The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has launched an investigation into over 200,000 Ford vehicles over concerns regarding potential fuel leaks that could lead to fires.
Investigation Targets Ford Super Duty Trucks
The probe focuses on Ford F-250, F-350, F-450, and F-550 Super Duty trucks equipped with 6.7L diesel engines from model years 2015 to 2021. The NHTSA received 27 complaints, including reports of 12 fires and four injuries related to these vehicles.
Potential Cause: Fractured Fuel Filter
The NHTSA is specifically examining the potential for a fractured secondary fuel filter to cause fires. The close proximity of this filter to heat sources could trigger auto-ignition, posing a safety risk.
Investigation Deepens with Filter Manufacturer
The NHTSA has reached out to Allevard Sogefi USA, the manufacturer of the secondary fuel filter. They discovered that the filters may have been tested for lower pressure levels during production compared to the actual operating pressure within the truck's fuel system.
Ford Cooperates, Filter Maker Unresponsive
Ford has confirmed collaboration with the NHTSA to facilitate the investigation. Sogefi, the parent company of Allevard Sogefi USA, has yet to offer a public statement regarding the matter.
NHTSA's Next Steps
This initial investigation serves as a preliminary evaluation to determine the severity of the potential safety risk associated with these vehicles. The NHTSA may choose to close the case without further action, or it could lead to a recall depending on their findings.
Separate Safety Concerns Regarding Ford SUV Recall
The NHTSA also recently expressed "significant safety concerns" related to Ford's recall of over 42,000 SUVs due to potential fuel leaks that could result in engine fires.
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Source: Reuters
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