Ford recall on Broncos, Escapes over fuel leak, engine fire risk prompt feds to open probe

Federal auto regulators have announced a probe into a Ford recall of nearly 43,000 automobiles following an error with cracked fuel injectors they say can cause gas leaks and ignite engine fires.

In a summary report dated Thursday, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration wrote it was opening an investigation into a recall of Ford Bronco and Escape vehicle by the automaker headquartered in Dearborn, Michigan.

According to a letter addressed to Ford from the NHTSA, the error impacted about 42,652 (or 1%) of the SUVs produced in 2022 and 2023.

The safety regulator posted documents online announcing the probe just two days after the recall was made public.

As of Friday, no injuries connected to the recall had been reported by the NHTSA.

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What Ford models are being recalled?

The following Ford models are affected in the recent recall:

• 22,270 Bronco Sport vehicles from 2022 and 2023
• 20,382 Escape vehicles from 2022

All the recalled SUVs have 1.5-liter engines, NTHSA said.

What should I do if my Ford Bronco or Escape is recalled?

According to the federal investigation announcement, owners can take their vehicle to a Ford or Lincoln dealer to have a drain tube installed in the vehicle at no cost.

The remedy also includes a free engine control software update to detect a pressure drop in the fuel injection system, the federal regulator reported. Should that occur, the software will disable the high pressure fuel pump, reduce engine power and cut temps in the engine compartment. Owners also will get a "seek service" message, documents show.

But according to safety regulators, the automakers remedy enables fuel to drain from a cylinder head hole to the ground below the vehicle.

"The recall remedy does not include replacement of the cracked fuel injector," NTHSA wrote.

When did Ford notify owners about the recall?

Dealers, the NHTSA reported, were notified on March 11 about the recall.

Ford said it began notifying owners whether their vehicle is affected on April 1.

Drivers can check the NHTSA website to see if their vehicle has been affected by the recall.

Ford's number for this recall is 24S16. This recall is an expansion of previous recall: 22V-859.

For more information, owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332.

Natalie Neysa Alund is a senior reporter for USA TODAY. Reach her at nalund@usatoday.com and follow her on X @nataliealund.