Ford Fusion and MKZ Recalls

Ford Fusion and Lincoln MKZ Recall

The Ford Motor Company has recalled both its Fusion and Lincoln MKZ vehicles for a problem with the front brake hoses.
The recall applies to 2013 through 2018 model years and involves approximately 1.3 million units. The problem
with the hoses is that they can rupture and leak brake fluid. The resulting leak can increase vehicle stopping distances.
Ford will begin sending recall letters to owners on April 17, 2023. It should be noted that parts are not yet available and
a second letter will be sent to owners advising when they can take their vehicles in for repair. Owners should then take
their vehicles to their dealers where the front brake hoses will be replaced free of charge. For additional information,
owners can call Ford at 1-866-436-7332 and referencing recall # 23S12.

Cosori Air Fryer Recall

The Consumer Product Safety Commission has announced that Cosori has recalled approximately 2 million air fryers, totaling 21 different products, for a fire and burn hazard. The fryers contain an electrical wiring connection that can overheat resulting in the fire and burn hazards. Cosori would like consumers to visit its website and submit a recall form for their product. Consumers will need to include the model and batch numbers for their products. Labels containing the required information can be found on the bottom of the product. A list of the recalled models is also available on the website. Upon verification of the product in this recall, consumers will have the option of having their fryers replaced or exchanged for another appliance. The Cosori website address is http://www.recall.cosori.com. For additional information, consumers can contact Cosori by calling 888-216-5974,

Screener Fire Potential

Back in December, we were asked to investigate the cause of a “screener” fire. A screener is a type of machine that can take wood and dirt debris and separate the larger pieces from the smaller. The finer material can then be used to landscape property. Photos of a screener are shown below in photos 1 and 2

In this particular instance, the screener under investigation had been purchased “new” and was only two months old when a small engine fire occurred. Upon examination, it was obvious that the fire erupted on the top of the engine. According to the manufacturer, their screeners are equipped with a 20.8 horsepower engine, manufactured by Honda Small Engines and identified by model number GX630. The engine is shown in photos 3 and 4.

It should also be noted that the manufacturer of the screener, Warkentin Fabricating, is a Canadian company located in Harrow; Ontario, Canada. In addition, Warkentin markets the screener under the “North 42 Ventures” and “Hustler” brand names. Furthermore, it should be noted that no recalls have been issued for the screener or the engine at this time. However, owners and operators of this type of machine should remain cautious and shut down the machine in event of unusual operation or sighting of smoke and flames. Moreover, questions pertaining to instances of fire and engine malfunction should be directed to the Warkentin dealer in the owner’s area.

Washing Machine Fire Hazard

Samsung has recalled approximately 663,500 washing machines for a possible fire hazard. The recalled machines can short circuit, overheat, and ignite. The cause of the hazard is related to a software problem that has to be updated in order to eliminate the problem. The list below shows the models that are involved in this recall.

It should be noted that those with electronic machines that are readily connectable to the internet will receive the software update automatically. Those owners with machines that are not connected to the internet or prefer to remain disconnected will have to contact Samsung for instructions on how to obtain the software update. In the meantime, consumers are urged not to use their machines until the update has been installed. For additional information, consumers can contact Samsung Electronic America LLC in Ridgeway Park, NJ by calling 1-833-916-4555 and referencing recall number 23-080.

Ford Recalls

The Ford Motor Company has announced the following recalls for its Escape, Bronco Sport, Lincoln Corsair, and Maverick vehicles:

2020-2023 Escapes and 2021-2023 Bronco Sport equipped with 1.5 liter engines.  The fuel injectors in these vehicles can crack and develop a fuel leak.  The resulting fuel leakage can ignite causing an underhood fire.  521,778 vehicles have been recalled and Ford intends to update the engine control software to indicate when a fuel leak occurs. Ford also will install a drain tube to channel fuel away from a hot engine surface.  Owner notification is expected to begin on December 19, 2022.  Ford’s recall number for this recall is 22S73.  It should be noted that this recall applies to vehicles repaired under campaign # 22V-191.  Vehicles previously repaired will have to have the new remedy installed. 

2020-2022 Escape, 2021-2022 Lincoln Corsair, and 2022 Maverick vehicles equipped with 2.5 liter HEV or PHEV engines.  Engine oil and fuel vapors can accumulate in the engine compartment.  These vapors, in the presence of an ignition source, can ignite and cause an engine fire.  Owners are advised to shut down their vehicles as soon as possible if they hear any unusual engine noises, sense a reduction in power, or see smoke.  Ford dealers will modify the under engine shield and active grille shutter free of charge.  Ford’s recall number for this recall is 22S47.  It is expected that 100,689 vehicles will be affected by this recall.  Owner notification began on August 19, 2022.

