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Published: July 24, 2026 · Last updated: September 10, 2026
Quick Answer: Ford has issued recall 26S55 (NHTSA 26V-468) covering approximately 565,691 model year 2021-2026 Bronco and 2022-2026 Bronco Raptor vehicles because an engine compartment wiring harness may not have sufficient abrasion protection. If the harness covering wears through and exposes internal circuits, an electrical short could cause smoke or fire. Ford estimates about 1% of affected vehicles actually have the defect. Ford has not issued a do-not-drive advisory — your Bronco is safe to drive. The remedy is available now — check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and call us at (320) 587-4748 to schedule your free repair today.
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 searchable on NHTSA’s website right now. 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 to Watch For While Driving Your Bronco
Ford has not issued a do-not-drive advisory for this recall, so your Bronco is considered safe to operate. However, if you notice smoke from your air vents, an unusual warning message on your dashboard, or any sign of smoke or heat from the engine compartment, pull over safely and turn off the engine immediately. Call our service team at (320) 587-4748 or Ford Customer Service at 1-866-436-7332.
What Ford Is Doing About It
The fix is straightforward: Ford dealers will install new protective sheathing and abrasion tape 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.
The dealer service bulletin, technical repair instructions, and parts are all available now. Jay Malone Ford is ready to inspect and protect the wiring harness on any affected Bronco or Bronco Raptor today.
Ford has also confirmed that Broncos built after June 2026 already have enhanced protective coverings on the engine compartment wiring harness from the factory, so new production vehicles are not affected.
Ready to get this taken care of? Call us now to schedule your free Bronco recall repair.
(320) 587-4748What 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 schedule. The repair procedure and parts are available, and our technicians are ready to inspect and protect the wiring harness on your Bronco. The repair is completely free.
- The repair is covered under federal law. It does not matter where you bought the vehicle, how old it is, or whether the warranty has expired. If your VIN is included, the repair is free.
- 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
- Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or ford.com/support/recalls.
- If your Bronco is included, call us at (320) 587-4748 or email service@jaymalonemotors.com to schedule your free repair. Mention recall 26S55.
- 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.
- 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.
Can I get the repair done now?
Yes. The dealer service bulletin, repair instructions, and parts are all available. Call us at (320) 587-4748 to schedule your free repair.
What exactly will the repair involve?
Ford dealers will install new protective sheathing and abrasion tape 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. VINs are searchable on NHTSA.gov right now, and the repair is available today. Check your VIN and call us to schedule. Owner notification letters have been mailing since August 24, 2026, but you do not need the letter to get the repair.
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 September 10, 2026. For the most current information, see ford.com/support/recalls or nhtsa.gov/recalls.
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- Schedule service at Jay Malone Ford
Written by Brady Forst
Service Manager, Jay Malone Motors
Brady leads the service department at Jay Malone Motors, overseeing recall, warranty, and customer-pay service for both Jay Malone Ford and Jay Malone CDJR. His approach is straightforward: take the time to understand the issue, fix it right the first time, and treat every customer the way he’d want his own family treated. If you have questions about a recall, a TSB, or anything related to your vehicle’s safety, reach out to our service team — we’re here to help.