The Story Of Another Botched Ford Recall
Ford is issuing another recall for Bronco Sport and Escape models due to a fuel leak, affecting a combined 33,576 vehicles in the U.S. This recall covers 15,355 Bronco Sport models from 2021 to 2023 and 18,221 Escape models from 2020 to 2022, all equipped with the turbocharged 1.5-liter three-cylinder engine.
Key Points
- Vehicles were previously recalled for the same issue, but the fix was not properly completed
- Dealers will reapply a software update to the powertrain control module
- Dealers will be notified by April 24; owners will be notified by mail by May 1
Ford already recalled both models for the problem twice — once in November 2022 (recall number 22V-191) and again last year(24V-092). According to Ford’s filings with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the initial repair was not completed correctly.
Despite being marked as repaired, the software fix meant to address the problem was not properly uploaded during the first attempt. As a result, the risk remains that a cracked fuel injector could lead to a fuel or vapor leak, which may ignite if it comes into contact with a hot surface.
Ford's original fix was to upload a new software patch to the engine control module to detect a pressure drop in the fuel injection system, which would show up if the injector cracked. If there's a pressure drop, the new software will disable the high-pressure fuel pump and reduce engine power to mitigate the fuel spewing into the hot engine compartment.
Owners also will get a "seek service" message, documents show.
Someone should probably tell Ford that a software patch isn't really the appropriate fix for a physical crack in the fuel injector—but maybe this is why Ford has such a dismal recall record lately. So dismal, NHTSA has placed the automaker's recall process under increased scrutiny.
To resolve the issue, Ford will once again ask owners to return to dealerships for a proper update to the powertrain control module software. There is no cost to the owner for the repair. Dealers will be informed by April 24, and owner notifications are scheduled to be mailed out by May 1.
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An experienced automotive storyteller and accomplished photographer known for engaging and insightful content. Michael also brings a wealth of technical knowledge—he was part of the Ford GT program at Multimatic, oversaw a fleet of Audi TCR race cars, ziptied Lamborghini Super Trofeo cars back together, been over the wall during the Rolex 24, and worked in the intense world of IndyCar.
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Figures: Anybody could tell that a software patch hardly costs Ford anything, while physically fixing a crack on anything would co$t on labor/material$. Way to go, Ford...(Fix Or Repair Daily -- First On Recall Day) one more reason why nobody wants your vegicles in my neighborhood.