US government upgrades and expands Ford Bronco engine failure investigation

US government upgrades and expands Ford Bronco engine failure investigation 

October 15, 2023 Bojan Popic ,

Washington, D.C. – October 15, 2023 – The U.S. government auto safety regulator has expanded its investigation of Ford (NYSE:F) vehicles that may suffer from engine failure to include 683,000 more cars. The investigation was also upgraded to dig deeper into the issues and determine if a recall is warranted.

The following cars are under scrutiny:

  •  2021 – 2022 Ford Bronco
  •  2021 – 2022 Ford Edge 
  •  2021 – 2022 Ford Explorer
  •  2021 – 2022 Ford F-150
  •  2021 – 2022 Lincoln Aviator
  •  2021 – 2022 Lincoln Nautilus 

Investigation summary  

The regulator, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), opened the preliminary investigation in June 2022, following 32 complaints about Ford Bronco SUVs with 2.7L EcoBoost engines that would suddenly stall and not restart afterwards.

The investigation originally included around 25,000 vehicles.

As part of the process, NHTSA requested information about a broader subset of vehicles equipped with the said engine. The agency then discovered not only a multitude of complaints and engine exchanges but also that the defect potentially affected cars across the so-called “Nano” family which also included cars with the 3.0L EcoBoost engine.

On September 29, 2023, the investigation was upgraded to the so-called engineering analysis and expanded to include a total of 708,000 cars. The upgrade means that NHTSA will dig deeper into the issues to understand if the defect warrants a recall.

What has been found so far?

During the preliminary investigation, the regulator found out the likely culprit was an engine valve that was made from material that could become too fragile if overheated during the manufacturing process. This would cause the valves to break apart during operation and damage the engine.

Risks

A vehicle whose engine cuts out may lose power steering and brake assist, making it harder to maneuver and upping the risk of a crash. Additionally, the car may stall without prior warning and get hit by other motorists.

Other Ford recalls

In July 2023, Fusion Plug-in Hybrids vehicles (PHEV) were recalled because they could stall or catch on fire, as reported.

Some of the F-150 trucks listed here may have been affected by a recall from August 2023 caused by unintentional parking brake activation. 

Ford is also being investigated over allegedly faulty front doors that may not shut properly. 

Is your vehicle part of a recall?

This investigation may eventually lead to a Ford engine stall recall, potentially affecting more than 700,000 SUVs and trucks. To do a Lincoln or Ford recall check and see if your vehicle might be a part of it, please use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Bojan PopicUS government upgrades and expands Ford Bronco engine failure investigation 
Ford issues second recall for Bronco and Escape SUVs after multiple fires, injuries

Ford issues second recall for Bronco and Escape SUVs after multiple fires, injuries

December 4, 2022 Bojan Popic

Dearborn, MI – December 4, 2022 – Ford (NYSE:F), is recalling 521,778 SUVs that may develop a fuel leak, which may cause a fire inside the engine compartment.

This is the second recall for the same issue that follows on the heels of 54 complaints of under the hood fires and several injuries. Vehicles that were previously repaired will need to have the new remedy performed.

All recalled SUVs are equipped with a 1.5-liter turbocharged engine, with the following models being affected: 

  • 2021 – 2023 Ford Bronco Sport 
  • 2020 – 2023 Ford Escape

Recall summary  

The gasoline needed for the combustion process is delivered into the engine with fuel injectors. They act as valves, ensuring highly pressurized fuel is injected at the right moment. The timing is controlled by the engine control module, or ECM. 

In affected vehicles, the injector may crack, creating a fuel leak inside the engine compartment that may lead to a fire. The cause of the defect is currently under investigation.

Recall risks

Risks caused by vehicle fires are well-documented in many previous recalls, such as this one concerning RAM trucks. 

As for the present recall, at least four people have been injured leading up to this announcement. Ford is currently dealing with 43 legal claims stemming from the fires, according to the data provided by manufacturer to the U.S. auto safety regulator, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

Warning signs 

A fuel leak will most likely cause a strong gasoline odor, which may be noticeable  inside the cabin or from outside the vehicle. In addition, if escaping fuel catches fire, operators may observe smoke or flames coming from under the hood. 

Background of the recall

The problem was discovered as Ford investigated reports of fires occurring in the vehicles that previously received repairs thanks to a recall conducted back in the spring.

At least in some cases, the culprit of the fire was “likely” the defective injector.

Other Ford recalls

There was a Ford Bronco recall in late November due to malfunctioning rearview cameras, as reported.

There was a Ford Escape recall in May due to the risk of rollaway, also as reported.

In total, approximately 7.5 million Ford vehicles have been recalled over the past year, over various issues and safety-related defects. 

The repair

Dealers will update the vehicle’s control software, which will monitor the pressure within the fuel rail and detect if the injector cracks and leaks. Following the updater, a warning message will appear on the dashboard. 

In addition, a drain tube will be fitted within the engine bay, ensuring any escaping fuel does not come in contact with hot engine components. 

Notifications to vehicle owners will be sent between December 19, 2022 and December 23, 2022. 

