Recall: 467,000 Ford models for fuel leaks, steering loss, wiring

Seven 2013 Ford and Lincoln models are affected.

Ford is recalling nearly 467,000 cars to fix problems with fuel leaks, steering loss and cracked wires, the company said Monday.

A total of 466,068 cars, all from the 2013 model year, may have faulty fuel delivery modules in their tanks that can leak gasoline on the ground or contact other hot parts, which could result in a fire. Ford said no fires or injuries have been reported. 

The 2013 Explorer, Flex, Fusion, Taurus and the Lincoln MKS, MKZ and MKT are affected, including police versions of the Taurus and Explorer. In total, about 390,000 models are in the United States, with the rest in Canada and other worldwide markets. 

An additional 500 2013 Lincoln MKZ sedans equipped with engine block heaters are being recalled for electrical cords that can crack in cold weather. The optional heater, which warms the engine before the vehicle is started, has a cord that plugs into a standard 120-volt outlet and can crack and fray below minus 20 degrees Celsius, Ford said. Only 107 vehicles are affected in the United States, with the rest in Canada. The car, which shares components with the Fusion, is all new for 2013.

Finally, 23 Fusion models from 2013 have steering gears "that may have been built without an internal retaining clip," which could lead to a complete loss of steering control, Ford said. Only cars built between April 19 and 23 are affected.

In April, Ford recalled 3,037 cars for fuel leaks, including the 2012 Ford Taurus and Lincoln MKS and the 2013 Ford Explorer, because of faulty tank seams. 

In December 2012, Ford recalled 15,833 Fusion models from 2013 for engines that could overheat and catch fire. 

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is currently investigating steering failures reported by owners of other models. At least five owners of 2008 F-250 and F-350 pickup trucks said that their vehicles had problems with the steering gear box that caused them to lose control. Filings also show at least 15 reports of steering loss on 2005-2008 Ford Crown Victoria Police Interceptor models due to alleged separation of the upper and lower steering shafts.

Ford's turbocharged EcoBoost V6 engine, available in many models affected under the company's latest recall, is also under investigation for power losses and stalling. The automaker has been sued by owners in two states over the matter.

autos.msn.com