DETROIT, MI (AP)-- A manufacturing problem at a company that makes fuel lines is the reason Ford recalled 11,500 of its brand-new Escape small SUVs and told owners to stop driving them right away.
Ford Motor Company announced the recall Thursday, citing the risk of an engine fire.
In documents filed by Ford and posted Friday on the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's website, the company said fuel lines were “mechanically scored,” or damaged during manufacturing. The lines, made by TI Group Automotive Systems, can split and leaking fuel could ignite. Ford urged customers in the U.S. and Canada not to drive the SUVs and to contact dealers, who would pick up the Escape and drop off a loaner car.
The problem affects only 2013 Escapes equipped with 1.6-liter, four-cylinder engines.
