Photo of Ford Transit Connect courtesy of Ford.

Photo of Ford Transit Connect courtesy of Ford.

Ford Motor Co. is recalling 230,756 vehicles in North America to address an under-hood fire risk associated with the overheating of 1.6-liter GTDI engines, according to the automaker.

The safety recall involves 2014 Ford Escape, 2014-15 Fiesta ST, 2013-14 Fusion and 2013-15 Transit Connect vehicles equipped with 1.6-liter GTDI engines. Ford’s own investigation of these vehicles identified the fire risk.

In these vehicles, a lack of coolant circulation might cause the engine to overheat, resulting in a crack in the cylinder head. A cracked cylinder head can lead to a pressurized oil leak. Oil that comes into contact with a hot engine surface increases the risk of a fire in the engine compartment, Ford explained in a released statement.

Ford noted it’s aware of 29 reports of fire associated with this issue in the U.S. and Canada. No injuries have been reported.

The recall includes 208,584 vehicles in the U.S. and federalized territories, 21,854 in Canada and 318 in Mexico. The Ford reference number for this recall is 17S09.

Ford will mail vehicle owners instructions from the owner’s manual on how to check and refill coolant. Customers can continue to drive the vehicles, but should see a dealer if the vehicle exhibits a coolant leak, overheating or frequently needs coolant added, Ford said.

When service kits are available, dealers will install a coolant level sensor with supporting hardware and software. There will be no charge for this service.

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