Photo: jon lyall (Shutterstock)
If you’re feeling déjà vu from seeing a Ford sport-utility vehicle recall, you’re not wrong. Earlier this month, Broncos were recalled for having issues with their backup cameras, and earlier this spring, there was an engine oil leak issue that could cause a fire. This time, about 520,000 Bronco Sport and Ford Escape SUVs are being recalled by Ford for potentially having cracked fuel injectors that could increase the risk of a fire under the hood.
The recall was initiated after the manufacturer received 20 reports of fires related to the recall, according to a company spokeswoman, as reported by the Wall Street Journal. Some fires were serious enough to have ignited nearby structures. According to the recall, there is a likelihood that while the engine is running, a cracked fuel injector could cause fuel or vapor to accumulate near hot surfaces and ignite a fire. There have been no official reports of fatalities, but there have been four non-burn-related injuries linked to the recall.
Which Fords are being recalled?
The following Ford model and years are the SUVs affected by the recall:
Bronco Sport 2021Bronco Sport 2022Bronco Sport 2023Escape 2020Escape 2021Escape 2022Escape 2023What should you do if your Ford is recalled?
Unless there is a smell of gas or smoke, Ford has said there is no “do not drive” mandate. Letters will be sent out to those affected starting Dec. 19, 2022 with instructions for having the vehicle inspected. Owners can take the SUVs to their respective dealerships themselves, according to a report from CNN. Once taken to the dealership for the recall, the engine control software will be updated to include a fuel injector leak detector that will alert the driver on the dashboard if an injector crack is detected. If that happens, drivers can safely pull over and call for service. They will also install a drain tube to drain the fuel away from hot surfaces, at no cost to the owner.
If you have questions about the recall, you can contact Ford at 1-866-436-7332. The number for this recall is 22S73.
