(Reuters) – U.S. auto safety regulators said on Friday it was beginning a preliminary assessment of 210,960 Ford (NYSE:) vehicles following complaints of diesel fuel leaks that could cause fires.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said it has received 27 complaints, including 12 reports of fires and four injuries, and that it will investigate Ford F-250, 350, 450 and 550 Super Duty vehicles equipped with 6-cylinder diesel engines. 7 l. models 2015-2021.
The agency’s preliminary assessment is the first step in determining whether vehicles pose an unreasonable safety risk. It may close the investigation without taking any potential action.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) said that failure of the secondary fuel filter in vehicles can cause a fire because the proximity of the filter to sources of intense heat creates the potential for thermal events and fires.
Ford was not available for comment.