Ford launches recall campaign over fire hazard, but refrains from injector repairs

Ford Motor Company has recalled nearly 43,000 Bronco Sport and Escape SUVs due to a potential fire hazard caused by problems with fuel injectors. However, the retraction has been controversial because it does not directly address the ruptured fuel cells. Instead, Ford has opted for a solution that involves installing a drain pipe to divert gasoline from the engine surfaces and a software update that notifies drivers of a loss of oil pressure.

Affected vehicles include the 2022 and 2023 Bronco Sports and 2022 Escape vehicles, all with 1.5-liter engines. Ford’s decision came after five engine fires and multiple injector replacement cases covered. To reduce the risk, the software also shuts off the high-pressure fuel pump and cools the engine compartment to prevent ignition.

Affected vehicle owners were notified by letter from April 1. The company has extended the warranty period for fuel injectors to cover future issues and reassure customers that repairs are already being made. Ford’s approach to the recall was criticized by safety advocates such as Michael Brooks of the Center for Auto Safety, who called the fix a stopgap measure that ignores the larger problem of faulty fuel injectors.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), which monitors recall effectiveness, has said it will monitor the results of the recall using field data. Ford insists that these SUVs do not need to be parked outside, as no fires have been reported in such situations. This recall strategy reflects the general tendency of manufacturers and safety authorities to find a balance between cost-effective solutions and fully solving vehicle defects.