Ford recalls more than 565,000 Broncos over engine fire risk

Owners of more than half a million Ford Bronco SUVs are being urged to check whether their vehicles are affected after the automaker announced a major safety recall linked to a potential engine fire hazard.

The recall covers 565,911 Ford Bronco and Bronco Raptor models built between 2021 and 2026. Ford says a fault with the engine compartment wiring harness could increase the risk of an electrical short circuit, which in rare cases may lead to an engine fire.

The company has already developed a solution and will repair affected vehicles free of charge. Owners will not have to pay for the inspection or repair, offering reassurance to drivers concerned about the safety issue.

According to documents filed with the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the wiring harness in the engine bay does not have enough abrasion protection. As the vehicle is driven, the harness can rub against nearby engine components, gradually wearing away its protective covering.

If the insulation becomes damaged, exposed electrical wires may create a short circuit. This could generate excessive heat or sparks inside the engine compartment, increasing the possibility of a fire.

Ford says drivers may notice several warning signs before a serious incident occurs. These include smoke entering through the cabin air vents, flames appearing from the passenger side of the engine compartment, or warning messages displayed on the vehicle’s instrument cluster.

The automaker has instructed dealerships to install additional protective materials, including convolute tubing and abrasion-resistant tape, around the wiring harness. The repair is expected to prevent further wear and eliminate the risk. The work will be carried out free of charge.

Although the recall affects 565,911 vehicles, Ford estimates that only around one per cent of the recalled SUVs are likely to have the defect. That represents roughly 5,660 vehicles.

Ford began investigating the issue in June 2026 after receiving reports linked to wiring damage. The company says it is aware of 15 potential incidents connected to the fault. These include eight standard Bronco models and seven Bronco Raptors.

No widespread pattern of injuries has been reported in connection with the defect. However, Ford decided to issue the recall as a precaution to reduce any future safety risk.

The recall is particularly significant because Ford has produced approximately 589,860 Bronco models since the iconic SUV returned to production in 2021. The latest action therefore affects the vast majority of Broncos built during that period.

Ford has already informed its dealership network about the recall. Owners are expected to begin receiving official notification letters between 24 August and 28 August 2026.

Drivers who believe their vehicle may be affected do not have to wait for a letter. They can check their vehicle identification number (VIN) or registration details through the NHTSA recall database or contact their local Ford dealership for confirmation.

The latest recall highlights the importance of acting quickly when manufacturers identify potential safety defects. While the number of confirmed incidents remains low, early repairs could help prevent more serious consequences and keep drivers safely on the road.

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