2020-2022 Escape and 2021-2022 Bronco Sport equipped with 1.5 liter engines.  The engine oil separator housing can crack and leak oil.  This recall is expected to affect 345,451 vehicles.  Owners should take their vehicles to their dealer for a free inspection.  If necessary, dealers will replace the oil separator and seals, free of charge.  Ford’s number for this recall is 22S21. Owner notification began on April 18, 2022.   

For additional information on any of these recalls, owners can contact Ford by calling 1-866-436-7332 and referencing the Ford recall number of the particular recall.

Ozone Machines

Ozone Machines

We have been investigating water damage claims due to overflowing or leaking washing machines for a number years. An investigation was recently performed on a washing machine that was connected to an ozone machine. The use of ozone in the laundry process is not a new concept but, the machines are beginning to appear in residences connected to household washing machines. In the case that was investigated, the claim was that the ozone machine leaked or somehow caused the washing machine to leak water. The machine that was examined is shown in the photo below. Upon examination, it was determined that the machine injected ozone into the water as it flowed through the machine and into the washer. It was further determined that when the flow stopped, the production of ozone also stopped. Lastly, it was also discovered that the control of the water flow remained with the washing machine and had nothing to do with the ozone machine. Since there was no evidence of water leakage from the ozone machine, it was concluded that the source of water had to have been the washing machine and was also declared a defective product.

Ozone machine used with washing machine

Ford Recalls Escape, Others for Roll-Away Problem

The Ford Motor company is recalling approximately 2.9 million vehicles as a result of a problem with the transmission shift cable. This recall applies to the following vehicles: 2013 to 2019 Escape, 2013-2018 C Max, 2013 to 2016 Fusion, 2013 to 2021 Transit Connect, and 2015 to 2018 Edge. The problem with these vehicles is that the transmission shift cable uses a bushing to connect the cable to the transmission, which can fail. Once the cable has detached, there is no communication link between the transmission and the vehicle. Consequently, the vehicle can roll, in an unexpected direction, and crash. Ford intends to replace the bushing and add a protective cap at no cost to the vehicle owner. Ford also intends to begin notifying owners beginning on June 27. For additional information, owners can contact ford by calling toll free 1-866-436-7332. Ford’s identification number for this recall is 22S43.

Boiler/Steam System Design

We have recently completed a review course in Boiler/Steam Systems Design. Steam systems are used in everything from air conditioning to manufacturing to power generation. For those involved in adjusting commercial claims, the implications for possible claims include faulty work, either in installation or maintenance; defective products, and defective system design. Those potentially liable for their errors include contractors, manufacturers, engineers, and codes inspectors. For additional information or for posing additional inquiries, please feel free to contact us by sending email to rjhill@rjhill.com or by calling 615-727-3601.

Who Owns the Evidence?

Recently, we conducted the examination of a 2013 Kia Soul, the purpose of which was to determine the cause of a fire. The vehicle had developed a problem with the antilock braking system and was taken to a local shop for repair. While on the shop’s lot and after an overnight, the vehicle was destroyed by fire the following day. During the examination of the vehicle, it was later confirmed that the fire had occurred on the repair shop’s property. It was also confirmed that the vehicle was owned by a third party. As a result, since the vehicle was evidence in the investigation, and since the vehicle was owned by the third party, the right of evidence ownership belonged to the third party. The implication being that any disassembly, or more importantly, any destruction of the evidence could be regarded as an act of “spoliation”. Spoliation of evidence refers to evidence that has been violated to the extent that one party to a lawsuit cannot use the evidence to prove its case. The party that causes the spoliation can usually be held liable by means of litigation. In these types of cases where the owner of the evidence is not the investigating expert’s client, care must be taken not to handle, remove, or otherwise examine something that can be altered by handling, broken, or replaced in its original position or state. It is advisable to photograph and document the condition of evidence and then conduct a joint examination with all interested parties at a later time.

Hyundai and Kia Latest Engine Fire Updates

Hyundai and Kia are still having problems with engine fires.  The manufacturers are now telling owners to park their vehicles outside of their garages and carports because their vehicles can suddenly ignite even if the vehicles have not been driven.  The warning applies to approximately 485,000 vehicles in the U.S.  The problem is with the antilock braking system module which can leak fluid and cause an internal short circuit that leads to a fire.  This recall now includes 2014 – 2016 Kia Sportage, 2016 – 2019 K900 Sedans, 2016 – 2018 Santa Fe SUVs, 2017 – 2018 Santa Fe Sports, 2019 Santa Fe XL, and 2014 – 2015 Tucson SUVs.  Dealers are supposed to replace a fuse and if necessary the anti-lock brake control module.  Kia is expected to begin notifying owners beginning on March 31^st and Hyundai owners will be notified beginning on April 5^th.  We have previously reported on this issue and the articles are still available for review.  The articles are in the following posting sates: Feb 2020, Sept 2020, Jan 2021, May 2021, and Dec 2021.  The articles can be accessed by clicking on the month and year located on the right side margin and scrolling through the page after it loads.  For additional information, about the recalls, owners can contact Hyundai or Kia by phone or email as listed in the articles.