Ford Says Software Update Will Fix Engine Fire Issue

Ford Motor Co. plans to reprogram cooling system software to cure an engine overheating problem with its 1.6-liter engine that could cause a fire.

The fix applies to nearly 89,000 of the company's 2013 model Escape crossovers and Fusion sedans. The recall does not include Titanium trim levels or versions of those vehicles that are powered by larger engines.

Ford says the 1.6-liter engine's cooling system was not designed to cope with a rare combination of operating conditions and a sudden loss of system pressure. The software update enables the system to better manage the overheating that occurs under those unusual circumstances.

The company, which has not yet launched the recall, urges affected owners to arrange a free loaner from their dealer until their own vehicles are repaired.