Ford Recalls Nearly 43,000 SUVs Over Gas Leak, Fire Risk

Ford Motor Co. recalled nearly 43,000 small SUVs because fuel may leak into the engine, posing a risk of fire, according to documents shared by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

When a fuel injector cracks, it can cause fuel or vapor to build up close to sources of ignition, which could start a fire under the car’s hood.

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“A fuel leak may result in fuel odor both outside and inside the vehicle,” said the Safety Recall Report. “If there is a fire, the customer may notice smoke or flames emanating from the engine compartment or underbody, or instrument cluster warnings.”

Ford is aware of five under-hood fires and 14 warranty replacements of fuel injectors due to suspected cracking.

The recalled Ford SUVs

The recall affects certain Ford Bronco Sport models from 2022 and 2023, as well as the 2022 Ford Escape. All have 1.5-liter engines.

To see if your vehicle is part of this or any other recall, enter your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) on the NHTSA website.

Owners are expected to be mailed a notification letter concerning the recall in April 2024 and will be instructed to take their vehicle to a Ford or Lincoln dealer to have the engine control software updated to include fuel injector leak detection and get a drain tube installed, free of charge. 

The updated software will identify a drop in fuel pressure and the car’s dashboard will show a message advising owners to get the car service. The software will then shut down the high pressure fuel pump, decrease engine power and lower temperatures in the engine to prevent potential fires.

Ford customer service may be contacted at 866-436-7332, and the number for this recall is 24S16.