Ford has issued a recall for more than 565,000 Broncos in the United States after identifying an electrical issue that could increase the risk of an engine compartment fire.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the recall affects 565,691 Ford Bronco and Bronco Raptor models from 2021-2026. The carmaker warned that the engine compartment wiring harness may become damaged over time, potentially causing a short circuit that can generate heat or sparks.

The recall document states that a short circuit inside the engine bay could raise the risk of a fire. As a result, Ford is urging affected owners to have their vehicles inspected and repaired once the recall remedy becomes available.

Owners can check whether their SUV is included by entering their VIN on the NHTSA recall lookup website or by contacting Ford customer service. Ford has assigned recall number 26S55 to the campaign.

Electrical wiring harnesses are responsible for carrying power and signals to different parts of a vehicle. If the wiring insulation becomes damaged, exposed wires can touch metal components or other wires, creating a short circuit.

In severe cases, the resulting heat or sparks can ignite nearby materials inside the engine compartment, increasing the possibility of a vehicle fire.

Based on the recall document, Ford aims to prevent that from happening by adding extra protective sheathing around the wiring. The repair will be completed at authorized Ford dealerships at no cost to owners.

While Bronco owners now have an issue to look after, Ford recently admitted something for those who’ve been wanting a new sedan from the Blue Oval.

Ford A new sedan will have to make economic sense

Not too long ago, Andrew Frick, the President of Ford’s Blue and Model e divisions, revealed that Ford is open to returning to sedans, but in a manner that makes sense and is profitable. He spoke to Automotive News about expanding the Mustang lineup, which further fuels speculation of a four-door Mustang. 

“We have a really great Mustang that people consider a car," said Frick. "We look to expand on the Mustang family as we move forward. I think, for us to do it, it’s going to have to make sense within our portfolio. It’s going to have to make sense within a family that we may already offer. And it’s going to have to be very cost-effective for us to do it.”

Based on many reports from a couple of years ago, Ford has shown dealers two four-door models of the Mustang. While one of them is said to be a four-door midsize sedan, the other is said to be a performance-focused off-roader, which could potentially rival the Porsche 911 Dakar and the Lamborghini Huracan Sterrato. 

Come on, Ford, make it happen. We know you can. 

Read more at Motor Culture!

Written by

Aaradhya Singh

Edited by

Yash Kotak