Ford just recalled over 500,000 Broncos for fire risk
Ford just recalled over 565,911 Broncos and Bronco Raptors from the 2021–2026 model years because a wiring harness in the engine bay can abrade, short-circuit, and spark a fire. Dealers will add protective tape free of charge. Owners can check their VIN on NHTSA's recall site before mail notices arrive in late August.
Key Takeaways
- Ford is recalling 565,911 Broncos and Bronco Raptors built between 2021 and 2026 for an engine-compartment wiring fire risk.
- Insufficient abrasion protection on a wiring harness can expose wires, create a short, and potentially cause heat or a spark.
- Warning signs can include smoke from cabin air vents, flames on the passenger side of the engine bay, or a cluster warning message.
- The free dealer repair adds convolute and abrasion tape; Ford estimates about 1% of recalled vehicles may have the defect.
- Customer notices are planned for August 24–28, 2026; owners can look up vehicles now by VIN or plate on NHTSA's site.
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What exactly did Ford recall, and why does it matter?
According to reporting based on the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration filing, Ford has recalled 565,911 Broncos and Bronco Raptors. The vehicles were built between 2021 and 2026.
That figure is large relative to production: Ford has built 589,860 Broncos since bringing the model back in 2021. The company estimates only about 1 percent of the recalled vehicles actually have the defect, but the hazard—an engine fire—is serious enough to pull most of the modern Bronco fleet into the campaign.
How does the wiring harness create an engine fire risk?
The official report points to a wiring harness in the engine bay that lacks sufficient abrasion protection. Movement between the harness and other engine components can wear through insulation and expose wires.
Exposed wiring can short-circuit and create heat or a spark that may lead to a fire. Drivers might notice smoke coming from the cabin air vents, see flames coming out the passenger side of the engine compartment, or receive a cluster warning message.
Ford began investigating the issue in June and is aware of 15 potential incidents—eight involving standard Broncos and seven involving Bronco Raptors—related to the problem, per the recall report summarized by Robb Report.
Is there a free fix, and what should Bronco owners do now?
Ford says a remedy is ready. At a dealership, a technician will add convolute and abrasion tape to the wiring harness to protect it. The repair is free.
Dealerships are already being alerted. Ford plans to inform customers of affected Broncos between August 24 and 28. Owners who do not want to wait can check whether their vehicle is included on NHTSA's recall lookup using a license plate or VIN.