Some 24 Ford Explorer sport utility vehicles in Cambodia are being recalled to fix a potential fuel leak that could cause a fire, company representatives said.

The move comes amid a much larger recall of 465,000 units manufactured by the Dearborn, Michigan-based automaker, raising doubts over whether there are enough available parts to meet the demand. Models heading back to the dealership include the 2013 Taurus, Flex, Fusion, Interceptor Utility, Interceptor Sedan, and Lincoln MKS, MKT and MKZ.

Of the total, 390,000 vehicles are in the US, while a significant amount of the remaining units are from Canada and Mexico.

The recall represents more bad press for the midsize Fusion sedan, which the company redesigned in 2012. One of Ford’s best-selling models, it has been the subject of several recalls since its launch, according to Reuters.

About 80,000 2013 Fusions were recalled in December to check for engine leaks that could result in a fire, Reuters reported, while another 19,000 Fusions were brought back in November to correct problems with the lighting systems.

Ford said a fuel delivery module in the tank could leak and that the problem had prompted 600 consumer complaints as of March 31

A Ford statement released Monday said that while a fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source may result in a fire, “there have been no reports of fires [and] we are not aware of any accidents or injuries attributed to this condition.”

Car owners in the Kingdom avoided almost entirely a broader recall because the country’s authorised Ford dealer, RMA Cambodia, has sold few or none of the affected models.

RMA sold about 500 Ford vehicles in 2012, making it the second-largest seller in terms of market share in Cambodia’s car industry, after Toyota.

RMA’s service manager Mell Manin explained the problem in more detail. He said two of the fuel pipes in the Ford Explorer are situated close together, and once the car is up and running, friction between the pipes could cause a leak.

The division manager at RMA Cambodia, Seng Voeung, said that with respect to the two-dozen recalled units, “We are already calling the car owners.”

Ford said it would not have enough replacement parts for all owners until September, and Manin told the Post that RMA is starting to order the fuel delivery modules.

If the parts are available, the fix would take just “a few hours,” he added.

Authorised car dealers in Cambodia, including Ford, have often complained about vehicles being sold here through other non-official channels, such as parallel imports.

RMA expressed willingness to fix these vehicles if they fall under the models being recalled, but whether it is free or not is at the discretion of Ford. 

ADDITIONAL  REPORTING BY REUTERS