The U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has confirmed that Ford (NYSE: F) has decided to recall 694,271 sport utility vehicles (SUVs) in the United States due to a fuel system defect that could lead to fires, following an investigation that spanned nearly a full year.
The recall decision stems from the potential cracking of fuel injectors in certain Ford vehicles, allowing fuel to leak into the engine compartment, thereby increasing the risk of ignition. The administration noted that drivers might notice a strong smell of fuel, dashboard alerts, or smoke or flames rising from under the hood.
The Ford recall includes Bronco Sport models manufactured between 2021 and 2024, as well as Escapes produced from 2020 to 2022, equipped with 1.5-liter engines. Despite the large number, estimates suggest that only about 0.3% of those vehicles may actually be affected by the defect.
Ford indicated that the cost of the recall will amount to approximately $570 million and will be reflected in its financial results for the second quarter of 2025. The company explained that this action represents an expansion of previous recall campaigns conducted in 2022 and 2024, which were limited to software updates without a true fix for the faulty injectors.
Ford reported that the injectors used came from the Italian company "Dumarey Flomotion Technologies." The currently adopted temporary fix involves a software update to detect possible leaks, reduce engine performance, and prevent fuel delivery. Efforts are underway to develop a permanent mechanical solution.
The new recall also includes vehicles that have undergone previous repairs, as well as newer models equipped with the same engine and software, reflecting Ford's commitment to finding a comprehensive solution that ensures complete safety and prevents the recurrence of risks.
This move is considered a significant step in bolstering customer confidence in Ford, ensuring its commitment to quality and safety standards, especially in light of growing concerns regarding faults related to fuel systems in modern vehicles.
