Ford has just issued a recall for nearly every Ford Bronco it has built in the modern era. In total, 565,691 Bronco SUVs, from model years 2021-2026 are affected, and it’s not for a software issue or something as simple as a typo on a label. The potential problem here is a fire risk, and it’s a legitimate concern because fires have already occurred. Here’s what you need to know about Ford’s latest problem.
Wiring Harness Issues Have Caused Multiple Fires
2025 Ford Bronco Big Bend w/ Coastal Package Beige Front Angled ViewFord
After being notified of at least 15 fires occurring between October 2024 and June 2026, Ford began an investigation into the wiring harness in its Bronco SUVs. In documents filed with the NHTSA, the automaker said that in these instances, occupants saw smoke in the air vents, followed by flame from the passenger side of the engine compartment.
Ford’s Critical Concern Group, which investigated the problem, found that movement between the wiring harness and surrounding parts could compound with “insufficient abrasion protection” on the wiring harness. That can lead to exposed wires and intermittent shorts. The short circuits can quickly lead to high temperatures and ignition of flammable objects in the engine bay.
The group investigated 80 Broncos and found evidence of chafing or rubbing on “a small number” of those vehicles. Ford did not elaborate on that number.
Ford’s engineers found that the problem was more likely to happen on Bronco Raptor models, basing that on “likely movement patterns of the engine compartment wiring harness.” This likely means the Raptor is more likely to be driven hard both on and off-road, which causes greater movement within the engine compartment. But it found that the problem could happen on standard models.
That is confirmed by its occurrence on both standard and Raptor Broncos. There have been eight fires on the standard model and eight on the Bronco Raptor. Ford said it is aware of two warranty reports, three field reports, and 10 legal claims as part of the 15 fires believed to have been caused by the problem.
Fix Will Add Wire Loom And Tape
The Ford Bronco Raptor can go anywhere… and then some.Ford
Ford added more protection to the covering of the harnesses in production after this was discovered. That could account for a gap of approximately 14,000 units between the number in this recall, and the total US sales volume reported by Ford since the modern Bronco went on sale in 2021.
The automaker will start notifying customers by sending letters, beginning on August 24. Customers will be able to take their Bronco to a Ford or Lincoln dealer to get convolute sheathing (ribbed wire loom cover that’s common on vehicles) added to a section of engine compartment wiring harness, along with abrasion tape. Ford believes this will protect the wiring against chafing and shorts going forward.
Every Bronco trim is affected by this recall, including four- and six-cylinder models and both manual and automatic transmissions. The Bronco Sport is not affected by this campaign.
See all 2026 Ford recall information here
This latest recall brings Ford to more than 13 million vehicles recalled in 2026, six times more than any other single automaker. It’s an amount equal to around seven years of Ford sales. The company has repeatedly said its quality is improving, but it continues to greatly surpass the competition in terms of recalls, many of which affect vehicles from the current model year back to the early 2020s.
Source: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
