Ford Motor Co. is recalling more than 36,000 Broncos in Canada due to an engine compartment wiring harness that can short circuit and increase the fire risk, according to the Associated Press. The Canadian action forms part of a broader recall campaign impacting more than half a million sport utility vehicles across North America.
Why the Ford Bronco Wiring Harness Fails
The defect stems from insufficient protection on the engine compartment wiring harness. According to Ford, this lack of adequate shielding can expose wires over time and trigger a short circuit. When a short occurs, drivers might notice smoke coming from the air vents or see a warning message on the dashboard, which can be followed by flames on the passenger’s side of the engine compartment.
Did you know? Modern vehicles contain miles of electrical wiring. When a harness lacks sufficient protective sleeving or is routed too close to high-heat engine components, vibration and thermal stress can wear through the insulation, causing sudden electrical failures.
How Ford Plans to Fix the Bronco Recall
A permanent remedy has already been developed and will be ready by August, according to the Associated Press. To resolve the issue, Ford dealerships will install new protective covers over the affected wiring harness free of charge for vehicle owners.
Pro Tip: Don’t wait for your scheduled service appointment to check if your vehicle is impacted. You can verify your status immediately using online lookup tools provided by safety regulators and the automaker.
How to Check Your VIN and Contact Support
Vehicle identification numbers involved in this recall are searchable on NHTSA.gov, according to federal safety data. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration designated this campaign as recall number 26V468, while Ford’s internal tracking number for the campaign is 26S55.
Owners can check Ford’s website to determine whether their specific vehicle is affected. For additional assistance, owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332 or reach out to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety hotline at 1-888-327-4236, with TTY services available at 1-888-275-9171.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many vehicles are affected in Canada?
According to Ford, 36,061 vehicles in Canada are included in the recall.
What causes the fire risk in the engine compartment?
Insufficient protection on the wiring harness can lead to exposed wires and subsequent short circuiting.
What should I do if my vehicle is recalled?
Check your vehicle identification number on NHTSA.gov or Ford’s website, and contact your dealership to schedule a free repair once parts are available in August.
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