2023 Escapes and Super Duty trucks for faulty digital instrument panels. These panels were soldered incorrectly, which may prevent them from illuminating.
Unfortunately, these vehicles use digital instrument displays, so without the panel, there is no way to monitor vital information like speed or fuel level while driving. If you’ve experienced any anomalies with your instrument panel, it’s crucial to investigate whether your Escape falls under this recall.
2. Engine Failures and Fires: 125,322 Cars Affected
Perhaps one of the most alarming recalls pertains to engine failures and the risk of fires. There have been several recalls for the Escape that could lead to engine failures or fires while the vehicle is in operation.
In May 2023, Ford recalled 125,322 vehicles, including 2020-2023 Escape, 2022-2023 Maverick, and 2021-2023 Corsair models for a problem that could cause engine oil and fuel vapor to release into the engine compartment if the engine fails, leading to a substantial fire risk. Ford instructed owners who notice any indication of engine issues, strange noises, or warning lights to promptly pull over and shut off the engine to avoid fires.
This is an expansion of a July 2022 recall in which 100,689 Maverick, Escape, and Corsair vehicles were affected. Unfortunately, the manufacturer identified more issues that could put owners at risk of car fires and had to take additional action.
3. Cracked Fuel Injectors: 521,746 Cars Affected
In November 2022, Ford recalled 512,746 2020-2023 Escape and 2021-2023 Bronco Sport cars due to a faulty fuel injector. The injector is prone to cracking, causing fuel to leak into the engine and potentially causing fires. Owners should be vigilant for any signs of fuel odors, reduced fuel efficiency, or visible leaks around the engine area. If you notice any of these issues, it’s imperative to check whether your Ford Escape is part of the recall.
4. Oil Leaks: 345,451 Cars Affected
Oil leaks are another concern affecting certain Ford Escape models. In March 2022, the carmaker recalled 345,451 2020-2022 Escape and 2021-2022 Bronco Sport cars for a defective engine oil separator housing that could crack and leak oil into the rest of the compartment.
While an oil leak may seem like a minor issue, it can escalate into more significant problems, affecting engine performance and potentially leading to costly repairs. It also poses a substantial fire risk. Owners should monitor their vehicles for any signs of oil leaks and consult with a Ford dealership if concerns arise.
How to Get Help for Ongoing Warranty Defects
These recalls are just a selection of the potential manufacturing defects you may experience in your brand-new Escape. If you’ve experienced ongoing manufacturing defects with your new car, it’s crucial to take proactive steps to protect your rights as a consumer. Here’s what you can do:
- Check for Recalls: The first step in addressing potential defects is to check for recalls. Visit the official Ford website or contact your local dealership to verify if your Ford Escape is subject to any recalls. You can also refer to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) website to check if your car’s Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) is impacted by the recall.
- Document Issues: Keep detailed records of any issues, repairs, or communications with Ford and dealership representatives. This documentation will be crucial if you decide to pursue a lemon claim.
- Understand Lemon Law Rights: Familiarize yourself with lemon law rights in California. If your Escape has repeated, unresolved issues covered by the warranty, you may be entitled to compensation, a replacement vehicle, or a refund.
Get Help With Your Defective Ford Escape
Dealing with ongoing warranty defects and recalls can be a frustrating experience. If you believe your Ford Escape qualifies as a lemon, the expert lemon law attorneys at Johnson & Buxton – The Lemon Law Guys are ready to assist you. With a proven track record of helping consumers navigate lemon law claims successfully, our team is dedicated to ensuring you understand your rights, guiding you through the legal process, and seeking the resolution you deserve.
Don’t let manufacturing defects compromise your safety and satisfaction with your Ford Escape. If you’re facing challenges with ongoing warranty issues, reach out to Johnson & Buxton today for expert guidance and support. Our team is committed to helping you navigate the complexities of lemon law, providing peace of mind as you address potential defects in your Ford Escape.
