Ford Australia Concludes Everest SUV Fire Was A One-Off

Last week, a brand new Ford Everest SUV caught fire while being test driven by an automotive journalist in Australia.

Soon after the blaze, reports surfaced suggesting that the fire could have been caused by a model-wide problem, possibly leading to an extensive recall. Following an extensive investigation from Ford Australia, it has been concluded that no such action will have to be taken.

Despite the Everest in question being badly damaged by the inferno, Ford Australia discovered that the fire was sparked by an incorrectly installed replacement battery. Although specifics haven’t been given, there’s a potential that post-production, the battery was installed improperly which led to the positive and negative leads touching, ultimately sparking the fire.

Importantly, Ford Australia says that the issue is a one-off. Specifically, the statement said “All of the data collected during the exhaustive investigation to date indicates this is a situation which is not systemic to Everest or Ranger.”

The journalist behind the wheel, Peter Barnwell, reported that just before the engine caught fire, a selection of warning lights appeared across the instrument panel. Soon after, the engine stopped and the display went black before flames crept out from under the hood. While fire crews were on the scene in just five minutes, much of the brand new car was destroyed.

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