Ford Recalls 500K Bronco Sports, Escapes Over Underhood Fire Problem

Ford has recalled more than half-a-million 2020 to 2023 Bronco Sport and Escape SUVs equipped with the 1.5-liter, three-cylinder engines due to the potential for underhood fires. The automaker has recalled the SUVs due to the potential fuel injector problems. The injectors may crack, creating the possibility of underhood fires.

Cracked Injectors Cause Of Problem

Cracked fuel injectors may cause fuel leaks or allow fuel vapor leakage to accumulate. If the leakage is near hot surfaces, it might lead to under-hood fires. The first sign there may be a problem is the strong smell of gasoline. Ford advises you to park the vehicle and contact your dealer if you smell gas. Ford hasn't issued a mandatory stop-and-park order.

In a statement about the problem, Ford said that there is nothing more critical to the automaker than the safety of its customers, which is why the automaker issued the recall on some 2021, 2022, and 2023 Bronco Sport and 2020, 2021, 2022, and 2023 Escape models. If you own or lease a Bronco Sport or Escape from these model years, you can check your recall status by entering your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) here.

Says Jim Azzouz, executive director of Global CX Products and Customer Relations, "Taking care of our customers who are affected by this potential issue is our utmost priority. Once the repair is available, we will ask customers to schedule service with their preferred dealer. They can take advantage of our complimentary pickup and delivery or a loaner to ensure the repair is completed at their earliest convenience."

Injector Fix Described

The fix for your SUV begins at the dealership with a technician's vehicle inspection when the repair is available. At that time, the Ford technician will perform a Software Update to detect a drop in fuel pressure and automatically reduce engine power. A tube will also be installed to drain fuel away from hot surfaces.

The service options for your vehicle have been expanded. You can bring your SUV in for service or arrange to have it picked up, repaired, and returned at your convenience. All recall services — including pickup and delivery — are complimentary. You can book an appointment online, in your FordPass App, or contact your Ford Dealer.

Ford continued that the automaker believes in building vehicles that people can count on. The automaker calls it their top priority. If you have questions or concerns about the recall, contact Ford customer service at 866-436-7332. Ford's identification number is 22S73. Owner notification letters will be mailed on Dec. 19, 2022.

Consumer Information

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) said in the filing that this recall includes all vehicles previously recalled under 22V191. Indeed, vehicles previously fixed in the previous recall will also have the new remedy performed. Owners can contact the safety agency's Traffic Safety Administration's Vehicle Safety Hotline at 888-327-4236 or visit the agency's website at www.nhtsa.gov

Ford Motor Photo

Marc Stern has been an automotive writer since 1971 when an otherwise normal news editor said, "You're our new car editor," and dumped about 27 pounds of auto stuff on my desk. I was in heaven as I have been a gearhead from my early days. As a teen, I spent the usual number of misspent hours hanging out at gas stations Shell and Texaco (a big thing in my youth) and working on cars. From there on, it was a straight line to my first column for the paper, "You Auto Know," an enterprise I handled faithfully for 32 years. Not many people know that I also handled computer documentation for a good part of my living while writing YAN. My best writing, though, was always in cars. My work has appeared in Popular Mechanics, Mechanix Illustrated, AutoWeek, SuperStock, Trailer Life, Old Cars Weekly, Special Interest Autos, etc. You can follow me on: Twitter or Facebook.