For the fourth time in the past year, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said Ford is recalling the 2013 Escape through two different campaigns to correct critical fluid leaks.

The larger campaign covering 139,917 units equipped with 1.6L engines is because the affected vehicles may experience localized overheating of the engine cylinder head, which may cause cracks that could allow oil to leak.

NHTSA said these vehicles were manufactured between Oct. 5, 2011 through June 2 of this year.

“Leaking engine oil may come into contact with a hot engine surface potentially resulting in an engine compartment fire,” officials said.

NHTSA indicated Ford will notify owners, and franchised dealers will modify the engine shielding, cooling and control systems, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin by Jan. 23.

Meanwhile, regulators said the Blue Oval is recalling 2013 Escape vehicles equipped with a 1.6L engine subject to prior safety recall NHTSA 12V-336, which Auto Remarketing reported here last July.

NHTSA estimated that these 9,469 affected units were manufactured from Oct. 5, 2011, through July 11, 2012.

“In some cases, the engine compartment fuel line may have been installed incorrectly when repaired under the prior recall. The mis-installed fuel line could chafe and eventually leak fuel,” officials said.

“A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source may result in a fire,” they added.

The agency went on to mention Ford will notify owners, and franchised dealers will inspect the engine compartment fuel line, and if necessary, replace it, free of charge.

Like the other campaign, this recall also is expected to begin by Jan. 23.

Owners with questions about either recall can contact Ford at (866) 436-7332 and reference recall No. 13S12.

Isuzu Recalling 8,000 SUVs in Cold-Weather States

NHTSA said Isuzu Manufacturing Services of America is recalling certain model year 2003 and 2004 Rodeo and Axiom, and 2003 Rodeo Sport vehicles that were originally sold in, or are currently registered in:

—Maine
—New Hampshire
—Vermont
—Massachusetts
—Rhode Island
—Connecticut
—New York
—New Jersey
—Pennsylvania
—Delaware
—Maryland
—District of Columbia
—West Virginia
—Ohio
—Indiana
—Michigan
—Illinois
—Wisconsin
—Minnesota
—Iowa
—Kentucky
—Missouri

“These vehicles may experience excessive corrosion near the forward mounting point bracket for the left or right rear suspension lower link,” regulator said. “Thee corrosion may allow the bracket to detach from the frame, impacting vehicle handling and increasing the risk of a crash.”

A total of 8,816 vehicles are included in the campaign.

NHTSA said Isuzu will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the rear suspension lower link bracket area.

For vehicles in which little or no corrosion is found, officials said the area will be treated with an anti-corrosive compound.

For vehicles in which corrosion has damaged the rear suspension lower link bracket and affected its connection to the vehicle frame, NHTSA indicated a reinforcement bracket will be installed.

In the event the corrosion is so severe that the reinforcement bracket remedy would not be sufficient, regulators explained Isuzu will offer to repurchase the vehicle for an amount based on the Kelley Blue Book private party price.

“All inspections and remedies will be provided free of charge for vehicles that are 10 years old or less,” officials said.

“For vehicles older than 10 years, Isuzu will offer a free remedy, but only if the vehicle is presented to an Isuzu service facility dealer within 12 months of when owner notifications were issued, after that time owners will be charged for the repairs," they went on to say.

The recall is expected to begin next month. Isuzu owners can contact the automaker at (800) 255-6727.

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