Ford is recalling a staggering 694,000 vehicles due to potential fuel leaks that can cause fires, a lingering issue that led to two prior recalls.
The Detroit-area automaker said it’s still developing a fix for the root problem and will update engine-control software in the meantime.
It recalled the 2021 to 2024 Bronco Sport and the 2020 to 2022 Escape, saying certain of the units with 1½-liter engines may develop fuel injector cracks, leaking fuel or vapor into the engine compartment near ignition sources and presenting risk of under-hood fire.
It estimates that a small fraction of the recalled units have the issue, whose warning signs include fuel odor inside or outside the vehicle; smoke rising from the engine compartment or under-body; and instrument panel warnings.
Ford earlier removed the fuel injectors in question from production but is still trying to address the older vehicles affected by the flaw. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration opened an inquiry in April 2024 about the earlier remedies, saying it believed the repairs didn’t adequately address the root cause.
After investigating the problem, Ford moved to recall previously recalled vehicles, in addition to units with the 1½- liter engines and updated engine-control software. So far, it said it’s aware of under-hood fires in eight vehicles, six of them without the updated software, but no injuries.
The automaker is scheduled to mail recall notices to owners on Aug. 18, followed by second notices once a long-term remedy is ready.
