All three models share similar engineering. Because of a manufacturing problem, the 2.5-liter gasoline engines can leak engine oil or gasoline vapors that can catch fire when they contact hot parts in the vehicles’ engine compartment. Because the vehicles are hybrid and have electric motors as well as gas engines, someone could continue driving even after the engine has failed, making problems worse, according to paperwork Ford filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Fires still occurred on vehicles that had the work done, though. Ford is now working on other methods to prevent fires. There have been a total of 28 fires apparently linked to this issue, according to Ford, including five since last year’s recall. Once a repair for the issue has been devised, owners will be advised to go to their Ford or Lincoln dealer to have the vehicles fixed at no charge.