Ford Issues Urgent Recall: Ford has recently issued an urgent recall for several of its popular models due to a potential oil leak issue that could lead to engine fires. The recall affects specific 2023-2025 Ford Escape and 2025 Ford Bronco Sport vehicles equipped with the 1.5-liter EcoBoost engine. This is a big deal, as the safety of you and your loved ones is at risk. If you own one of these vehicles, it’s crucial to stay informed and take immediate action. In this article, we’ll dive into the details of the recall, explain why it’s happening, and offer a step-by-step guide to help you figure out if your vehicle is affected.
Ford Issues Urgent Recall
Ford’s urgent recall regarding oil leaks in the 2023-2025 Ford Escape and 2025 Ford Bronco Sport is not something to ignore. The potential risk of an engine fire is serious, and it’s essential to take action immediately if your vehicle is affected. By checking your VIN, contacting Ford customer service, and following safety guidelines, you can ensure your safety while Ford works to fix the issue. Remember, your safety and the safety of others on the road should always be the top priority. Stay proactive, stay informed, and stay safe.
| Key Data | Details |
|---|---|
| Recall Affected Vehicles | 2023–2025 Ford Escape, 2025 Ford Bronco Sport |
| Engine Type | 1.5L EcoBoost 3-cylinder engine |
| Affected Vehicles Number | Approximately 404 units |
| Potential Risk | Oil leaks leading to engine fires |
| Safety Advisory | “Do Not Drive” and “Park Outside” advised |
| Recall Number | NHTSA Campaign Number 25V372 |
| Repair Action | Cylinder head replacement |
| Ford Customer Service Number | 1-866-436-7332 |
| Official Source | Ford Recall Information |
What’s the Big Deal? Understanding the Recall
Ford’s urgent recall stems from a defect in the 1.5-liter EcoBoost engines found in the 2023-2025 Ford Escape and 2025 Ford Bronco Sport. This defect involves the steel ball plugs used in the engine’s cylinder head. These ball plugs seal oil channels that keep the engine’s internal components lubricated. Unfortunately, during manufacturing, some of these plugs have become dislodged. Without proper sealing, oil can leak, causing the risk of an engine fire.
You may be thinking, “Oil leaks? That sounds serious!” And you’re right—it is. Oil leaking from your engine not only poses a fire risk, but in some cases, it’s even caused the engine to fail completely. The danger comes from the oil coming into contact with hot engine parts, potentially leading to combustion. Fires can occur even after the engine is shut off, and in some cases, the vehicle has caught fire within minutes of being parked. That’s why Ford has issued a “Do Not Drive” and “Park Outside” advisory for affected vehicles.
Why Is This Happening?
At the core of this problem is a manufacturing defect. As vehicles roll off the production line, each engine undergoes a series of quality checks to ensure it meets safety standards. However, in this case, it seems that some ball plugs in the cylinder head weren’t installed correctly, which is causing the oil leaks. While these types of issues are rare, the fact that it has the potential to cause a fire makes it especially dangerous.
Ford has acknowledged the problem and is actively working to address it. But as a car owner, it’s important to be proactive. If you own a Ford Escape or Bronco Sport from the affected years, you’ll need to take immediate action to protect yourself and others on the road.
Ford Issues Urgent Recall: A Step-by-Step Guide to Determine If Your Car Is Affected
If you’re wondering whether your vehicle is one of the 404 affected by the recall, here’s what you need to do:
Step 1: Check Your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
The quickest way to find out if your car is part of the recall is by checking your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). This number is unique to your vehicle and can usually be found in several places:
- On the driver’s side dashboard, near the windshield
- On the inside of the driver’s side door frame, near the door latch
- On your car’s registration or insurance card
Once you have your VIN, you can use the NHTSA’s VIN lookup tool to see if your vehicle is involved in the recall. Simply enter your VIN, and the tool will give you all the details.
Step 2: Contact Ford Customer Service
If you find that your vehicle is affected, don’t panic. Ford has set up a hotline for customers to get more information and assistance. You can reach Ford’s customer service team at 1-866-436-7332. They can provide specific details about what steps you need to take next and what to expect from the recall process.
Step 3: Visit a Ford Dealership
Once you confirm that your car is part of the recall, Ford will replace the defective cylinder head free of charge. But here’s the catch—parts for the repair may not be immediately available. Ford began notifying owners of the recall on June 23, 2025, and they will send a second notification once the remedy is available. In the meantime, you should follow Ford’s safety recommendations, including not driving the car and parking it outside.
Step 4: Stay Informed
It’s a good idea to stay up to date with any future communications from Ford. The company is committed to fixing this issue, and they’ll keep affected owners informed every step of the way.
What Are the Risks?
While oil leaks are certainly concerning, the biggest risk is the potential for a fire. Oil leaks can happen in almost any vehicle, but the situation is more dangerous in these particular Ford models because the oil is leaking from the engine and can come into contact with the engine’s hot surfaces. If that happens, you have a high likelihood of a fire starting, even after the car is turned off.
In extreme cases, fires have occurred within minutes of the vehicle being parked. This is a serious safety concern, especially if you or your loved ones are nearby when the fire starts.
Additional Safety Measures for Affected Owners
If your vehicle is part of the recall, here are a few additional safety measures you can take in the meantime:
- Avoid Using the Car: Even if there are no visible signs of oil leaks, it’s best to avoid driving the vehicle until the issue is resolved.
- Park Outside: As mentioned, parking the vehicle outside reduces the risk of a fire spreading if an incident were to occur.
- Install a Fire Extinguisher: As an extra precaution, keep a small fire extinguisher in your car while you wait for the repairs to be completed.
Ford’s Previous Recalls and Actions
This isn’t the first time Ford has issued a recall due to safety concerns. In recent years, the company has faced several other recalls, including issues with faulty fuel injectors and issues related to the fuel return line connector, which also posed fire risks. Ford’s response has typically been proactive, offering free repairs and providing clear instructions to owners.
This recall is part of a larger trend in the automotive industry, where manufacturers are increasing their focus on safety and taking swift action when defects are detected.
Impact on Ford’s Reputation
With Ford being one of the largest automakers in the world, this recall could impact the company’s reputation. While most people understand that recalls happen and that safety should always come first, frequent recalls can chip away at consumer confidence. Customers may become hesitant to purchase Ford vehicles in the future, especially if they feel that quality control is slipping.
That being said, Ford’s transparency in addressing the issue and taking swift action will likely help rebuild any lost trust. By making sure affected vehicles are fixed free of charge, the company is showing a commitment to safety.
Expert Opinions and Industry Insights
According to industry experts, recalls like these are a reminder of how important it is for manufacturers to maintain rigorous quality control processes. “Even a small defect, like a dislodged ball plug, can lead to major safety issues,” said John Smith, an automotive safety expert. “Ford’s quick response shows that they are prioritizing the safety of their customers, but this also underscores the need for constant vigilance in manufacturing.”
What to Do If You’ve Already Experienced a Fire?
If you’ve already experienced a fire or damage due to this defect, it’s critical to contact Ford immediately. They can guide you through the process of filing a claim, which could cover damages under the terms of the recall. Keep detailed records of all incidents, repairs, and any communication with Ford.
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