Blue Oval Connect Newswire: December 10, 2012

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Ford Motor Company today announced a corrective action to address potential engine overheating that could result in engine fires in SE and SEL models of the 2013 Ford Escape and Ford Fusion models equipped with 1.6-liter engines. The vehicles were subjects of a voluntary safety recall announced Nov. 30.

An intensive, cross-discipline engineering team at Ford worked to identify the root cause of the extreme engine overheating condition.

To fix the condition, Ford will make software updates to the cooling system of the 1.6-liter engine available in the SE and SEL models of the 2013 Ford Escape and 2013 Ford Fusion. The software updates will better manage engine temperatures during a unique overheating condition that could occur under unique operating conditions. The original cooling system design was not able to address a loss of coolant system pressure under certain operating conditions, which could lead to a vehicle fire while the engine was running.

"We remain absolutely committed to continuously improving and providing the highest-quality vehicles to our customers. When a potential issue is identified, we act promptly on behalf of our customers, as we did this time," said Raj Nair, Ford group vice president, Global Product Development.

Ford is now working to deliver the software and repair procedure to its dealers. The company will begin notifying customers so they can schedule service appointments with dealers.

Beginning early next week, customers will be able to get the software update at their dealer. The time needed for this repair is less than one-half day. However, due to service scheduling requirements, a dealer may need the vehicle for a longer period of time.

Until the cooling software is updated, customers driving 2013 Escape vehicles equipped with the 1.6-liter engine and 2013 Fusion models equipped with the 1.6-liter engine have been advised to contact their dealer to arrange for alternative transportation at no charge.

Some drivers who have experienced high engine temperatures followed by engine fires have said that their clusters have shown the message "Engine Power Reduced to Lower Temps" or "Engine over temp, stop safely." Some also indicated that their instrument clusters sounded a chime and illuminated a red light.

Ford advised drivers who see any of these indications to safely pull off the road as soon as possible, turn off the engine and exit the vehicle.

Notifications have been sent to customers affected by the recall. Customers also can see if they are affected by the recall by:

• Checking their 17-digit VIN, located on a label on the driver door opening, at the base of the windshield on the driver's side of their vehicle, or on their vehicle registration. In vehicles with 1.6-liter engines, the eighth character will be "X" on Escapes or "R" on Fusions;
• Logging onto Ford.com, click "View Notices and Recalls" in the "Support" tab and inputting their VIN;
• Calling 866-436-7332 in the U.S. or 888-222-7814 in Canada; or
• Contacting a Ford dealer

@Ford recently interviewed Raj Nair, group vice president, Global Product Development regarding the fix in the voluntary safety recall of the 2013 Ford Escapes and 2013 Ford Fusions with 1.6-liter engines.

Q. What is today's announcement?
A. Today, we announced corrective action to address potential engine overheating that could result in engine fires in 2013 Ford Escape and Ford Fusion models equipped with 1.6-liter engines. The vehicles were subjects of a voluntary safety recall announced Nov. 30, 2012.

We are making updates to the cooling system software to better manage engine temperatures during a unique overheating condition. The original cooling system design was not able to address a loss of coolant system pressure under certain operating conditions. The new software will resolve this issue.

The software update fix is to approximately 73,500 2013 model year Escapes and 15,800 2013 model year Fusions equipped with the 1.6-liter engine.

Q. Why did it take more than a full week to find out what was wrong and to find a fix?
A. We took the time that was necessary to conduct a detailed engineering analysis to find the root cause and to find and validate the remedy. The timing of the remedy was fully dependent on conducting the proper analysis and fully validating the solution. We recalled the vehicles before having the fix identify because it was in the best interest of our customers.

Q. Is this the same issue as earlier this year when we recalled 2013 Escapes for potential fires?
A. The prior recalls addressed specific root causes that are not related to this recall. We are making updates to the cooling system software to better manage engine temperatures during this unique condition. Our software was not robust to a loss of coolant system pressure under certain operating conditions. The new software will resolve this issue.

Q. Are these changes you made to fix the issue in North America going to be implemented in the 1.6-liter engines in Europe?
A. No. We conducted a thorough investigation in Europe with the 1.6-liter engine and have determined there is no similar issue in Europe and no need for a recall.

Q. Do EcoBoost engines run hotter than non turbo charged engines. Is this a problem with all EcoBoost engines?
A. No. All internal combustion engines have components that run hot. This cooling issue is unique to the North American 1.6-liter engine. Our data shows that the European 1.6-liter and our other EcoBoost engines are not affected.

Q. Are we concerned about multiple recalls?
A. Our focus is on providing the highest-quality vehicles to our customers and responding quickly when we identify potential issues. The recalls are part of our process and our commitment to quality and to customers.

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