Recall Alert: Ford Bronco 2021-2026 Engine Compartment Wiring Harness Fire Risk

Who’s Affected by This Recall

This recall covers approximately 565,691 vehicles across two Bronco model lines:

• 2021-2026 Ford Bronco (all variants — Base, Big Bend, Black Diamond, Outer Banks, Badlands, Wildtrak, Everglades, Heritage, and Heritage Limited)
• 2022-2026 Ford Bronco Raptor

This is a large recall by unit count, but Ford has stated that approximately 1% of the affected vehicles are estimated to actually have the defect. That means the overwhelming majority of Broncos on the road are fine — but the only way to know whether yours is included is to check your specific VIN.

VINs are already searchable on NHTSA’s website. You don’t need to wait for a letter — in fact, Ford’s owner notification letters won’t begin mailing until August 24, 2026, so checking now puts you ahead of the official timeline. Run your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or ford.com/support/recalls.

What’s Wrong — And Why It Matters

In affected Broncos, the engine compartment wiring harness may not have sufficient abrasion protection in a specific area. Over time and normal driving conditions, the protective covering on the harness can chafe and wear through, exposing the internal electrical circuits underneath. If those exposed circuits create an electrical short, heat or spark at the short may cause smoke or ignite nearby components in the engine compartment.

Ford has reported that the issue, when it occurs, typically presents on the passenger side of the engine compartment. According to reporting from the Associated Press, owners who experience the defect may notice:

• Smoke coming through the air vents inside the vehicle
• A warning message on the dashboard
• In more advanced cases, visible flames from the passenger side of the engine compartment

Ford has stated it is not aware of any accidents or injuries related to this issue as of the date of the recall announcement.

What Ford Is Doing About It

The fix is straightforward: Ford dealers will install new protective covers over the affected wiring harness area, free of charge. This addresses the root cause by adding the abrasion protection that was insufficient from the factory.

Here’s the timeline as we currently understand it:

• VINs are searchable now on NHTSA.gov — you can check today whether your Bronco is included.
• The complete dealer service bulletin and technical repair instructions are expected by July 31, 2026. This is when dealers will have the official procedure and parts availability to begin performing the repair.
• Owner notification letters will begin mailing August 24, 2026. You don’t need to wait for the letter — if your VIN is included, you can call us to be added to our scheduling list now.

What We’re Doing at Jay Malone Ford

Our service team in Hutchinson is ready to handle this recall for any Bronco or Bronco Raptor owner in central Minnesota — regardless of where you bought the vehicle.

• Call us now to get on the scheduling list. The dealer repair instructions are expected by July 31. Once we have them, we’ll begin booking appointments in the order customers contacted us — the same process we’ve been using for every recall this year. Getting on the list now means you could have the repair completed before most owners even receive their notification letter in late August.
• The repair is completely free. Federal law requires it, regardless of where the vehicle was purchased, how old it is, or whether the warranty has expired.
• Your Bronco is safe to drive in the meantime. Ford has not issued a do-not-drive advisory. Just be aware of the warning signs described above, and contact us immediately if you notice anything unusual.
• We’ll provide documentation confirming the recall repair when the work is complete.

What You Should Do Right Now

1. Check your VIN immediately at nhtsa.gov/recalls or ford.com/support/recalls. VINs are already searchable — don’t wait for the letter.
2. If your Bronco is included, call us at (320) 587-4748 or email service@jaymalonemotors.com to be added to our recall scheduling list. Mention recall 26S55.
3. Continue driving normally — but watch for smoke from air vents, dashboard warnings, or any sign of heat from the engine compartment. If you see any of these, pull over safely and shut off the engine.
4. Keep your documentation after the repair is complete.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is my Bronco safe to drive?

Yes. Ford has not issued a do-not-drive advisory for this recall. Ford estimates that approximately 1% of the 565,691 affected vehicles actually have the defect. However, you should be aware of the warning signs: smoke from air vents, a dashboard warning message, or any sign of smoke or heat from the engine compartment. If you notice any of these, pull over safely and turn off the engine.

When can I get the repair done?

The complete dealer service bulletin and repair instructions are expected by July 31, 2026. Once our service team has the official procedure and parts, we’ll begin scheduling appointments in the order customers contacted us. Call now to get on the list — you could have the repair done before most owners receive their notification letters in late August.

What exactly will the repair involve?

Ford dealers will install new protective covers over the affected wiring harness area in the engine compartment. This adds the abrasion protection that was insufficient from the factory and prevents the chafing that can lead to exposed circuits and electrical shorts.

Is this recall free?

Yes. Federal law requires manufacturers to perform recall repairs at no charge, regardless of where you bought the vehicle, how old it is, or whether the warranty has expired.

Does this affect the Bronco Sport?

No. This recall applies only to the full-size Ford Bronco (all variants) and the Bronco Raptor. The Bronco Sport is a different vehicle on a different platform and is not included in this campaign.

I haven’t received a letter. Should I wait for it?

No — don’t wait. Owner notification letters won’t begin mailing until August 24, 2026, but VINs are already searchable on NHTSA.gov right now. Check your VIN today and call us if your vehicle is included.

I bought my Bronco somewhere else. Can Jay Malone Ford handle this?

Yes. Federal law requires any authorized Ford dealer to honor recall repairs for any owner. If you’re in central Minnesota, call us and we’ll take care of it regardless of where you purchased.

Only 1% of vehicles are estimated to have the defect. Should I even bother checking?

Yes. The 1% estimate means approximately 5,600 vehicles nationally do have the defect — and the consequence is a potential engine compartment fire. A 30-second VIN check and a free repair are worth the peace of mind. Don’t assume your Bronco is fine without verifying.

Source: NHTSA Campaign Number 26V-468 (Ford safety recall 26S55). Last verified July 24, 2026. For the most current information, see ford.com/support/recalls or nhtsa.gov/recalls.