Preliminary Evaluation Launched into Ford Vehicles Over Diesel Fuel Leaks
The U.S. auto safety regulator, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), announced on Friday that it has opened a preliminary evaluation into 210,960 Ford vehicles. The move comes in response to multiple complaints alleging diesel fuel leaks that could potentially lead to fires. The NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation received a total of 27 complaints, including 12 reports of fires and four injuries, prompting the investigation.
The vehicles under scrutiny are the Ford F-250, 350, 450, and 550 Super Duty models equipped with 6.7L diesel engines from model years 2015 to 2021. The NHTSA identified a possible cause for concern: a fracture in the secondary fuel filter, which is located in close proximity to high heat sources within the vehicles. This proximity creates a risk of auto-ignition thermal events and subsequent fires.
To shed light on the issue, the NHTSA has reached out to Allevard Sogefi USA, the manufacturer of the filter. During their investigation, the agency discovered that the secondary fuel filter is tested to operate at reduced levels of pressure during the manufacturing process. This is in contrast to the potential maximum operating pressure of the fuel system in the vehicles. The discrepancy in pressure levels raises questions about the filter’s ability to perform reliably and safely.
Ford has expressed its commitment to collaborating with the NHTSA during the investigation to ensure the safety of its customers. However, Allevard Sogefi USA’s parent company, Sogefi, was not immediately available for comment.
The NHTSA’s preliminary evaluation is the initial step in assessing whether the affected Ford vehicles pose an unreasonable risk to safety. Based on their findings, the agency may decide to close the investigation without taking any further action. However, if they deem it necessary, they may move forward with additional measures to address the issue and safeguard consumers.
In a separate development, the NHTSA recently expressed “significant safety concerns” regarding Ford’s recall of over 42,000 SUVs due to fuel leaks that could potentially lead to engine fires. The company had proposed an engine control software update and the installation of a drain as remedies. However, the NHTSA believes that these measures fail to address the root cause of the problem. They also argue that Ford should proactively call for the replacement of defective fuel injectors before they fail, in order to prevent potential hazards.
It is crucial for Ford and Allevard Sogefi USA to work closely with the NHTSA to identify and resolve the underlying issues concerning fuel leaks in their vehicles. Prompt action should be taken to ensure the safety of drivers and passengers. Additionally, in light of these safety concerns, Ford owners should remain vigilant and keep track of any further developments or recalls related to their vehicles. Regular maintenance checks and prompt responses to recall notifications are essential to mitigate potential risks on the road.
