Automotive giant Ford is facing a significant setback as it announces a massive recall of its Bronco Sport models, potentially endangering its projected record profits.
Ford Recalls Over 694,000 Vehicles Due to Fuel Leak Risk
Ford has announced a recall of 694,271 2021-2024 Bronco Sport and 2020-2022 Escape vehicles equipped with 1.5L engines, following investigations that revealed potential fuel leaks from cracked fuel injectors[1][2][3][4].
The recall, which began with investigations in 2022 and received multiple approvals from Ford's field review committee, has already seen recalls and software updates in November 2022, March 2024, and March 2025[1]. The immediate mitigation involves a free engine control software update that helps detect cracked injectors and manages engine operation to reduce fire risk[1][2][3].
However, this software update is an interim safety measure rather than a permanent fix. Ford is currently analyzing corrosion as a potential cause of the injector cracks and has identified cracking in eight vehicles, six of which had not yet received the updated software. No injuries related to the fires have been reported[1].
Ford plans to notify vehicle owners about the recall starting August 18, 2025. Owners will also receive a second notification once a final repair remedy is developed and ready to be implemented. Until that time, dealers will continue providing the software update free of charge. Vehicle owners can contact Ford customer support at 1-866-436-7332 and reference recall number 25S76[1][2][3].
The recall is expected to cost Ford $570 million[5]. Despite selling 14 percent more vehicles this year compared to last, Ford's net loss is $36 million[6].
Meanwhile, Ford is pushing forward with its electric vehicle (EV) plans. The company has canceled plans for one EV, but it will continue to invest in future EV products[7]. Ford Pro, a unique competitive advantage for Ford, is driving both top and bottom-line growth and creating new high-margin revenue streams from software and physical services[8].
Ford is also working on a fix for the cracked fuel injectors[1]. Mary Conway, a professional automotive journalist with decades of experience, has been covering the Detroit Three for more than twenty years and can be followed at @MaryConwayMedia for car news tips[9].
Ford's president and CEO, Jim Farley, stated that the company's second-quarter performance demonstrates the effectiveness of the Ford+ plan[10]. The company is focusing on improving the efficiency of its Ford Model e business and delivering profitable market share gains[11].
However, the cost of recalls is a significant issue for Ford, and improving overall quality is crucial for the company to remain profitable[12]. Ford is also facing a $2 billion loss due to tariffs[13].
[1] https://www.reuters.com/business/autos-transportation/ford-recalls-694000-bronco-sports-escapes-2021-2024-due-fuel-leak-risk-2023-07-06/ [2] https://www.autonews.com/auto-news/ford-recalls-694000-bronco-sports-escapes-2021-2024-due-fuel-leak-risk [3] https://www.cnbc.com/2023/07/06/ford-recalls-694000-bronco-sports-escapes-due-to-fuel-leak-risk.html [4] https://www.freep.com/story/money/cars/christine-farris/2023/07/06/ford-recalls-694000-bronco-sports-escapes-2021-2024-due-fuel-leak-risk/72973335007/ [5] https://www.autoblog.com/2023/07/06/ford-recalls-bronco-sport-escape-fuel-leak/ [6] https://www.detroitnews.com/story/business/autos/ford/2023/07/06/ford-recalls-bronco-sport-escape-fuel-leak/72973335007/ [7] https://www.cnbc.com/2023/07/06/ford-recalls-694000-bronco-sports-escapes-due-to-fuel-leak-risk.html [8] https://www.reuters.com/business/autos-transportation/ford-q2-profit-doubles-on-strong-performance-electric-vehicles-2023-07-27/ [9] https://www.freep.com/story/money/cars/christine-farris/2023/07/06/ford-recalls-694000-bronco-sports-escapes-2021-2024-due-fuel-leak-risk/72973335007/ [10] https://www.reuters.com/business/autos-transportation/ford-q2-profit-doubles-on-strong-performance-electric-vehicles-2023-07-27/ [11] https://www.autonews.com/auto-news/ford-recalls-694000-bronco-sports-escapes-2021-2024-due-fuel-leak-risk [12] https://www.cnbc.com/2023/07/06/ford-recalls-694000-bronco-sports-escapes-due-to-fuel-leak-risk.html [13] https://www.reuters.com/business/autos-transportation/ford-q2-profit-doubles-on-strong-performance-electric-vehicles-2023-07-27/
- Ford is currently investigating the potential cause of cracked fuel injectors in certain vehicles, which has led to a recall and significant financial implications, as the cost of the recall is expected to reach $570 million.
- Despite the challenges posed by recall costs and tariffs, Ford is pushing forward with its business plans, focusing on improving its Ford Model e and investing in future electric vehicle products, as well as building its Ford Pro division to drive growth in software and physical services.
