Full Breakdown
Ford Recalls Over Half a Million Bronco SUVs Over Engine-Fire Risk
7/25/2026, 8:45:07 PM
Core Event
Ford Motor Co. announced a recall of 565,691 Ford Bronco and Bronco Raptor SUVs (2021-2026) because a wiring harness in the engine compartment can become damaged, lose abrasion protection, and short-circuit. A short may generate heat or sparks that could ignite a fire, producing smoke in the cabin vents and a warning message on the instrument cluster before flames appear on the passenger side of the engine bay. Ford estimates about 1 % of the recalled vehicles have the defect and reports no known injuries or fatalities.
Background & Context
The recall follows an internal investigation that began in June 2024. By June 20 2026, Ford had documented 15 incidents in which fire evidence pointed to the wiring harness, including seven in Bronco Raptor models and eight in standard Bronco models. The action arrives amid other Ford safety recalls this month, such as a July 14 recall of 387,911 SUVs for unstable second-row seats.
Data & Statistics
- Vehicles recalled: 565,691 Bronco and Bronco Raptor SUVs (2021-2026).
- Defect prevalence: ~1 % of recalled units are believed to have the wiring-harness flaw.
- Documented fire incidents: 15 reports of engine-bay fires linked to the harness, with no injuries.
- Inspection findings: Over 80 Broncos inspected showed wiring chafing; a small subset had exposed wires.
- Production detail: Vehicles built after June 28 receive enhanced protective covering on the harness.
Official Statements & Responses
Ford will install “convolute sheathing with abrasion tape” over the wiring harness at no cost. The recall number is 26S55; NHTSA’s campaign number is 26V468. NHTSA made the VIN list searchable on July 23 2026.
Why It Matters / Impact
A short-circuit in the engine compartment can ignite nearby flammable components, creating a fire that threatens occupants and property. Although the defect affects a small fraction of the fleet, the risk justifies a nationwide recall and free dealer repair.
Timeline
- June 20 2026: Filing notes 15 fire-related incidents.
- June 28: Broncos built after this date include enhanced protective covering.
- July 20 2026: NHTSA publicly reports the recall.
- July 23 2026: VINs become searchable on NHTSA.gov.
- August 24 2026 (scheduled): Owner notification letters begin mailing.
- August 28 2026 (scheduled): Final recall notices expected.
What’s Next
Owners will receive mailed notifications starting August 24 2026 and should schedule a free repair at any Ford dealership. Technicians will apply the protective sheathing and abrasion tape to the engine-compartment wiring harness. Owners can check their VIN on NHTSA’s lookup tool or Ford’s recall webpage.
