Ford Motor Company has announced a major safety recall affecting more than 565,000 Bronco and Bronco Raptor SUVs in the United States after discovering a defect that could increase the risk of an engine compartment fire.
The recall covers 2021 to 2026 model-year Ford Broncos and Bronco Raptors, with the automaker estimating that roughly 1% of the recalled vehicles may actually have the issue. While the percentage appears small, Ford is taking proactive steps to prevent a potentially dangerous situation before it leads to injuries or accidents.
The company has confirmed that it is not aware of any crashes, injuries, or fatalities linked to the defect.
Wiring Harness Identified as the Root Cause
According to Ford, the problem stems from insufficient protection around a wiring harness located in the engine compartment.
Over time, the harness can rub against nearby engine components, wearing away its protective covering. If the insulation becomes damaged, the exposed wires could short circuit, creating conditions that may lead to overheating or, in rare cases, a fire.
Although the defect is expected to affect only a small number of vehicles, electrical short circuits under the hood can escalate quickly, making early intervention critical.
Warning Signs Drivers Should Watch For
Ford has advised owners to stay alert for several warning signs that could indicate the wiring has already been damaged.
Drivers may first notice smoke entering through the vehicle’s air vents, followed by a warning message appearing on the instrument cluster. In more severe cases, flames could become visible from the passenger-side section of the engine compartment.
Anyone experiencing these symptoms should safely pull over, switch off the engine, and contact roadside assistance rather than continuing to drive.
Free Repairs Available at Ford Dealerships
To resolve the issue, Ford dealers will install additional protective covers around the wiring harness at no cost to customers.
The repair is designed to prevent the wiring from rubbing against surrounding components and reduce the possibility of future electrical shorts.
Owners will receive notification letters with instructions on scheduling service appointments. Those who suspect their vehicle may already be showing symptoms are encouraged to arrange repairs as soon as possible.
How to Check if Your Bronco Is Included
The recall applies to certain 2021–2026 Ford Bronco and Bronco Raptor vehicles.
Owners can verify whether their SUV is included by entering their Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) on the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s recall lookup website or through Ford’s recall portal.
Ford has assigned recall number 26S55, while the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has designated the campaign as 26V468.
Customers who need further assistance can contact Ford Customer Service at 1-866-436-7332 or reach the NHTSA Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236.
Another Reminder of the Importance of Vehicle Recalls
Vehicle recalls are issued to correct safety-related defects before they result in serious consequences, and manufacturers are legally required to perform recall repairs free of charge.
While large-scale recalls often attract attention because of the number of vehicles involved, they do not necessarily indicate that every recalled vehicle has the defect. In this case, Ford estimates that only a small fraction of Broncos may experience the wiring issue, but the company has chosen to recall the broader production range to ensure customer safety.
Owners are encouraged not to ignore recall notices, even if their vehicle appears to be operating normally. Addressing potential problems early can significantly reduce safety risks and help maintain long-term vehicle reliability.
With more than half a million Broncos now covered under this campaign, Ford’s latest recall serves as another reminder that routine recall checks and timely repairs remain an essential part of responsible vehicle ownership.
