Ford is asking owners of certain 2013 Escape vehicles equipped with 1.6L engines and manufactured between October 2011 to July 2012, to not drive their vehicles until a fuel line in the engine compartment has been replaced. The fuel lines could split and leak, causing an engine compartment fire. Owners can contact their local Ford or Lincoln dealer to arrange to have their vehicle picked up for repairs and will provide a rental vehicle if needed. For more information about the problem, owners can contact Ford at 1-866-436-7332.

A Los Angeles County judge has reversed a court decision to award a former attorney almost $10,000 over fuel economy claims for her 2006 Honda Civic. The case received national attention last year, when Heather Peters opted out of a class action settlement that would have paid Civic hybrid owners up to $200 or $1000 off the purchase of a new car. Honda appealed the court decision, and Los Angeles County Superior Court Judge Dudley W. Gray reversed the small-claims judgment last Thursday.

According to Gray, the automaker was within its rights to advertise the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) fuel economy ratings for the vehicle and rejects the idea that it was misleading. He added that Federal regulations control the fuel economy ratings posted on vehicles, but they are only there for comparison among vehicles and don’t take into account conditions that could affect fuel economy such as how people drive and the condition of their vehicle.

Peters lawsuit has prompted almost 40 other Civic owners to seek similar recourse. Honda has already won 18 of the suits and has lost one case, in Santa Barbara, involving a 2003 Civic hybrid. Peters said that although she is disappointed with the final ruling, she is glad she raised awareness that Honda is no longer the great brand it used to be.

Volkswagen has announced a recall involving certain 2012 Passat vehicles built between January 2011 through to June 2011. According to the recall report submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), certain vehicles may have been built with a diesel fuel filter element that does not seal correctly. A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source could lead to an engine fire. Owner will be notified of the problem starting in May, and dealers will replace the element with a serviceable one. Owners wanting more information about the problem can contact Volkswagen at 1-800-822-8987.

Chrysler will be recalling certain 2012 Patriot and 2012 Compass vehicles because of a manufacturing flaw that could increase the risk of fire. According to the recall report filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) certain vehicles built between December 2011 to January 2012, may have a fuel tank assembly containing a damaged roll over valve. In the event of an accident, the valve may allow fuel leakage, increasing the risk of fire. Chrysler will start notifying owners of the problem, starting in June, and will replace that fuel tanks on these affected vehicles. Owners wanting more information on the problem can contact Chrysler at 1-800-853-1403.

Porsche has announced a recall for certain 2012 Carrera S 911 vehicles for a potential fuel leak. According to the recall filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), interference between a coolant line and a fuel line could cause the fuel line to be disconnected. A fuel leak could lead to a misfiring engine, stalling, and in the presence of an ignition source a potential fire. Porsche will be notifying owners starting in April, and will replace the fuel line with one that does not have a quick disconnect connector. Owners wanting more information on the recall can contact Porsche at 1-800-767-7243.

Nissan is recalling certain 2003-2004 Infiniti M45 vehicles for an electrical problem that could leave drivers stranded. Because of a circuit board failure, the fuel gauge may read at a higher level than actually exists in the tank. Owners could run out of fuel without warning leaving them stranded and increasing the risk of an accident. For more information on the problem, contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-647-7261.

Volvo has announced a recall for certain 2012 S60 and 2012 XC60 vehicles because an an incorrect mixture and over application of under body coating could result in ridged, icicle like extrusions hanging from the vehicles undercarriage. These extrusions could penetrate the fuel line causing leaks that could increase the risk of fire. Dealers will inspect the vehicle undercarriage and remove any excessive under body coating in the fuel line area. I the inspection reveals that the fuel lines have been damaged, they will replace them free of charge. Owners wanting more information about the problem can contact the Volvo customer care center at 1-800-458-1552.

Nissan is recalling certain 2011-2012 Nissan Quest minivans because the engine could stall unexpectedly. According to the recall report filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), while idling or driving at slow speeds on an incline with ¼ tank or less of fuel, the engine could stall due to an insufficient supply of fuel to the engine. Nissan will be notifying owners starting in March, and dealers will correct the problem by reprogramming the fuel pump control module. Owners wanting more information on the problem can contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-647-7261.