In a twist that feels like a frustrating rerun, Ford has announced yet another recall affecting its Bronco Sport and Escape SUVs. This time, the spotlight is on a persistent fuel leak issue tied to the 1.5-litre turbocharged three-cylinder engine, an Achilles’ heel that’s proving tougher to fix than anticipated. The recall encompasses roughly 34,000 vehicles—15,355 Bronco Sports from the 2021–2023 model years and 18,221 Escapes from 2020–2022. If you’re an owner, you might be wondering how this happened again. Let’s dive into the details, unpack the problem, and explore what it means for drivers.
A Recall Within a Recall
The phrase “Ford recalling 34,000 Bronco Sport” might sound familiar, and that’s because this isn’t the first time these SUVs have been flagged for this exact issue. Earlier recalls—tagged with identifiers like 24S16, 24V092, 22S73, and 22V191—aimed to address a potential fuel injector flaw. The problem? These tiny components can crack, leaking fuel or vapour into the engine bay. When that happens near a hot surface, it’s a fire waiting to ignite. Ford’s initial fix involved updating the powertrain control module (PCM) software to detect and mitigate the issue, but here’s the kicker: the repair didn’t stick.
According to documents filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), Ford discovered that many of the previously “repaired” vehicles didn’t actually receive the proper software update. The culprit? A glitch in the dealer scan tool used during the original recall. It failed to upload the corrected software, leaving thousands of Bronco Sports and Escapes vulnerable. Now, Ford recalling 34,000 Bronco Sport and Escape models is the automaker’s attempt to right that wrong—again.
What’s at Stake?
The stakes here are higher than a minor inconvenience. A cracked fuel injector isn’t just a mechanical hiccup; it’s a safety hazard. Fuel leaking into the engine compartment could pool or vaporize, and if it meets a spark or a scorching engine part, the result could be an underhood fire. That’s not just a headache for owners—it’s a potential danger on the road, with risks of crashes or injuries looming if the issue goes unchecked. Ford has acknowledged this in its NHTSA filings, emphasizing the need to get these vehicles back to dealerships for a proper fix.
For drivers, the frustration is palpable. Imagine taking your SUV in for a recall repair, only to learn later that the job wasn’t done right. It’s a scenario that’s left some owners questioning Ford’s quality control, especially as the company navigates a string of software-related recalls in 2025. The Bronco Sport, a rugged darling among off-road enthusiasts, and the Escape, a practical family hauler, were built to inspire confidence—not to keep circling back to the service bay.
The Fix: Take Two
So, what’s Ford doing about it? The solution sounds simple: another software update. Dealers will reflash the PCM with a corrected version of the software, designed to monitor the fuel system and prevent leaks from escalating into disasters. The good news? Ford is covering the repair costs entirely, and there’s no charge to owners. The catch? You’ll need to haul your vehicle to a dealership—mobile service isn’t an option for this one, though some participating locations offer pickup and delivery.
Ford’s timeline is clear-cut. Dealers will get the heads-up by April 24, 2025, and owners can expect letters in their mailboxes by May 1. If you’re impatient or just want peace of mind, you can skip the wait and check your vehicle’s status now. Plug your VIN into the NHTSA’s recall search tool (or Ford’s own VIN lookup) to see if your Bronco Sport or Escape is part of the 34,000 affected units. It’s a quick step that could save you from playing a risky game of “wait and see.”
Why Does This Keep Happening?
Ford recalling 34,000 Bronco Sport and Escape SUVs isn’t an isolated incident—it’s part of a broader pattern. Software glitches have haunted the automaker’s lineup in recent years, from faulty updates to misfiring diagnostic tools. This latest recall underscores a nagging question: why can’t Ford nail down these fixes the first time? The answer might lie in the complexity of modern vehicles. Today’s cars are rolling computers, with intricate systems that demand precision at every step. When a tool fails or a process falters, the ripple effects can hit thousands of drivers.
For the Bronco Sport and Escape, the 1.5-liter “Dragon” engine has been a particular sore spot. Its turbocharged design delivers peppy performance, but the fuel injectors have proven finicky. Ford’s initial recall efforts were well-intentioned, but the execution stumbled. The dealer scan tool—meant to be a lifeline—turned into a weak link, leaving vehicles unprotected. It’s a reminder that even big automakers can trip over the smallest details.
What Owners Should Do
If you own a 2021–2023 Bronco Sport or a 2020–2022 Escape with the 1.5-litre engine, don’t panic—but don’t dawdle either. Ford recalling 34,000 Bronco Sport and Escape models means your SUV could be at risk, especially if it was part of those earlier recalls. Start by checking your VIN online. If your vehicle’s on the list, schedule a dealership visit as soon as you can. The repair is free, and Ford’s promising a smoother process this time around.
Can’t make it to a dealer right away? Keep an eye (and a nose) out for warning signs. A whiff of gasoline, unusual engine behaviour, or warning lights could hint at a problem. While Ford says the risk of fire is low, it’s not zero—so vigilance pays off. And if you’re feeling stuck, Ford’s recall hotline (1-866-436-7332) is staffed with team members ready to assist.
The Bigger Picture
Ford recalling 34,000 Bronco Sport and Escape SUVs isn’t just a headache for owners—it’s a test of trust. The Bronco Sport, with its boxy charm and off-road cred, has won fans since its debut. The Escape, a mainstay in Ford’s lineup, appeals to practical-minded drivers. But repeated recalls chip away at that goodwill. Owners want vehicles they can count on, not ones that keep boomeranging back to the shop.
This isn’t Ford’s first rodeo with recalls in 2025, either. Software woes have plagued other models, from F-150s to Mustangs, hinting at systemic challenges in the automaker’s tech pipeline. For now, Ford’s banking on this latest fix to close the chapter on the 1.5-litre engine saga. Dealers are gearing up, and owners are on notice. The question is whether this recall will finally stick—or if we’ll be reading about “Ford recalling 34,000 Bronco Sport” again next year.
A Frustrating Déjà Vu
There’s an undeniable sense of déjà vu here. Ford recalling 34,000 Bronco Sport and Escape models feels like a sequel nobody asked for. Owners who dutifully brought their SUVs in for the first recall might feel shortchanged, and rightfully so. It’s not just about the inconvenience—it’s about the nagging worry that comes with driving a vehicle that might still be a ticking time bomb. Ford’s owned up to the oversight, but that’s cold comfort when you’re the one behind the wheel.
Still, there’s a silver lining. Ford’s transparency with the NHTSA and its commitment to free repairs show a willingness to make things right. The automaker’s not dodging the issue; it’s tackling it head-on, even if it’s taken a second swing to get here. For drivers, that means a chance to put this fuel leak fiasco in the rearview mirror—assuming the fix works this time.
Looking Ahead
As Ford recalling 34,000 Bronco Sport and Escape SUVs rolls out, the focus shifts to execution. Dealers will need to handle a flood of appointments, and owners will need to carve out time to comply. For Ford, it’s a chance to prove that lessons have been learned. A smooth recall could rebuild confidence; a botched one could deepen the frustration.
In the meantime, the Bronco Sport and Escape remain compelling rides—when they’re not sidelined by recalls. The former’s rugged appeal and the latter’s everyday versatility still shine, but this fuel injector saga has cast a shadow. Here’s hoping Ford’s latest effort puts the issue to bed for good. Until then, owners can only wait, check their VINs, and keep their fingers crossed that this is the last time “Ford recalling 34,000 Bronco Sport” makes headlines.