Ford Escape and Bronco Recall Issued Over Oil Leaks Causing Fires Under Hoods

Officials are warning Bronco and Escape owners to be aware of smoke oil burning smells coming from the engines, as the vehicles could catch on fire without any audible or visual warning.

Ford is recalling several hundred thousand Bronco and Escape vehicles, following numerous reports of faulty engine components that may crack and allow oil to leak, increasing the risk of a fire and injury hazard.

The U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) announced the Ford Bronco and Escape recall on March 31, after the auto manufacturer received at least 15 warranty claims indicating the vehicles either leaked oil or caught on fire as a result of an oil leak.

Federal safety officials warn customers to be cautious of any smell of oil or smoke coming from under the hood, as this could be a sign the engine has leaked oil and the vehicle could be prone to catching on fire, increasing the risk of a car crash or burn injury.

According to the recall notice, Ford first learned of the issue on July 19, 2021, after a customer reported a non-collision Bronco vehicle fire incident. Just a week later, Ford received a second vehicle fire report absent of a collision involving a 2021 Escape.

Ford opened an investigation to determine the root cause of the defect and received a third vehicle fire report on February 25, 2021, which was determined to be caused by an oil leak. Ford has received at least three reported vehicle fires, and at least 13 additional reports of oil leaking from the 1.5L engines.

Ford’s internal investigation discovered the vehicles with 1.5L engines are equipped with an engine oil separator housing that may crack at the edge, which may allow oil to leak between the oil separator and the engine camshaft cover.

The U.S. auto maker announced that if the oil separator housing cracks, oil could leak on to hot surfaces of the engine causing smoke, fire or damage to the engine compartment.

The recall includes approximately 345,451 model year 2020 through 2022 Escape and 2021 through 2022 Bronco Sport vehicles equipped with 1.5L engines manufactured Ford Motor Company of Dearborn, Michigan from November 19, 2018 through March 4, 2022.

Ford announced it will begin notifying customers of the recall by April 18, and will provide instructions on how to schedule an inspection at their local dealer, where dealers will be instructed to inspect the oil separator for damage or oil leaks, and replace the oil separator and seals, as necessary and free of charge.

Customers with additional questions or concerns regarding the recall are encouraged to contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332 and reference the recall number 22S21.