Ford Bronco Engine Fire Recall: Over 565K Vehicles Affected (2021-2026)

Ford has issued a recall for 565,691 Bronco and Bronco Raptor SUVs from model years 2021 through 2026 due to a potential engine fire risk. The recall, announced July 24, 2026, stems from a wiring harness defect in the engine compartment that can short-circuit and create sparks, potentially igniting a fire.

What's Causing the Fire Risk?

According to documents filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the engine compartment wiring harness may have insufficient abrasion protection. Over time, movement between the harness and nearby parts can expose internal wires. When those exposed wires short-circuit intermittently, they create arcs that can ignite a fire in the engine bay.

Ford estimates that roughly 1% of the recalled vehicles actually have the defect. The automaker is aware of 15 incidents involving a fire that may have started with the engine compartment wiring harness, but reports no accidents or injuries related to the issue.

Which Models Are Affected?

The recall covers the Ford Bronco and Bronco Raptor from the 2021 through 2026 model years. That's every Bronco generation sold in the U.S. since the nameplate's return. Owners can check whether their specific vehicle is included by searching their Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) on NHTSA.gov.

Warning Signs Drivers Should Know

Ford's recall paperwork describes a specific sequence of warning signs. Drivers may first notice smoke coming from the cabin air vents. A warning message may then appear on the dashboard instrument cluster. If the short continues, flames can appear from the passenger side of the engine compartment.

If you experience any of these symptoms, pull over safely, turn off the engine, and exit the vehicle. Contact emergency services and your Ford dealer immediately.

The Fix: What Dealers Will Do

The remedy is straightforward and free of charge. Ford dealers will install convolute sheathing with abrasion tape on the engine compartment wiring harness. This protective covering prevents chafing between the harness and surrounding components, eliminating the risk of exposed wires and short circuits.

Ford's recall number is 26S55; NHTSA's campaign number is 26V468. Owners can contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332 or the NHTSA Vehicle Safety hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-888-275-9171) with questions.

Impact on Owners and Ford's Reputation

A recall affecting more than half a million vehicles is never good news for an automaker, especially when the defect involves a fire risk. The Bronco has been one of Ford's most celebrated nameplates since its return, and the Raptor variant commands a premium price and enthusiast following. A recall of this scale tests owner trust.

That said, Ford's proactive response—identifying the defect, filing with NHTSA, and offering a no-cost fix before any reported injuries—demonstrates a responsible approach. The relatively low estimated defect rate (1%) and the absence of accident or injury reports may help contain reputational damage. But for the owners whose vehicles do have the defect, the warning signs are serious enough to warrant immediate attention.

What Bronco Owners Should Do Now

• Check your VIN on NHTSA.gov to see if your vehicle is included in recall 26V468.
• Contact your Ford dealer to schedule the free repair. The fix involves installing convolute sheathing with abrasion tape on the wiring harness.
• Watch for warning signs: smoke from cabin air vents, dashboard warning messages, or flames from the passenger side of the engine compartment.
• If you experience symptoms, pull over safely, turn off the engine, exit the vehicle, and call for help.

The recall is a significant event for Ford and Bronco owners, but the path forward is clear: a free, dealer-performed fix that addresses the root cause. For now, the best course is to verify your vehicle's status and schedule the repair promptly.