Nearly 34,000 Ford Escape and Bronco Sport Models Recalled Over Cracked Fuel Injector

Written By: Jessica Anvar Stotz
Legally Reviewed By: Jessica Anvar Stotz

Ford has recalled 33,576 Bronco Sport and Escape models due to a potentially dangerous issue with cracked fuel injectors.

The 2025 Ford Fuel Injector Recall affects 2021-2023 Bronco Sport and 2020-2022 Escape SUVs equipped with 1.5-liter turbocharged EcoBoost engines.

The cracked fuel injectors can lead to fuel leaks, which in turn, can cause fires if the leaked fuel contacts hot engine parts.

In response, Ford will notify owners by mail and direct them to Ford or Lincoln dealers for a free engine control module (PCM) software update to address the issue.

If you own one of these vehicles, we recommend getting this update as soon as possible to reduce the risk of serious vehicle damage or other safety issues.

Have There Been Previous Ford Fuel Injector Recalls?

Yes, Ford has issued several recalls related to fuel injectors in the past. The most recent recall is the third occurrence of cracked fuel injectors in Bronco Sport and Escape models.

• November 2022: Ford recalled approximately 636,000 Bronco Sport and Escape vehicles in the U.S. and Canada due to cracked fuel injectors.
• April 2024: A second recall affected 2022-2023 Bronco Sport and 2022 Escape models equipped with 1.5L engines.
• March 2025: The most recent recall affecting 33,576 Bronco Sport and Escape models, was issued due to cracked fuel injectors.

These recalls are necessary because the cracked fuel injectors can leak fuel onto hot engine components, creating a fire hazard.

In response, Ford has taken steps to address the issue, including updating engine control software and installing additional safety measures to minimize the risk.

This recall extension comes as part of Ford’s ongoing efforts to address the persistent issue. If you’re concerned about your vehicle, contacting your local Ford dealership for more information is recommended.

On November 26, 2024, Ford’s Critical Concern Group (CCRG) reviewed the problem of incomplete software remedies after an audit revealed mismatched software applications on some vehicles previously serviced under field service actions (FSAs).

In December 2024, a cross-functional team was formed to audit all software FSAs, focusing on safety and compliance. By February 27, 2025, the team had completed the audit of FSAs 24S16 and 22S73, confirming that 97.7% and 91.6% of the repairs, respectively, had the correct software installed.

However, some vehicles had not received the proper software update. As of March 7, 2025, Ford’s Field Review Committee approved further action to correct these discrepancies.

Although Ford is aware of four underhood fires in the affected vehicles, the company has yet to confirm whether they are related to the cracked fuel injector issue.

No accidents or injuries have been reported due to this condition. For more detailed information, you can refer to the following recall notices:

• First recall (November 2022): NHTSA Recall 22V859000
• Second recall (April 2024): NHTSA Recall 24V187000

Is There a Fix for the Ford Cracked Fuel Injector Problem?

Ford is offering the following solution to address the cracked fuel injector issue in certain Bronco Sport and Escape models; the repair process involves a series of key steps to enhance vehicle safety and minimize risks:

1. Engine Control Software Update: Ford will update the engine control software to detect any pressure drop in the fuel rail. If the software identifies a pressure drop, a warning message will appear on the dashboard, alerting the driver to seek service.
2. Fuel Injector Leak Detection: The software update will also include a strategy to disable the high-pressure fuel pump and reduce engine power. This minimizes the risk of fire while allowing the driver to safely bring the vehicle to a stop.
3. Installation of a Drain Tube: A drain tube will be installed to direct any leaked fuel away from hot engine components, reducing the risk of an underhood fire.
4. Inspection for Fuel Odor: Technicians will inspect the area around the top of the engine for any strong fuel odors, which could indicate a potential issue.

These steps are designed to prevent fuel from leaking onto hot engine parts and to reduce the risk of a fire. If your vehicle is affected, it’s important to have the repairs completed at an authorized Ford dealership.

