Ford Bronco Escape Fuel Injector Recall: A Complete Guide for Owners​

2026-01-12

A major fuel injector recall is currently affecting certain Ford Bronco and Ford Escape models, posing a potential fire risk. Ford Motor Company has issued Safety Recall 24S24 for approximately 42,652 vehicles in the United States. The core issue is a faulty fuel injector that can crack and leak fuel vapor or liquid fuel onto a hot engine surface, which can lead to an underhood fire, increasing the risk of injury and property damage. If you own a 2022-2023 Ford Bronco or a 2022 Ford Escape equipped with the 1.5L engine, you must take immediate action to check your vehicle’s status and follow Ford’s directives. This guide provides a comprehensive, step-by-step breakdown of everything you need to know, from identifying if your vehicle is involved to the repair process and how to stay safe in the interim.

​Understanding the Recall: Official Details and Scope​

Ford’s official recall notice, filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), provides the specific parameters. The recall is officially titled "Underhood Fire – 1.5L Engine Fuel Injector." It primarily targets vehicles built within specific date ranges at particular plants.

The ​affected vehicles​ include:

  • ​2022-2023 Ford Bronco​ SUVs built at the Michigan Assembly Plant from January 7, 2021, through April 26, 2023.
  • ​2022 Ford Escape​ SUVs built at the Louisville Assembly Plant from March 22, 2021, through September 22, 2022.

The common denominator is the ​1.5L GTDI (Gasoline Turbocharged Direct Injection) engine. Not all Broncos or Escapes are included; only those equipped with this specific engine. The problem originates from a manufacturing defect in the fuel injectors supplied to Ford. The injectors may have been improperly manufactured, making them susceptible to developing cracks. A cracked fuel injector will leak fuel. In the best-case scenario, this leads to a strong fuel smell, poor engine performance, and a check engine light. In the worst-case scenario, the leaking fuel can come into contact with the engine’s hot surface or ignition sources, leading to a fire. Importantly, this fire risk may be present ​even when the vehicle is turned off and parked. Ford is aware of multiple underhood fire incidents, some of which occurred while the vehicle was not running, prompting this urgent recall.

​The Critical Role of Fuel Injectors and Why This Defect is Serious​

To understand the severity, it helps to know what a fuel injector does. In modern direct-injection engines like this 1.5L, the fuel injector is a high-precision component. It is mounted directly into the engine’s combustion chamber and is responsible for spraying a fine, atomized mist of fuel at extremely high pressure at exactly the right moment for combustion. It operates under immense thermal and pressure stress. A ​cracked fuel injector​ fails in its primary duty. Instead of a controlled spray, it can allow fuel to drip or stream. Because it is located in the engine bay, this leaking fuel can pool or splash onto components like the exhaust manifold, turbocharger, or other hot parts. The auto-ignition temperature of gasoline is low enough that contact with these surfaces can start a fire. This makes the defect not just a reliability issue, but a significant ​safety hazard​ that requires prompt attention.

​Immediate Steps and Safety Precautions for Owners​

If you own a potentially affected Bronco or Escape, your immediate actions are crucial. ​First, do not panic, but do not ignore the recall.​​

  1. ​Check Your Vehicle’s Recall Status:​​ The fastest way is to use Ford’s official recall lookup website. You will need your 17-character ​Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)​, which is found on your driver’s side dashboard (visible through the windshield), on your registration, or on your insurance card. Enter the VIN on Ford’s Owner Support recall page or the NHTSA recall website. This will tell you definitively if your vehicle is part of Recall 24S24 or any other open recalls.

  2. ​Recognize the Warning Signs:​​ Be hyper-aware of symptoms that may indicate a leaking fuel injector. These include:

    • A strong, persistent smell of gasoline, especially near the hood or in the cabin.
    • Visible fuel leaks or drips under the vehicle, particularly towards the center or front.
    • The illumination of the ​check engine light​ on your dashboard.
    • Any noticeable reduction in engine power, rough idling, or misfires.
    • Hissing or spraying sounds from the engine compartment.
    • Smoke or the smell of burning from the engine bay.

  3. ​Ford’s Critical "Park Outside" Advisory:​​ Until the repair is performed, Ford explicitly instructs owners of all affected vehicles to ​park outdoors and away from structures, including garages, carports, and other buildings. This is the single most important precaution to take, as it mitigates the risk of a fire spreading to your home or other property if one were to start.

