Ford is ordering a massive recall on its 2010 and 2011 Ford Fusion and Mercury Milan sedans due to the discovery of faulty fuel tank valves which can make the cars easily catch fire.
The automaker reports that the inside the fuel system of the cars, the purge valve, which is responsible for leading excess fuel vapor into the engine for combustion, is not working as it should and is causing changes in the fuel pressure inside the tank. This is hazardous as repeated pressure changes can lead to cracks and leaks on the tank, spilling fuel that could easily start a fire, according to CNet.
411,000 vehicles will be recalled in the U.S. while 34,000 and 7,000 from Canada and Mexico, respectively. Despite the urgent recall, Ford said there have been no reported injuries related to the defect, according to Time.
The company already knows the solution to the problem and will be implementing it as soon as the recalled cars start coming in. Basically, the fuel tank and purge valves will be inspected and parts will be replaced as needed. A software update will also be made to prevent future pressure buildups, according to USA Today.
The vehicles to be recalled were manufactured in a plant in Hermosillo, Mexico.
In April, Ford also recalled 400,000 cars due to broken latches that made it possible for the car doors to open even when the car is in motion.
