Ford issues fourth recall for Bronco, Escape SUVs that may catch fire

Ford issues fourth recall for Bronco, Escape SUVs that may catch fire 

August 5, 2025 Bojan Popic

Dearborn, MI – August 5, 2025 – Ford (NYSE:F) is recalling 694,271 SUVs over a fuel leak that may cause an underhood fire. This defect ups the risks of a crash and injury.  

The following models are affected: 

  • 2021 – 2024 Ford Bronco Sport 
  • 2020 – 2022 Ford Escape

The present recall –  conducted on the heels of an ongoing U.S. government investigation – expands and replaces three preceding recalls done to address the issue. The cars that were previously repaired will need a new remedy.

Recall summary

The gasoline is fed into the engine through fuel injectors, which serve as valves that open when needed. In the affected SUVs, the injector’s housing may crack, allowing highly pressurized fuel to spray onto the surrounding hot engine components, which can lead to a fire. 

Recall risks

An engine fire significantly augments the risk of a crash and serious injury. Leading up to the recall, at least eight vehicles caught on fire. Luckily, no injuries have been reported.

However, four people were injured leading up to the first recall, as reported.

Warning signs

A leaking fuel may cause a strong “odor both inside and outside the vehicle.”

If a fire occurs, the passengers may notice smoke and flames billowing from under the hood and “receive an instrument cluster warning.”

Safety tips

For more tips on what to do if the vehicle catches fire, please visit this dedicated article. 

Background of the recall

In December 2022 and March 2024, Ford recalled some of the included vehicles to install a software update to detect a leak and a tube to drain any escaping gasoline. Some of the vehicles were once again recalled in March 2025, because they did not receive the “software portion of the remedy.”

On the back of the second recall, in April 2024, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) opened an investigation to evaluate whether the remedy fully mitigated the risk of the cars catching fire. The investigation is still underway.

Other Ford recalls

In July 2025, approximately 200,000 Ford and Lincoln pickup trucks and SUVs were recalled over inoperable rearview cameras.

In June 2025, Ford recalled nearly half a million Explorer SUVs whose door trims could detach while driving, as reported.  

The repair

The carmaker is currently working on a long-term solution. As a temporary fix, the dealers will install a free software update on vehicles that previously did not receive it.

Is your vehicle a part of this recall?

Almost 700,000 SUVs are affected by this repeated Ford fuel leak recall. To do a Ford recall check and see if yours is one of them, please use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Bojan PopicFord issues fourth recall for Bronco, Escape SUVs that may catch fire 
Daimler recalls Mercedes-Benz Metris vans over increased fire risk

Daimler recalls Mercedes-Benz Metris vans over increased fire risk

March 17, 2022 Joseph Estabillo

Sandy Springs, GA – March 17, 2022 – Daimler (OTCMKTS:DMLRY), which owns the Mercedes-Benz brand, has issued a recall for 42,132 vehicles due to a fuel leak, which increases the possibility of a fire.

The recall covers the following vans:

  • 2017  Mercedes-Benz Metris 
  • 2018  Mercedes-Benz Metris 
  • 2019  Mercedes-Benz Metris 
  • 2020  Mercedes-Benz Metris
  • 2021  Mercedes-Benz Metris
  • 2022  Mercedes-Benz Metris 

Recall summary

The upper and lower lines connecting the fuel hose in the engine compartment on the recalled Mercedes-Benz Metris vans are attached incorrectly. This could result in fuel leaking from the vehicle’s underside during operation.    

The components involved in this recall are the fuel hose with part number N000000004158 and the click clamp with part number A0069971890.

Recall risks


Fuel leaking from an incorrectly secured hose can affect the vehicle’s normal operation and efficiency. More importantly, if the fuel leaks near an ignition or heat source within the engine, it could present a potential fire risk and increase the likelihood of bodily injury or property damage.   

Warning signs

The driver may perceive “fuel odor…in the interior compartment” even if the leak is minor.

Other Mercedes-Benz Metris recalls 

This is the fourth Mercedes-Benz Metris recall this year. Earlier this month, the manufacturer issued two recalls, one for a faulty rearview camera and another one for a brake fluid leak, which could result in decreased brake performance, as reported.

In January, Metris vans were among 48,800 vehicles recalled due to the risk of rollaway, also as reported.

The repair

Dealers will inspect the recalled vehicles’ upper and lower fuel hose connections and replace them, as well as hoses, if necessary.

Affected owners will be notified by April 11, 2022, and all repairs will be done free of charge. 

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

More than 42,000 vehicles are included in this Mercedes-Benz Metris fuel leak recall. To see if your vehicle is part of this Mercedes recall,  use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.  

Joseph EstabilloDaimler recalls Mercedes-Benz Metris vans over increased fire risk
Kia recalls Optima sedans due to risk of fire

Kia recalls Optima sedans due to risk of fire

February 26, 2022 Bojan Popic

Irvine, CA  – February 26, 2022 – Kia (OTCMKTS:KIMTF) is recalling 72,848 2013 – 2014 Kia Optima sedans with 2.0 and 2.4 GDI engines, whose low-pressure fuel lines may develop a leak. This may cause a fire, increasing the risk of injury and a crash. 

These vehicles were affected by an identical recall from February 2020, which apparently failed to solve the issue.

This is the latest recall in a long string of Kia and Hyundai fire-related recalls, as reported.  Both manufacturers are currently subject to a U.S government investigation due to ongoing fire issues spanning millions of vehicles.

Recall summary  

In affected vehicles, the low-pressure fuel line, which goes between the tank and engine, may crack as a result of heat exposure and cause a leak which may lead to a fire.

Background of the recall

This Optima fuel hose issue goes back several years. Kia first addressed it by inspecting the suspected fuel line and replacing those that already developed cracks. As an additional preventive measure, dealers insulated the hose with heat-protective tape to protect it from future deterioration.   

However, on some vehicles, this repair may not have been done properly, necessitating this recall.

The components in question are the fuel feed line, with part numbers 31310-3Q100 for the 2.0L engine and 31310-3Q900 for the 2.4L engine. 

Recall risks

This recall is just of the many Kia and its shareholder Hyundai had to do because of fire-related issues that have been plaguing both manufacturers. You can find out all about the risks caused by vehicle fires in this article about a different Kia fire recall.

Warning signs

A fuel leak would result in a strong gasoline smell and, in case of fire, smoke or melting odor inside the car. In addition, the vehicle may display a malfunction indicator light (MIL) on the dashboard. 

Other Kia Optima recalls

Over 440,000 of 2013-2015 Kia Optimas were recalled in June of last year, also due to the possibility of these cars catching fire because of brake fluid leaking into the cars’ anti-lock brakes (ABS), as reported. For more fire-related Kia recalls, please visit this page.

The repair

Dealers will fix this issue by replacing the low-pressure fuel hose with the updated one. Notifications to vehicle owners will be sent on April 15, 2022.

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

This Kia Optima fuel leak recall is affecting more than 700,000 vehicles. To do a Kia recall check and see if yours is one of them, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Bojan PopicKia recalls Optima sedans due to risk of fire
Ford recalls Explorers and Aviators over fractured driveshafts

Ford recalls Explorers and Aviators over fractured driveshafts

December 1, 2020 Rebecca Rand ,

Pleasanton, CA – December 1, 2020 – Ford (NYSE: F) is recalling 10,905 2020 Ford Explorer and Lincoln Aviator SUVs whose driveshafts – one of the most important components of a car – may fracture, presenting several risks including vehicle rollaway, fuel leaks and fire. All of the recalled vehicles have 10-speed automatic transmission, all-wheel drive, and 2.0L or 3.3L engines. 

Recall summary

In approximately 18 of the 10,905 recalled vehicles, the rear driveshaft may not have been welded properly and could snap. The driveshaft transfers power to the rear wheels. Its breakage could cause the vehicle to lose power while in motion or roll away when parked. The snapped shaft could also pierce the fuel tank and cause a leak and/or fire.

Ford knows the serial numbers of the faulty driveshafts, but they must inspect over 10,000 vehicles to find them. 

Other recalls

The 2020 Ford Explorer and Lincoln Aviator have had close to a dozen of  combined recalls since August 2019, including one for malfunctioning rearview camera and another one for defective fuel lines. 

Safety risks

The broken driveshaft can cause a whole host of problems. A snapped driveshaft will cut off drive power to the rear wheels, increasing the risk of a crash because of unexpected movement. The vehicle could also roll away if parked on a hill. This is what killed actor Anton Yelchin, whose Jeep Cherokee (also recalled) rolled down his driveway and crushed him against a pillar.  Furthermore, if the driveshaft snaps, it could hit the fuel tank and spring a leak, which in turn could lead to a fire. It’s a frightening list of potential scenarios that should encourage owners to get their vehicles looked at.

Repair

Dealers will inspect the driveshaft and check its serial number. If it matches one on Ford’s list of affected serial numbers, they will replace the driveshaft. Ford plans to notify owners by mail during the week of November 30 as to when the repair will be available.

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

Over 10,000 cars are included in this Ford recall. To see if your car is one of them, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool to check your car for open recalls.

Rebecca RandFord recalls Explorers and Aviators over fractured driveshafts

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