Ford in EcoBoost engine fire probe

Car giant Ford has said it is expanding an engine fire investigation to Europe.

The company said it had received seven reports of fires in 1.6-litre EcoBoost engines sold in Europe and used in the Focus, Mondeo and Galaxy models.

Last week Ford recalled more than 89,000 new Escape SUVs and Fusion saloons in North America because the 1.6-litre engine can overheat and catch fire.

The company said it had 13 reports of fires in those vehicles. It told owners to stop driving their vehicles and use loan cars from dealers until the problem is fixed.

Ford has not yet recalled any vehicles in Europe.

The company said it has not determined the cause of the engine fires.