Ford is recalling nearly 43,000 small SUVs due to the risk of gasoline leaking from fuel injectors onto hot engine surfaces, which could lead to fires. The recall affects certain 2022 and 2023 Bronco Sport SUVs and 2022 Escape SUVs with 1.5-liter engines. The company is not repairing the fuel leaks but instead installing a tube to direct gasoline away from hot surfaces and updating engine control software to detect pressure drops in the fuel injection system. This will disable the high-pressure fuel pump, reduce engine power, and lower temperatures in the engine compartment to prevent fires. Owners are being notified starting April 1, and the company has had five under-hood fires and 14 warranty replacements of fuel injectors reported, with no crashes or injuries.
Ford has stated that they are confident the recall repairs will prevent the issue from occurring and protect customers. The new software will trigger a dashboard warning light to allow drivers to safely pull over and arrange for service. The company will also extend warranty coverage for cracked fuel injectors, providing replacements for affected owners. The recall is an extension of a 2022 recall for the same problem, and Ford has tested the repair on previous vehicles without issues. There is no recommendation to park the SUVs outdoors only, as there is no evidence of fires occurring when the vehicles are parked with the engines off. However, Michael Brooks of the Center for Auto Safety criticized Ford’s remedy as a “Band-aid type recall” and stated that NHTSA should ensure recalls fix root causes rather than opting for less-costly repairs.
Brooks highlighted the 1% failure rate of the fuel injectors as high, raising concerns that even with repairs, drivers may still be at risk of being forced to exit a freeway at a low speed, potentially leading to crashes. He urged Congress to change the law to allow NHTSA to require more comprehensive solutions to recall issues rather than approving the fixes. While NHTSA has previously stated they do not have the legal authority to pre-approve recall remedies, the agency has stated they will closely monitor the performance of the repairs through field data. Owners with questions are advised to contact their dealership or Ford directly for assistance. Ford stated that repairs are already available and details of the extended warranty for cracked fuel injectors will be provided in June. The company believes that the recall repairs and extensions will address the problem effectively and protect customers from potential safety risks.