Lemon Law Solutions for Repeat Fuel Injector Issues

If you’re facing ongoing fuel injector problems in your Ford vehicle—especially after multiple repair attempts or recalls—your state’s lemon law can provide powerful protections.

The law allows consumers to seek relief when they experience persistent defects that significantly impact their vehicle’s safety, value, or use.

To qualify for lemon law relief, your Ford must meet specific conditions. For fuel injector issues, this typically means:

• Multiple Repair Attempts: If your vehicle has been brought in for repair multiple times to address the same cracked fuel injector issue or other related defects without any lasting resolution, you may be eligible for lemon law protection. For example, if your Ford has been part of several recalls (like those for cracked fuel injectors in the Bronco Sport or Escape) and the issue persists after repairs, you may have grounds for a claim.
• Significant Impairment: The defective fuel injectors must significantly impair your vehicle’s safety, value, or use. For instance, a cracked injector could lead to fuel leaks, posing a fire hazard, which clearly affects the vehicle’s safety and reliability. If the defect impacts your daily use of the vehicle or its resale value, you could qualify for a lemon law claim.
• Extended Out-of-Service Period: If your Ford vehicle has been out of service for an extended period due to repeated repairs, this may further support your case. If you’ve spent significant time waiting for repairs or dealing with the inconvenience of an inoperable vehicle, this is a key factor in determining your eligibility.

If you believe your Ford is affected by persistent fuel injector issues, make sure to take these steps to protect your rights:

1. Document Every Detail: Keep meticulous records of all repair attempts, including dates, issues, and the services provided. If your Ford has been recalled for cracked fuel injectors or related issues, maintain all correspondence regarding the recall and repair processes. This documentation will be vital for building your lemon law case.
2. Record symptoms like fuel odors, engine power loss, or dashboard alerts related to fuel injector problems.
3. Keep a log of any extended periods when your vehicle was out of service due to repairs. The more comprehensive your documentation, the stronger your claim.
4. Contact a Lemon Law Attorney: Lemon law claims, especially in complex cases involving repeated defects like fuel injectors, can be challenging to navigate without legal expertise. A skilled lemon law attorney can review your case, advise on the likelihood of success, and help you understand your rights and potential options. Legal counsel can also assist with negotiating directly with Ford or filing a claim if necessary.
5. File a Claim: Once you’ve met the eligibility criteria, you can file a lemon law claim. Depending on your case, this could lead to various forms of compensation, including:
   1. A replacement vehicle if the fuel injector issues cannot be resolved.
   1. A refund for the purchase price of the vehicle, minus any usage fees.
   1. Other potential compensation, such as cash reimbursement for repairs or rental car costs incurred during the extended repair periods.

If your Ford is experiencing repeated fuel injector failures or other unresolved issues related to the engine, you will want to act quickly.

State lemon law offers protections, but there are time limits to file a claim. By consulting with a knowledgeable lemon law attorney, you can take the necessary steps to secure a resolution, whether that involves a refund, replacement vehicle, or other compensation.

If your Ford has been involved in multiple recalls for fuel injector defects or has repeatedly failed to address the issue after repair attempts, consulting a lemon law attorney may be your next step.

Get in Touch with the Lemon Law Experts!

If you own a Ford vehicle affected by repeated fuel injector issues, you may be entitled to compensation under your state’s lemon law.

These fuel injectors can cause dangerous fuel leaks, increasing the risk of fire and posing a significant safety concern for drivers.

As more recalls are issued, it’s clear that even the most popular brands aren’t immune to recurring defects that impact vehicle performance and safety.

If your Ford has experienced repeated fuel injector problems despite multiple repair attempts, you may have rights to seek a resolution through lemon law protections.

Since 2009, the Lemon Law Experts have successfully helped thousands of vehicle owners secure refunds, replacements, and other compensation for defective vehicles.

We offer free case evaluations and can quickly assess if you qualify for relief. Don’t wait—contact us today to take the first step toward resolving your lemon law case and getting the compensation you deserve.