(WWJ) The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration wants Ford Motor Co. to prove that a recent safety recall by the automaker goes far enough.
WWJ Auto Beat Reporter Jeff Gilbert says the government is asking Ford for data to back up its claims that the current recall plan adequately protects the vehicles' owners.
Gilbert reported Thursday that NHTSA investigators are raising "significant safety concerns" about Ford’s plans to fix around 43,000 Bronco Sports and Escapes with fuel injectors that can leak, potentially leading to a fire in the engine bay.
Gilbert explained the recall doesn't actually fix the gas leak, but just diverts it away from hot surfaces.
"A more expensive alternative pushed by safety advocates would be to fully replace to fuel injectors," Gilbert said.
The recall covers 2022 Ford Escape and 2022–2023 Bronco Sport SUVs that are equipped with the base 1.5-liter three-cylinder engine.
Ford said five underhood fires have been reported in connection with this issue, but no injuries.
Owners of the included vehicles have been notified, and should to bring their cars to their local Ford dealer to get them fixed.