Ford says it will also fix coolant leaks in previously recalled vehicles

In a letter to dealers concerning a March 2017 recall, Ford says it will also repair any coolant leaks found in some 200,000 vehicles recalled for an increased fire risk.

The Associated Press notes that the Dearborn, Michigan-based automaker originally said 10 months ago it would install a coolant level sensor with no mention of fixing any leaks. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said as recently as December 2017 that Ford's remedy included hardware and software updates.

In Ford's letter to dealers last month, it said: "localized overheating of the engine cylinder head may cause the cylinder head to crack, causing a pressurized oil leak that may result in a fire in the engine compartment."

When the recall was announced in late March, Ford said it was aware of 29 North American fires related to the recall, but no injuries.

The recall covers 208,584 2014 Ford Escapes, 2014 and 2015 Fiesta ST, 2013 and 2014 Fusion, and the 2013 through 2015 Transit Connect models equipped with the 1.6-liter EcoBoost engine.

"In the affected vehicles, a lack of coolant circulation could cause an engine to overheat, resulting in a crack in the cylinder head," Ford reported. "A cracked cylinder head can result in 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 said in the letter to dealers that remedy parts are available for the affected Escape models, but the others will not be ready until later this month or next.

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