Ford Recalls 565,000 Broncos and Bronco Raptors Over Engine Fire Risk

Ford Motor Company announced a recall affecting 565,691 Bronco and Bronco Raptor sport utility vehicles from model years 2021 through 2026 due to a wiring harness defect that poses an engine fire risk. The automaker estimates approximately 1 percent of the recalled vehicles currently exhibit the fault, which involves insufficient protection on the engine compartment wiring harness that can lead to short circuits.

The Safety Issue

The defect centers on inadequate abrasion protection on the wiring harness, which can allow movement between the harness and nearby engine components. This movement exposes internal wires, potentially causing them to short circuit and create electrical arcs capable of igniting a fire in the engine compartment. According to documentation filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, drivers may experience smoke emitting from cabin air vents or receive warning messages on their dashboard instrument clusters prior to flames appearing on the passenger side of the engine bay.

Ford has identified 15 incidents potentially linked to engine compartment fires caused by this wiring harness issue. The company emphasized that despite these reports, no accidents or injuries have been confirmed in association with the defect.

How Ford Is Addressing the Problem

To remedy the issue, Ford dealerships will install convolute sheathing with abrasion-resistant tape over the affected wiring harness at no charge to vehicle owners. Ford initiated owner notifications beginning August 24 and planned to complete them by August 28. Owners can verify whether their vehicle is included in the recall by searching their Vehicle Identification Number on NHTSA.gov using the recall number 26V468, with Ford's internal reference being 26S55.

Vehicle owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332 or reach the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety hotline at 1-888-327-4236 for additional information and to schedule service appointments at authorized dealerships.