Ford Expedition and Lincoln Navigator Recalled for Engine Fire Risk
Ford has issued a recall for some of its 2021 Ford Expedition and Lincoln Navigator SUVs due to a potential engine fire risk. Over 65,000 2021-year model vehicles manufactured between December 2020 and April 2021 have been affected.
The recall involves an increased risk of engine fire which may occur even while the engine is not running, or the vehicle is not in use. People who own or operate a 2021 Ford Expedition or Lincoln Navigator may have been placed at risk of vehicle fire resulting in bodily injury, property loss, or vehicle damage and may be eligible for compensation.
Ford SUVs Unsafe due to Increased Engine Fire Risk
At least 21 engine fire events in Ford Expedition and Lincoln Navigator SUVs have been reported, including one injury. Fifteen of the fires occurred when the engines were off, and the vehicle was not in use, one fire occurred while the vehicle was parked and on, and five occurred while the vehicle was moving.
According to U.S. government documents posted by Ford Motor Co., the fires appear to originate in the back part of the engine on the passenger side and have resulted in at least one burn injury. Engine fires may occur at any time, even if the car is parked and turned off, which may place nearby vehicles or structures at risk of fire damage.
A faulty circuit board in the battery junction box has been identified as the most likely cause of the fires. The circuit board in affected vehicles was reportedly manufactured by a third-party supplier using different procedures during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Ford Recommendations to Mitigate Fire Risk
Ford reportedly began investigating fire events in March of 2022 and says the fire risk appears to be limited to SUVs manufactured between December 1, 2020, and April 30, 2021.
Ford initially stated that they did not know the cause of the engine fires or what remedy would be offered. Since the initial investigations, the company has released information on their websites indicating the fires may be related to a circuit board manufacturer who changed manufacturing practices during the COVID-19 pandemic. The circuit boards reportedly may be susceptible to a high-current electrical short.
The company has stated that they have been contacting customers directly but also has advised that dealers will be conducting inspections of the battery junction box and performing repairs based on the findings. Vehicles whose battery junction box shows melting damage will have the entire battery junction box replaced. Vehicles whose battery junction box does not show melting damage will be repaired as parts become available but interim fixes may be performed.
Despite the occurrence of one burn injury caused by engine fire, Ford owners and operators have not been asked to discontinue driving the SUVs. Instead, the company has asked that SUVs be parked outside, away from structures and other vehicles until a fix has been determined. People who are unable to move their vehicles or park away from buildings or who are uncomfortable driving their vehicles have been advised to contact their dealership or Ford Motor Co. for assistance.
Ford and Lincoln Engine Fire Lawsuit
People who own or lease a 2021 Ford Expedition or Lincoln Navigator SUV may have been placed at risk of engine fire. A vehicle fire can cause personal injury, vehicle damage, and damage to other vehicles or buildings. It may also decrease the value of the automobile or may result in the driver and passengers being stranded when the vehicle becomes inoperable.
Owners and operators of 2021 Ford Expedition or Lincoln Navigator SUVs which were manufactured between December 2020 and April 2021, may have been affected by a recall and may be eligible for compensation.