More Ford Escape, Bronco Sport SUVs Recalled Due to Fire Risk

Ford has announced a recall on more than half a million 2020-2023 Bronco Sport and Escape crossovers in the U.S. due to a fire risk involving the turbocharged 1.5-litre three-cylinder engine. In Canada, 54,188 units are affected.

On these models, fuel injectors may start cracking over time. When the engine is operating, a cracked fuel injector could cause fuel and/or fuel vapour to accumulate near hot surfaces, resulting in a potential under hood fire.

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The good news is that Ford is projecting a low failure rate for fuel injectors experiencing external leaks at 15 years/250,000 km—approximately 0.38 percent for 2020MY vehicles and 0.22 percent for 2021-2022MY vehicles. The automaker assures the vehicles are safe and has not issued instructions to stop driving them.

As part of this recall, dealers will update the engine control software to detect whether the fuel injector is cracked and, if so, provide a dashboard message to drivers to seek service. Additionally, if a pressure drop in the fuel rail is detected, engine power will automatically be reduced to minimize any risk, while also allowing customers to drive to a safe location and arrange for service.

Additionally, dealers will install a tube that drains fuel from the cylinder head and away from hot surfaces. Of course, if one of the injectors is already showing signs of cracking, it will be replaced immediately.

Back in the spring, Ford also recalled many Bronco Sports and Escapes with the same turbocharged 1.5-litre engine due to possible oil leaks that could lead to a fire under the hood.

In July, the Escape Hybrid was involved in another fire-related campaign along with the Ford Maverick and Lincoln Corsair after the company was made aware of over 20 separate incidents.