Ford Motor Company is recalling approximately 85,000 Ford Explorer SUVs in the United States.
Possible Engine Malfunction
The cars equipped with the Police Interceptor Utility package and is recalled due to concerns over potential engine fires, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
The recall affects 2020-2022 models with 3.3-liter hybrid and gas engines.
The issue stems from a possible engine malfunction that could cause oil and fuel to leak into the engine compartment, where it might accumulate near ignition sources, leading to a fire.
The Police Interceptor Utility models are specially designed with enhanced powertrain options, structural reinforcements, and extra cargo space compared to the civilian Explorer models, according to Ziare.
Airbag Issues
In a separate safety concern, Ford and Mazda have also issued warnings to drivers of certain vehicles still equipped with defective Takata airbags.
These airbags, previously recalled, can potentially cause serious or fatal injuries if they deploy improperly. The inflators in these airbags may explode upon impact, sending sharp metal fragments into the vehicle's cabin, potentially injuring the driver or passengers.
Ford has urged owners of the affected vehicles to contact their dealers immediately for necessary repairs. The recall involves various models, including the Ford Ranger, Mustang, GT, Fusion, and the popular Edge SUV.
Ford estimates that approximately 765,600 airbag inflators in its vehicles remain affected globally, with about 374,300 of these located in the United States. The automaker has made extensive efforts to inform customers about these recalls, including over 121 million outreach attempts in the U.S. alone.
Mazda, meanwhile, estimates that around 83,000 of its vehicles in the U.S., including models like the CX-7 crossover and RX8 sports car, are still impacted by the defective airbags.
