Owners of certain 2013 Ford Escape sport utility vehicles are questioning whether their vehicles are lemons after receiving repeated recall notices and Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs). Nine notices have been issued within the past year for assorted problems involving fluid leaks, overheating engines, and potential engine fires. The most recent problem involves certain 2013-2014 Ford C-Max, Escape, and Fusion vehicles as well as certain 2013-2014 Lincoln MKZ vehicles.

According to reports filed with the NHTSA, the driver and front passenger seat back assemblies may have inadequate weld joints attaching the seat back recliner mechanisms to the seat back frame. Drivers experiencing the problem may notice unfamiliar noises or a looseness in the seat when leaning back. If the issue is not corrected, the weld could completely separate, increasing the risk of injury during an accident.

Ford will notify dealers to stop demonstrating and delivering the affected vehicles until the seat backs are replaced. Ford will also notify owners to take their vehicles to a Ford or Lincoln approved dealer to have the problem fixed. Ford recall number is 14C03 and the NHTSA campaign number is 14V164. Owners wanting more information can call 1-800-392-3673.