Ford Bronco Owners Urged to Check Recall Over Potential Engine Fire Risk
Ford is recalling more than 565,000 Bronco and Bronco Raptor SUVs after identifying a defect that could increase the risk of an engine compartment fire. The recall covers certain 2021 through 2026 model-year vehicles and stems from a wiring harness issue that could create a short circuit, potentially leading to smoke, sparks, or fire while the vehicle is being driven.
A Wiring Harness Is at the Center of the Recall
According to documents filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the problem involves the engine compartment wiring harness. Ford said insufficient abrasion protection can allow the harness to rub against nearby components over time. If the protective covering wears through, exposed wires can intermittently short-circuit, creating electrical arcing that may ignite nearby flammable materials in the engine bay.
Drivers May Notice Warning Signs Before a Fire
Ford says some drivers could receive advance warning if the defect develops. A short circuit may cause smoke to enter the cabin through the air vents, while the instrument cluster could display a warning message before flames become visible from the passenger side of the engine compartment. The company encourages owners to pay attention to these warning signs and arrange repairs if their vehicle is included in the recall.
The Investigation Began After Multiple Fire Reports
Ford’s Critical Concern Group opened an investigation on June 18, 2026, after reviewing reports of fires involving 2021-2026 Bronco models. Engineers analyzed incidents in which owners reported smoke from the vents or flames originating on the passenger side of the engine compartment. Inspections of more than 80 vehicles found evidence that some wiring harnesses showed rubbing or chafing consistent with the suspected defect.
Ford Identified 15 Suspected Fire Incidents
As of July 13, Ford said it had identified 15 incidents in which evidence suggested the fire may have originated from the engine compartment wiring harness. Those reports included warranty claims, field reports, customer service reports, owner questionnaires, and legal claims dating from October 2024 through June 2026. The company also stated it is not aware of any crashes or injuries related to the issue.
Most Recalled Vehicles Are Not Expected to Have the Defect
Although the recall affects up to 565,691 vehicles, Ford estimates that only about 1% actually have the wiring defect. Even so, federal safety rules require manufacturers to recall vehicles when a defect could create an unreasonable safety risk, allowing owners to have the issue corrected before it leads to a more serious problem.
Repairs Will Be Performed Free of Charge
To fix the problem, Ford dealers will install additional protective sheathing and abrasion tape around the engine compartment wiring harness to prevent future chafing. The repair will be provided at no cost to owners, and the added protection is intended to keep the wiring insulated from surrounding components that could otherwise wear through the harness over time.
Owners Can Check Whether Their Bronco Is Included
Vehicle owners do not need to guess whether their SUV is part of the recall. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) became searchable through NHTSA on July 23, 2026, and Ford’s recall number for this campaign is 26S55. Owner notification letters are scheduled to be mailed beginning August 24, and affected customers can also contact Ford customer service for assistance.
Why Bronco Raptors Drew Extra Attention
Ford’s investigation found that Bronco Raptors are more likely than standard Broncos to experience the type of movement that can cause the wiring harness to chafe because of differences in their suspension and underhood design. However, testing also showed that base Bronco models could eventually develop similar wear, prompting Ford to include both Bronco and Bronco Raptor vehicles built between September 2020 and June 2026 in the recall.
Checking the Recall Could Prevent Bigger Problems
For most owners, the recall will simply involve a preventive repair completed during a dealership visit. But because the defect has the potential to create smoke or an engine compartment fire, Ford is encouraging affected Bronco owners to verify their VIN and schedule the repair if necessary. Addressing the issue early may help reduce the risk of more serious damage while allowing drivers to continue using their vehicles with greater confidence.