Ford to Bronco Owners: SUVs Could Spark Fires
» Posted August 7, 2026 • Resources | Share This Post
Ford is recalling nearly 600,000 Bronco sport utility vehicles, citing a serious fire risk.
The SUVs’ engine wiring can short-circuit and spark, potentially starting a fire, Ford recently told federal regulators.
“When exposed circuits in the engine compartment wiring harness create a short to ground and arcing, heat or spark at this short may cause smoke or ignite nearby flammable components,” Ford said in a recall notice. “Smoke or fire from the engine compartment area increases the risk of injury or a crash.”
The recall covers certain Bronco SUVs from model years 2021 to 2026, which were built from September 2020 to June 2026. Ford estimates about 1% of recalled vehicles actually have the defect, but said it is recalling a wide range of them in order to inspect all that could be impacted.
The move follows a pair of unrelated Bronco recalls. Ford recently called back about 16,000 Broncos whose hard-top roofs may crack and fall apart. Around the same time, the automaker called back about 5,000 Bronco SUVs because they could lose power and roll away.
This time around, Ford says Bronco drivers should be aware of signs of danger. “Following a short circuit, a driver may notice smoke in their air vents or a cluster warning message prior to observing flames coming from the passenger side engine compartment area,” the company said in the recall report.
Ford said it is aware of at least 10 legal claims filed by Bronco drivers related to the fire hazard. The company said it is not aware of any accidents or injuries stemming from the defect.
Owners of recalled Broncos can expect to be notified via mail by the end of August. In the meantime, they can check the NHTSA website to see if their vehicles are included in the recall.
Ford will ask owners to bring their SUVs to authorized service providers for inspection and repair.
California Lemon Law Rights for Ford Drivers
Ford has had more recalls than any other car manufacturer in several years running. The automaker issued more than 150 separate recalls last year alone.
There is at least some good news for Ford drivers in California. You do not need to wait around for the company to issue a recall to get Ford to fix many defective and malfunctioning vehicles.
The California lemon law generally requires Ford and other carmakers to perform various repairs on vehicles while they are under warranty. The law also forces them to buy back covered vehicles that they are not able or refuse to fix.
There is no specific number of repair requests or attempts that must happen before the buyback or replace requirement kicks in. An experienced lemon law attorney can help you understand your rights and take action.
Speak with a California Lemon Law Attorney
If you have been stuck with a defective or malfunctioning vehicle, a California lemon law attorney at Bickel Sannipoli APC can help you fight back.
Call us at (888) 800-1983 or contact us online to speak with a California lemon law attorney.
