Recall wrap: Ford Escape PHEV fire risk
Plus: Alfa Romeo Giulia and Stelvio Quadrifoglio pulled up by issue with carbon-ceramic brakesThe Ford Escape PHEV is the subject of a recall in Australia, with the 2.5-litre petrol engine in the plug-in hybrid mid-size SUV at risk of failure.
In a recall notice released by the federal Department of Transport through its Vehicle Recalls website – click here to see the notice – Ford says that a manufacturing issue could lead to the engine failing prematurely.
“If this occurs, engine oil and/or fuel vapor could be released into the engine bay and accumulate in the presence of ignition source, resulting in a vehicle fire,” the company said in the notice.
That obviously poses a serious risk to vehicle occupants and anyone nearby, as well as the risk of damaging property, so owners are being warned to evacuate the vehicle if warning signs are detected.
“If the vehicle’s engine exhibits an unusual noise, experiences a reduction in available engine power, generates smoke from engine compartment and/or oil smoke odour is identified when driving, drivers should stop the vehicle where is safe to do so, turn off the ignition, evacuate the vehicle as soon as possible,” said Ford.
“When parts become available, Ford will contact affected owners in writing, requesting they make an appointment at their preferred Ford authorised dealership for the repair, free of charge.
“If you have concerns about continuing to drive your vehicle prior to parts becoming available, please contact your Ford dealer for assistance.”
At this stage, 206 examples of the Ford Escape PHEV are affected by the recall, built between 2019 and 2023.
Vehicle owners can also check the VIN list provided on the Vehicle Recalls website to see if their car is impacted.
Alfa Romeo Giulia and Stelvio Quadrifoglio
The distributor of Alfa Romeo cars in Australia, FCA Australia, has issued a recall for the Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio and Stelvio Quadrifoglio over a braking issue related to those versions of the high-performance sedan and SUV equipped with carbon-ceramic brakes.
FCA said in its recall notice that “vehicles equipped with carbon ceramic-matrix brakes have an independent electronic parking brake with a roll-away prevention feature that can put excessive pressure on the brake rotor in extreme circumstances”.
“This could result in an unexpected reduction of braking performance,” the company said.
The recall impacts 27 cars built between 2016 and 2020 – specifically, the Model Year 2017-2022 Giulia Quadrifoglio and MY2018-20 Stelvio Quadrifoglio.
The Australian notice follows a recall issued in the US recently, which in turn stemmed from warranty claims in various markets where owners alleged that the carbon-ceramic brakes were fracturing.
In the US National Highway Traffic Safety Information (NHTSA) recall notice, the issue is explained further: “During certain driving manoeuvres, the brake system may react with an excessive clamp force that fractures the rotor, which decreases brake performance.”
You can see the NHTSA Safety Recall Report here.
Australian owners are being encouraged to contact their nearest authorised Alfa Romeo dealer to have the vehicle software updated, free of charge.
You can read the recall notice on the federal Department of Transport’s Vehicle Recalls website here, where a VIN list of affected vehicles is also provided.
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