U.S. safety regulators are investigating allegations that Healy Brothers, a Ford dealer in Beacon, New York, sold a 2021 Ford Escape without resolving its recall.
The regulator stated that it received information indicating “the dealer had delivered at least one new vehicle to a buyer without carrying out the required repairs.” Consequently, the NHTSA will conduct an audit to gather additional information about this issue.
The recall, initiated in August, stems from a leak in the fuel delivery module, which can cause low fuel pressure and potentially lead to engine stalling. This recall impacts 13,773 vehicles, including Lincoln Corsairs, Ford Bronco Sports, and Escapes.
Also read: Risk of Engine Fire Prompts Recall of 345,000 Ford Escapes and Bronco Sports
Ford and its dealers are required to replace the fuel delivery module at no cost to vehicle owners and must repair new cars in their inventory.
“It is illegal for a dealer to deliver a new vehicle with an open safety recall, as an unrepaired recall poses a safety risk,” an NHTSA spokesperson told Automotive News. “NHTSA takes safety recalls very seriously and urges everyone to address open safety recalls promptly.”
Ford has committed to completing the recall repairs and stated it is aware of the NHTSA audit, promising full compliance. The automaker emphasized that it will keep dealers and consumers informed about the recall in a timely manner, noting that “Ford dealers are independent businesses.”
