LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- Fires under the hood have led to the second major recall of the Louisville-built Ford Escape in less than a week.
This recall affects only the 1.6 liter, four-cylinder, 2013 Escapes built at the Louisville Assembly Plant between early April and July 11.
"The recall is being taken to replace an engine component fuel line which potentially could split and leak fuel which could result in an under-hood fire," said Marcey Zwiebel, safety communications manager for Ford.
Ford is taking the unusual step of picking up the SUVs for repair and leaving loaner cars with customers to ensure safety.
The company discovered three fires linked to the fuel line problem so far, two at the Louisville Assembly Plant and another as a customer was driving an Escape in Canada.
No one was injured.
No one connected to Ford locally would address the issue on camera. but we did reach local union president Todd Dunn via telephone.
"The only thing I have been told via phone conversation is that it was a defective part from the vender," Dunn said.
Finished Escapes are leaving the lot. WDRB News has been told that a memo went out in-house on Thursday saying they wouldn't be shipped to dealers until they'd been fixed.
Of the 11,500 cars this recall affects, roughly 4,800 have been sold.
It comes just days after Ford announced a different recall on the 2013 Escape from a potential problem with the pedal package.
Zwiebel said proper protocol was followed for inspecting the vehicles.
"We are very committed to top quality...but we're also equally committed to addressing issues and responding quickly," Zwiebel said.
"Does this call to question the product we're producing here in Louisville?" asked WDRB's Gilbert Corsey.
"I don't think it does. We produce a world-class product. We've got world-class members that are putting it together," Dunn said. "But just like walking out your door on the way to work sometimes you stumble. It's anything. It's going to happen in any business."
Ford invested $600 million into the Louisville Assembly Plant, saving thousands of jobs to produce the re-designed Escape.
If you have purchased one of the recalled cars, contact your dealership.
Copyright 2012 WDRB News. All Rights Reserved.
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