Ford Recalls Mustangs for Fire and Brake Risks

Ford Motor Co. is recalling 19,486 2015 model-year Ford Mustangs in North America because prolonged exposure to elevated underbody temperatures might lead to degradation of the fuel tank and fuel vapor lines, which could eventually result in a fuel leak.

Additionally, exposure to high underbody temperatures could cause the parking brake cable seals to degrade, potentially affecting parking brake functions, Ford said. A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire. Impaired parking brake function could result in unexpected vehicle movement, which might increase the risk of injury.

Ford said it isn’t aware of any accidents, injuries or fires resulting from this condition, however.

The recall affects 2015 Mustang vehicles with a 2.3-liter engine. They were built from Feb. 14, 2014, to Feb. 10, 2015, at the Flat Rock Assembly Plant.

A total of 19,095 of the recalled Mustangs are in the U.S. and federalized territories, and 391 are in Canada.

To fix the problem, Ford dealers will replace the current fuel tank shield with one that has better insulating capability. Dealers will also install thermal patches on the fuel tank and parking brake cable, and install thermal wraps on the fuel vapor lines.