- The low-pressure fuel pump under investigation is used by many other Ford and Lincoln models.
- The ODI’s preliminary evaluation impacts almost 46,000 Broncos.
- A recall has not yet been issued.
Ford’s decision to revive and modernize the iconic Bronco was a masterstroke. Not only does the Bronco give the Jeep Wrangler some much-needed competition, but it also gives consumers more options for a rugged off-roader, and that’s always a good thing.
Unfortunately for Ford, the Bronco has faced its fair share of quality issues, leading to numerous recalls, and it may have to initiate yet another. In late July, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened a probe into alleged low-pressure fuel pump failures in 2021 Ford Bronco vehicles.
Read: We’re Driving The Ford Bronco Everglades, What Do You Want To Know?
The ODI has received six consumer complaints about a fuel pump failure while driving and without warning. They report the fault triggers a complete loss of power, and there’s no way to reengage the engine.
An estimated 45,595 Broncos from the 2021 model year are caught up in the investigation. The NHTSA isn’t aware of any injuries or fatalities that have been caused by the problem.
Making the investigation particularly worrisome for Ford is that the Bronco isn’t the only model equipped with this low-pressure fuel pump. While a full list of the vehicles with the same component has yet to be released, “Ford has acknowledged that the same low-pressure fuel pump…is equipped on multiple Ford/Lincoln models.”
With this in mind, the ODI will inquire about all Ford/Lincoln models fitted with the potentially problematic fuel pump. The preliminary evaluation will “determine the scope and severity of the potential problem and fully assess the potential safety-related problems.”
The outcome of the investigation will determine whether or not a recall needs to be issued. If it does, then it could come just months after Ford recalled 9,847 examples of the 2023-2024 Bronco because the rear left door’s child lock may not work.
