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

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