​The Recall Repair Process: What to Expect​

Once you have confirmed your vehicle is included, the repair process is straightforward and will be performed at no cost to you, the owner.

  1. ​Official Notification:​​ Ford began mailing official notification letters to registered owners in June 2024. However, you do not need to wait for this letter to act. If your VIN shows an open recall, you can proceed.

  2. ​Contact Your Dealer:​​ Reach out to an authorized Ford dealership to schedule a service appointment specifically for Safety Recall 24S24. Inform them of the recall notice when booking. It is advisable to call ahead, as the dealer may need to order the replacement parts before your appointment.

  3. ​The Repair Itself:​​ The remedy involves a multi-step process performed by certified Ford technicians:

    • ​Inspection and Pressure Test:​​ Technicians will first inspect the fuel injectors and perform a leak pressure test on the fuel rail and injector system to identify any currently leaking units.
    • ​Software Update:​​ Regardless of the physical inspection result, all affected vehicles will receive a ​mandatory software update​ to the Powertrain Control Module (PCM). This update is a critical proactive measure. It is designed to detect a pressure drop in the fuel system that is consistent with a leaking injector. If the software detects such a leak, it will automatically disable the ​high-pressure fuel pump, significantly reduce engine power to limit fuel flow, and alert the driver with a "Engine Fault Service Now" message on the instrument cluster. This "engine derate" strategy is intended to lower engine temperatures and reduce the risk of fire, giving the driver time to pull over safely and call for service.
    • ​Fuel Injector Replacement (if needed):​​ If the inspection or pressure test confirms a leaking or faulty injector, the technician will replace all four fuel injectors on the 1.5L engine with new, redesigned units that do not have the manufacturing defect.
    • ​Drain Tube Installation:​​ In some cases, as an additional safeguard, a drain tube may be installed to direct any potential fuel leak away from hot surfaces.

The repair typically takes a few hours to a full day, depending on parts availability and whether injector replacement is required. All parts, labor, and associated costs are covered by Ford.

​Frequently Asked Questions and Owner Concerns​

  • ​Is it safe to drive my vehicle before the repair?​​ Ford has not issued a "do not drive" order, but they emphasize the ​​"park outside"​​ rule. If you notice any of the warning signs listed above (smell, leak, check engine light), you should ​stop driving immediately, park the vehicle in an open area, and contact your dealer or Ford Customer Service for further instructions, which may include arranging a tow.
  • ​What if I already had a fire or damage related to this?​​ You should immediately contact Ford Customer Service and your insurance company. Document everything with photos and keep all receipts. Ford has a process for reviewing such incidents related to a recall.
  • ​Will the software update affect my vehicle’s performance?​​ Under normal conditions with no leak present, the update should not affect daily driving performance, fuel economy, or power. Its sole function is to act as a safety monitor.
  • ​What if I recently replaced my fuel injectors?​​ The recall repair uses specific, newly designed parts. You should still have the recall performed to receive the critical PCM software update and ensure the replacement injectors used are the correct, non-defective version.
  • ​Where can I get more information?​​ For the most authoritative information, use these resources:
    • ​Ford Motor Company:​​ 1-866-436-7332 (Customer Service)
    • ​Ford Owner Support Website:​​ For VIN lookup and official communications.
    • ​National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA):​​ Website or hotline at 1-888-327-4236. You can also file a vehicle safety complaint here.

​The Bigger Picture: Proactive Maintenance and Staying Informed​

This recall underscores the importance of staying informed about your vehicle’s status. ​Regularly checking for recalls, at least twice a year, should be part of every car owner’s routine. Ensure your contact information is up-to-date with both Ford and your state’s DMV to receive timely mailings. Furthermore, never ignore a ​check engine light​ or unusual smells; these are your vehicle’s primary ways of communicating a problem. Adhering to your scheduled maintenance also allows technicians to spot potential issues early.

For owners of the affected Broncos and Escapes, the path forward is clear. Verify your VIN, heed the ​park outside warning, and schedule the recall repair with your dealer promptly. The combination of the software update and, if necessary, physical injector replacement addresses the root cause and adds a vital layer of electronic protection. By taking these steps, you ensure your vehicle’s safety and reliability, allowing you to return to enjoying your driving experience with peace of mind.

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