Recall 12V551 affects 80,057 2013 Ford Escape and Fusion vehicles with 1.6L engines for coolant leaks. Repair is free at any franchised Ford dealer.
Ford is recalling 80,057 2013 Escape and Fusion vehicles with 1.6L engines because coolant leaks can make the engines overheat and leak flammable engine fluids. If those fluids reach the hot exhaust system, fire risk rises, and the Ford dealer repair will be free once available.
Does this recall apply to your specific vehicle?
The official, free per-VIN recall check is run by NHTSA. Enter your VIN and we'll forward you directly — and add you to a free watchlist so you hear about new recalls for your vehicle.
Check my VIN at NHTSARecallNotify doesn't check your VIN — NHTSA's official tool does. We use your email only to alert you to new recalls.
Watch this vehicle for recalls
Add it to your free watchlist and we will alert you as new federal recalls are posted for your year, make and model. New-recall alerts are rolling out now.
You are on the watchlist.
We will email you as new federal recalls are posted for your vehicle.
What's wrong?
The coolant system on a 2013 Ford Escape or Fusion with the 1.6L engine moves coolant through the engine block, radiator, hoses, and related parts. Its job is to carry heat away from the engine so metal parts stay within their designed temperature range and the engine oil and other fluids stay contained.
In this recall, a coolant system leak lets the engine lose the fluid it needs to control heat. Once coolant drops, the engine can overheat. The NHTSA filing also says the condition can let flammable engine fluids leak, which makes the problem more than a temperature issue.
The available recall material does not identify one failed part or a specific root cause. There is no warning sign before failure. If the temperature gauge rises, steam appears, or fluid is visible under the vehicle, treat that as a serious engine-cooling problem and contact a Ford dealer.
Who's affected?
Covers both Escape and Fusion from the 2013 model year, with engine and engine cooling listed for both.
| 2013 Ford Escape | Engine and engine cooling |
|---|---|
| 2013 Ford Fusion | Engine and engine cooling |
| Units affected | 80,057 |
A matching year and model does not guarantee inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether this recall applies to your specific vehicle.
What's the safety risk?
If flammable engine fluids contact the hot exhaust system, a vehicle fire can occur. Until the repair is complete, watch for fluid leaks or overheating and arrange dealer service promptly. Repair will be free at any franchised Ford dealer once available.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2013 Ford Escape or Fusion is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Ford dealer to ask whether the free coolant-leak inspection and powertrain-control software update is open for your VIN.
- Reference recall number 12V551 when you call, and ask the dealer about the updated overheat strategy for the 1.6L engine.
- Bring Ford's owner notice if you have it, and ask whether alternative transportation is available while the dealer completes the recall work.
- Watch for overheating, coolant loss, or fluid odor, and stop driving if those signs appear before the dealer repair.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Ford technician inspects the engine for coolant system leaks, then reprograms the powertrain control module and instrument cluster with updated calibration and overheat strategy software. Ford's remedy text also says owners were told to contact dealers about alternative transportation while the repair was being developed. The final dealer repair will be free once available, with parts, labor, inspection, and software programming covered under the recall. Ask the Ford service desk whether the vehicle should be driven in or handled with alternative transportation before arranging service.
Timeline
| December 3, 2012 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| December 7, 2012 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 12V551?
Recall 12V551 covers 80,057 2013 Ford Escape and Fusion vehicles with 1.6L engines. Coolant system leaks can make the engine overheat and leak flammable engine fluids. Ford dealers inspect for leaks and update the powertrain control module and instrument cluster for free.
What should I do if my 2013 Ford Escape or Fusion is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific vehicle is included in recall 12V551. If it is, contact a franchised Ford dealer to schedule the inspection and software update. Reference recall number 12V551 when you call. The dealer repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to provide the recall repair at no cost, and Ford's remedy states there is no charge to owners for this service. A franchised Ford dealer handles the inspection and software update.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is fire. Ford reported that coolant system leaks can lead to engine overheating and leaking flammable engine fluids. If those fluids contact the hot exhaust system, a vehicle fire can occur. The free dealer repair addresses the leak inspection and software update.
What if I bought the Ford Escape or Fusion used?
The free recall repair still applies. Recalls follow the VIN, not the first owner. Check your VIN to confirm whether your 2013 Ford Escape or Fusion is included, then call a franchised Ford dealer and reference recall 12V551.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/12V551000 |
|---|---|
| Ford customer service | 1-866-436-7332 |
| NHTSA recall # | 12V551 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 12V551000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Defect / Noncompliance Notice (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on June 2, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →