Ford Motor Company has issued a massive recall affecting over 694,000 SUVs, including Bronco Sport and Escape models, due to a defect that could lead to engine fires.
The recall affects vehicles manufactured between 2021 and 2024 that are equipped with the 1.5L EcoBoost engine. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the problem stems from a cracked fuel injector, which can leak gasoline near hot engine surfaces — a serious fire hazard.
Ford says it is not aware of any fatalities but has confirmed 18 reports of under-hood fires related to the issue. The company is urging owners to stop driving the vehicles immediately if the check engine light is on or if a fuel smell is detected.
“We’re taking proactive steps to ensure customer safety,” Ford said in a press release. “All repairs will be provided at no cost to the customer.”
Owners will begin receiving official recall notices by mail this week. Repairs involve installing updated fuel injector seals and diagnostic software to monitor potential leaks.
This recall is one of the largest for Ford since its 2022 battery module issue in the Mustang Mach-E line. While the company has made significant strides in vehicle safety and electrification, this latest recall highlights the challenges automakers face balancing performance and reliability.
Customers can check their vehicle’s recall status using Ford’s website or the NHTSA VIN lookup tool.
