Complaints of “catastrophic engine failure” involving the 2021 Ford Bronco have led to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA) initiating a Federal Safety Investigation.
The 2.7-liter EcoBoost engine in the Ford Bronco has become a source of investigation after 32 consumers complained of their engines completely failing in normal, everyday driving conditions. The investigation was opened by NHTSA on May 27.
According to NHTSA, “under normal driving conditions without warning the vehicle may experience a loss of motive power without restart due to catastrophic engine failure related to a faulty valve within 2.7 L Eco-Boost Engines”.
As many as 25,538 Ford Broncos could be affected by this condition, according to papers Ford filed with the federal agency.
The inquiry, which was initially reported by Carscoops and Ford Authority, seeks to determine if Ford will be required to recall the vehicles for engine repairs. The Federal Office of Defects Investigation has received three petitions requesting these investigations on March 17, 18, and 29. The petitions are currently under review by the agency.
“The petitioners alleged that 2021 MY Ford Broncos vehicles are experiencing loss of motive power at highway speeds with no-restart due to catastrophic engine failures,” the federal safety agency has written on its website.
The affected 2.7-liter EcoBoost engine is available as standard equipment on the Wildcat and as an optional engine on all other models except Everglades and Raptor.
Car and Driver is reporting that Ford has told them they are aware of a select number of engines affected and that Ford is cooperating with NHTSA on the matter as well as any consumers who have the 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty.
The 2021 Bronco currently has two safety recalls outstanding: One from October 2021, involving 553 vehicles for potential passenger airbag deployment issues; the other for a misaligned radar module that could cause affected vehicles to not maintain proper distance while using the adaptive cruise control feature.
[Image: Ford]
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