Ford Says to Park SUVs Outside

Ford is asking owners of their SUVs to park outside. The automaker made the announcement following a number of fires connected to the company’s SUVs. In May, Ford recalled about 39,000 Ford Expedition and Lincoln Navigator large SUVs in the U.S. And told owners to park them outdoors and away from buildings. Since then, the company expanded that recall to cover more than 66,000 vehicles from the 2021 model year after getting reports of five more fires.At the time of the first recall, Ford didn't know what was causing the fires. But the company says it has traced the cause to printed circuit boards that are susceptible to an electrical short. The company says it has reports of 21 fires and one injury, but no reports of fires extending to buildings.The circuit boards are part of the battery junction box. Dealers will check the box for melting damage and replace it if needed. They'll also remove or repair a cooling fan ground wire that connects to the junction box. Parts are expected to be available in early September.Ford says if the engine fails, significant amounts of oil and fuel vapor can leak onto hot parts, causing a fire. The company says it has 23 reports worldwide of fires while the engines are on, but no injuries.