The recall covers the 2013 Ford Fusion sedan, Ford Explorer, Taurus, Flex, Police Utility and Police Interceptor and the Lincoln MKS, MKT and MKZ.

The recall involves 420,000 vehicles in the United States, Canada and Mexico and the rest overseas

Ford said it had received 600 consumer complaints.

A Ford statement said: ‘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.’

In a separate recall, 23 2013 Ford Fusions are being recalled to fix steering gears that lack an internal retaining clip, thereby increasing the risk of a crash.

In addition, 500 2013 Lincoln MKZ sedans equipped with engine block heaters are also being recalled to fix electrical cords that can crack in cold weather.