Ford is recalling 230,000 1.6-liter GTDI vehicles because they could catch on fire under the hoods, something that has occurred at least 29 times.
Recalled are 2014 Ford Escape, 2014-2015 Ford Fiesta ST, 2013-2014 Ford Fusion and 2013-2015 Ford Transit Connect vehicles that can overheat due to a lack of antifreeze.
Ford says a lack of coolant circulation could cause the engine to overheat and experience a crack in the cylinder head. A cracked head can cause pressurized oil leaks, oil that can leak onto hot engines.
The automaker says the 29 reported fires occurred in the U.S. and Canada, but no injuries have been reported.
The 2014 Escape was built February 12, 2013, to September 2, 2014, the 2014-2015 Fiesta ST was manufactured from January 22, 2013, to May 27, 2014, the 2013-2014 Fusion was produced between February 15, 2012, to June 6, 2014, and finally the 2013-2015 Transit Connect was built between June 13, 2013, to December 14, 2014.
The number of recalled vehicles with 1.6-liter GTDI engines include 208,584 in the U.S., 21,854 in Canada and about 318 in Mexico.
Ford doesn't know when the recall will begin, but for now owners will be mailed instructions that talk about how to check the coolant levels. Ford says an owner can continue to drive the vehicle but should talk to a dealer if an antifreeze leak is noticed or if the engine is overheating.
The automaker says it will eventually install service kits that include coolant level sensors, plus new software and hardware.
Ford didn't say more about the recall, but owners of the Escape, Fiesta ST, Fusion and Transit Connect vehicles may call 866-436-7332 and use recall number 17S09.
CarComplaints.com will update this page when safety regulators release more details about the recall.