Just a few weeks ago, The Blue Oval issued new recalls that expanded prior ones for select 2022-2023 Ford Bronco Sport and 2022 Ford Escape models equipped with the turbocharged 1.5L I-3 EcoBoost engine over an issue with the fuel injectors that may crack and leak fuel inside the engine compartment. Ford’s proposed fix for this issue is to have dealers update the engine control software to include fuel injector leak detection and install a drain tube. Prior to those actions, a lawsuit was filed and subsequently dismissed claiming that this fix was inadequate, after which the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) opened an investigation into the matter. Now, the NHTSA has determined that Ford’s proposed fix for this issue is, in fact, inadequate.
Just a few weeks after the NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened an official investigation into the recall fix for these Ford Bronco Sport and Escape models, it has informed The Blue Oval that it “has identified significant safety concerns regarding the recall’s remedy program,” prompting it to open a recall query.
“These vehicles have been reported by Ford to be equipped with defective fuel injectors that will crack resulting in liquid fuel and/or fuel vapor to accumulate near ignition sources that may cause vehicle fires, fuel odors both outside and inside of the vehicle, and an increased risk of injury,” the NHTSA noted. “Based on our review of the alleged defect, the resulting consequences, and the recall’s remedy program, ODI believes that the remedy program does not address the root cause of the issue and does not proactively call for the replacement of defective fuel injectors prior to their failure; therefore, ODI has decided to investigate the adequacy and various safety concerns of the remedy program.”
The NHTSA is now requesting more information from Ford regarding how many vehicles are impacted by this issue, as well as any warranty claims that have been filed thus far. The agency is also requesting information pertaining to how the automaker determined the root cause of the issue, as well as how Ford came to the determination that its proposed fix was adequate before moving forward.
We’ll have more on this investigation soon, so be sure and subscribe to Ford Authority for 24/7 Ford news coverage.
Comments
No brainer
Root Cause????? Ya ever think that it Just MIGHT BE Poor Quality Control???? Or perhaps POOR Over Seas operations that are SUB PAR with 8/9/10 year olds doing the work????? Hmmmmmmmm?????? Just maybe?????
The Bronco Sport is built in Mexico. Quality control is horrible. Parts are missing from my Bronco sport and I had to buy them. The injectors are faulty and Ford refuses to replace them. Ford’s fix is inadequate. Putting a drain tube in the head and routing it out in front of the driver side inner fender well infront of the tire is a joke. If the injector cracks, it will be on the hot intake manifold and not in the head.