Ford Motor Company is recalling nearly 700,000 vehicles across the United States due to a potentially dangerous defect involving cracked fuel injectors that could lead to under-hood fires.
The U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) announced that 694,271 vehicles are affected by the recall. It includes certain 2021–2024 Ford Bronco Sport models and 2020–2022 Ford Escape models. The defect could allow fuel to leak into the engine compartment, posing a significant fire hazard if exposed to an ignition source.
“A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire,” the NHTSA said in its safety bulletin issued Wednesday.
In response, Ford said it is taking proactive steps to mitigate the risk and ensure consumer safety. Affected vehicle owners will be contacted and advised to bring their vehicles to authorized dealerships for inspection and repair at no cost.
Dealers will install a drain tube designed to divert any leaked fuel away from hot surfaces, and they will also update the engine control software. The update enables the vehicle to detect a drop in fuel rail pressure and alert the driver via a dashboard warning light.
“We are committed to the safety of our customers and are taking all necessary steps to resolve the issue swiftly,” Ford said in a statement.
While no injuries have been reported in connection with the defect, Ford is urging all affected vehicle owners to respond promptly to recall notifications to prevent any potential incidents.
This latest development adds to a growing list of large-scale automotive recalls over fire risks. In recent years, GM, Tesla, and Toyota have also issued recalls involving similar hazards.
