The 2014 and 2015 Ford Fiesta ST is being recalled for a coolant problem that could lead to an engine fire.
Ford issued two recalls today affecting nearly 450,000 vehicles and are expected to cost the company $295 million to resolve.
The first of the two involves about 231,000 vehicles equipped with 1.6-liter inline 4-cylinder engines, which pose a potential fire hazard. The vehicles with these engines include the 2013-2014 Fusion built at the Hermosillo, Mexico, factory, 2014-2015 Fiesta ST, 2014 Escape and the 2013-2015 Transit Connect.
The problem centers on a coolant problem. After the engine overheats, due to a lack of circulating coolant, the engine block can crack. Oil may leak from the crack and catch on fire. The automaker says there are 29 reports of fires in North America, but no injuries or deaths.
The repair, which will be done free of charge, requires installation of a coolant level sensor. If the part isn’t available, Ford recommends checking coolant levels often and refilling as needed.
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The second recall involves approximately 211,000 cars with broken door latches. Ford says the “pawl spring tab” in the latch could break, leading to the door opening unexpectedly while driving. No injuries or deaths have been reported as a result of the broken latch.
The 2013-14 Lincoln MKZ is part of a recall for a faulty door latch. The action involves about 211,000 vehicles.
The affected vehicles are the 2014 Fusion built at the Flat Rock, Michigan, plant, 2013-2014 Fusion built at the Hermosillo site, 2014 Fiesta and 2013-2014 Lincoln MKZ. The company will replace all door latches on all affected cars with a stronger version at no cost.
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The Dearborn, Michigan-based maker has been plagued by faulty latches for some time. Ford has recalled nearly 4 million vehicles for door latch issues in six separate recalls since 2014.
Those moves include a massive recall of 2.4 million vehicles late last year, Reuters reported. In September, Ford said it was taking a $640 million charge for its expanded side-door latch recalls.
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The U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) said in 2015 it had 1,102 reports of faulty latches while Ford said it had 10,883 warranty claims related to door latch failures, Reuters noted. Some owners told NHTSA they used ropes or tape or seatbelts to restrain doors.