Ford recalls Focus to fix fuel leak

Ford is contacting owners of LW, LW Series II and early LZ models of Focus concerning a fuel-leak risk.

According to the company, 42,988 vehicles are affected, all built between April 12, 2011 and September 29, 2015. This recall may also affect vehicles subject to an earlier recall for half shafts.

The problem applies specifically to vehicles that run in dusty environments. In that circumstance a build-up of dust could block the vehicle's carbon canister during a purge cycle. This in turn could create a vacuum in the fuel tank beyond the tank's design limits. If the tank should crack fuel will leak, posing a fire hazard.

Vehicle owners are advised to contact an authorised Ford dealership to have the vehicle inspected and repaired.