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Ford’s Widespread SUV Recall: An Ongoing Safety Challenge
Ford is once again under the spotlight as nearly 700,000 of its popular SUVs—the Ford Bronco Sport and Ford Escape—are being recalled due to a lingering risk of engine fires. Despite previous attempts to address this dangerous issue, the automaker’s efforts have not fully resolved the problem, prompting a new and extensive safety campaign.
Recall Details: Affected Models and Engine Issues
The latest recall affects 339,044 units of the Ford Bronco Sport produced from 2021 to 2024, alongside 355,227 Ford Escape SUVs manufactured for the 2020 to 2022 model years. The common denominator among these vehicles is the 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder EcoBoost engine—a unit praised for its efficiency and lively performance but now under scrutiny for safety concerns.
How the Fire Risk Emerged
Ford’s investigation found that fuel injectors within this engine are susceptible to cracking. When this occurs, gasoline vapor can escape rapidly into the cylinder head and, through a drain hole, potentially contact hot engine components like the exhaust or turbocharger—significantly increasing the risk of an engine compartment fire. To date, eight documented fire incidents have been attributed to this defect.
Steps Already Taken—and Where They Fell Short
Ford initially issued its first recall for this problem back in November 2022, followed by a second attempt in March 2024. The fixes included the installation of a fuel-drain tube and a software update designed to detect a cracked fuel injector, automatically disabling the high-pressure fuel pump if a leak was identified. However, these measures proved insufficient, as some vehicles missed critical software updates and continued to pose a safety risk, leading to a further recall scheduled for March 2025.
Industry and Regulatory Response
Ongoing investigations by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) concluded that Ford’s previous fixes didn’t fully solve the underlying injector-related risk. As a result, regulators have pressed Ford to issue a recall that would involve replacing faulty fuel injectors altogether.
Design, Performance, and Market Context
Both the Ford Bronco Sport and Ford Escape occupy competitive niches in the compact SUV market. Known for their practical design, versatile interiors, and efficient turbocharged engines, these models have been popular choices among families and driving enthusiasts alike. However, safety concerns—especially fire risks—can quickly tarnish a model’s reputation and market appeal.
Looking Ahead: Possible Extensive Injector Replacement
Ford has since acknowledged that corrosion is a key factor in the injector failures but has not committed to replacing all injectors across the affected models. Instead, the automaker is currently distributing updated software as a temporary measure until a long-term solution is finalized. With mounting pressure from regulators and customer safety as a top priority, Ford may soon face the substantial expense of mass injector replacements to fully resolve the issue and restore consumer confidence.
Conclusion: What Owners Should Do
Owners of the affected Ford Bronco Sport and Ford Escape SUVs are advised to check with their local dealerships for recall-related maintenance and stay updated about future safety campaigns. As Ford works towards a permanent fix, keeping your vehicle’s software updated is crucial for minimizing risk.
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