(June 3, 2013) Ford has issued three recalls for 2013 models, including calling back 465,000 vehicles for fire risks after 600 complaints of fuel leaks. The new recalls are the latest in a series of quality issues facing the Dearborn automaker during the last year as it has issued repeated recalls for many of its most popular new vehicles.

It also announced Friday small recalls of the 2013 Lincoln MKZ because insulation on the engine block heater cord could catch fire and of 2013 Ford Fusions that could have improperly assembled steering gears, which could cause loss of steering ability.

The biggest recall, for potentially leaky fuel tanks, affects 465,000 vehicles — 390,000 of them in the U.S. — including 2013 Ford Explorer, Taurus, Flex, Fusion and Police Interceptor utilities and sedans, and Lincoln MKS, MKT and MKZ vehicles. Ford said it received 600 fuel leak complaints as of March 31.

Ford is also recalling 500 of its new 2013 Lincoln MKZ midsize sedans — 100 in the U.S. and the rest in Canada — equipped with engine block heaters. The automaker says the insulation on the engine block heater electrical cord has the potential to crack in temperatures of minus-4 degrees or colder. A cracked cord could potentially expose wiring, increasing the risk of electrical shock and corrosion.

Source: The Detroit News