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

More than half a million SUVs are affected by these Ford fuel injector issues. To do a Ford recall check and see if yours is one of them, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool. 

Bojan PopicFord issues second recall for Bronco and Escape SUVs after multiple fires, injuries
Ford recalls Bronco SUVs over faulty rearview display

Ford recalls Bronco SUVs over faulty rearview display

November 20, 2022 Joseph Estabillo

Dearborn, MI – November 20, 2022 – Ford (NYSE:F), is issuing a recall for 47,046 2021-2022 Ford Bronco SUVs over a problem with the rearview display. The screen may continue to display the image from the rear camera even after reverse gear is no longer engaged, potentially increasing the risk of a crash.

Recall summary

When reverse gear is engaged, the dashboard touchscreen displays a video feed of the area behind the vehicle as taken by the Bronco rearview camera. This guides the driver in maneuvering the vehicle to avoid obstacles and hazards.

In the affected vehicles, a software error could cause the dashboard monitor to continue displaying the image taken by the rear camera, even after the driver has already shifted from reverse gear.

Recall risks

The defect could distract the driver and increase the risk of a crash. 

Other Ford Bronco recalls

In June, Ford issued a recall for 53,103 2021-2022 Ford Bronco SUVs over a faulty child safety lock feature on the rear passenger doors, as reported.

Also part of Ford Bronco recalls was an announcement in July involving a total of 63,294 vehicles  due to detaching windshields.

The repair

Ford will deploy an over-the-air software update to fix the issue. Owners can also bring their affected vehicles to a Ford or Lincoln dealer, where the remedy will be provided free of charge. Ford will reimburse owners who had these repairs made before the recall order was announced.

Letters with more information will be mailed by December 23, 2022.  

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

More than 47,000 Ford Bronco SUVs are affected by this Ford rearview camera software issue. To see if your vehicle is affected by this or other Ford recalls, run a Ford recall check using MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Joseph EstabilloFord recalls Bronco SUVs over faulty rearview display
Is your Ford vehicle part of recall?

Is your Ford vehicle part of recall?

October 31, 2022 Senamile Nkosi

Dearborn, MI – October 31, 2022 – In 2022, Ford (NYSE:F) has been subject to 57 recalls, affecting 7.5 million vehicles. In addition to the recalls, Ford has faced one lawsuit and three investigations.

Read on to see if your vehicle is affected.

Lawsuit

In late July, Ford was sued over 2021 Lincoln Navigator and Expedition SUVs that may catch fire. Owners of the vehicles argued that Ford “either knew or should have known” about the defect relating to more than 66,000 vehicles well before the recall was issued.

Investigations  

The company is subject to three investigations, which could result in additional recalls.

In the beginning of September, the U.S government auto safety regulator – the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) – opened an investigation into brake fluid leaks affecting 2013-2018 Ford Fusion and Lincoln MKZ vehicles. Approximately 1.73 million vehicles could be recalled as a result.

In mid-June, a Ford investigation was launched after a dealer allegedly sold a 2021 Ford Escape compact crossover SUV, which was part of a recall at the time. The sale of a car that is being recalled is illegal.

Prior to that in early June, the regulator launched an investigation into 25,538 2021 Ford Bronco vehicles that may stall. 

Recalls

Ford fire risk recalls

A total of 708,788 Ford vehicles were recalled due to fire risk.  

In April, 345,451 Escape and Bronco Sport SUVs were recalled because of an engine fault that could lead to a fire. This was prompted by at least 21 warranty claims and reports of fire. 

In early September, 198,482 vehicles were recalled over a faulty motor, indicated by the smell of something burning or smoke emerging from the instrument panel vents.

Other fire-related Ford recalls include one in July affecting 100,689 vehicles, an SUV recall affecting 39,013 vehicles, a truck recall affecting 19,697 vehicles, as well as a Maverick pickup truck recall affecting 5,456 vehicles.

Ford rollaway issues

Several recalls also transpired due to the risk of cars rolling away into the oncoming traffic.

The biggest Ford recall this year was in mid-June. The recall affected 2.9 million vehicles and was prompted by several reports of property damage and injuries caused by the issue. 

Prior to that in April, 391,836 vehicles had a trailer brakes issue, increasing the stopping distance and potentially causing harm. 

Ford truck recalls

One of the most recent Ford truck recalls was in August, where 58,203 F-150 trucks had a rollaway and stalling issue. This was attributed to a fracture in the driveshaft, which transfers engine power to the wheels.

In May, Ford F-Series trucks were recalled due to an issue with the transmission, which could lead to the subject vehicles rolling away when parked. This recall affected 23,165 heavy duty trucks.

Ford Bronco recalls

In July, 63,294 Ford Bronco and Ranger vehicles were recalled over windshields that could detach. The cause of the issue was yet to be confirmed. 

Another one of this year’s Ford Bronco recalls was in June, where 53,103 vehicles were recalled over faulty child lock concerns. 

Is your Ford vehicle part of a recall?

This year alone, over 55 Ford recalls have been issued. To do a Ford recall check to see if your vehicle is affected by any of them, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool. 

Senamile NkosiIs your Ford vehicle part of recall?
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