Ford Issues Safety Recall for 33,576 Escape and Bronco Sport Vehicles Due to Software Defect

Ford Motor Company has issued a safety recall affecting 33,576 vehicles due to a software defect that may lead to an underhood fire. The recall, identified as NHTSA Recall No. 25V-165 and Ford Recall No. 25S21, involves certain 2021-2023 Ford Bronco Sport and 2020-2023 Ford Escape models. Affected vehicles may not have received the correct software update for previous safety recalls, leaving the original defect unresolved.

The defect stems from incomplete software updates associated with Safety Recalls 24S16 / 24V092 and/or 22S73 / 22V191. Despite being recorded as successfully repaired, the vehicles may still have a condition that allows fuel and/or fuel vapor to migrate near ignition sources, increasing the risk of an underhood fire. Ford estimates that 100% of the affected vehicles may be impacted by this issue, with 15,355 Bronco Sport and 18,221 Escape vehicles included in the recall.

The root cause of the problem is linked to the dealer’s service tool, which did not upload the correct software to the vehicle. As a result, vehicles that were reported as repaired may not have had the necessary software installed to resolve the safety risk. Owners may detect a fuel odor inside or outside the vehicle, and in some cases, they may observe smoke or flames coming from the engine compartment or underbody.

To remedy the issue, Ford will notify affected vehicle owners by mail, instructing them to take their vehicles to a Ford or Lincoln dealer to have the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) software updated. The corrected software will be validated using the Software Validation Form before the service action is closed. There will be no charge for this service. Owners who previously paid for repairs may be eligible for reimbursement under Ford’s recall reimbursement plan filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

Dealer notifications are expected to begin on April 24, 2025, with owner notification letters mailed between April 24 and May 1, 2025. Owners can contact Ford’s customer service at 1-866-436-7332 or visit a local Ford or Lincoln dealer for more information. The software packages SRV0001877, SRV0002438, SRV0002082, SRV0002321, and SRV0002727 will include the corrected remedy.

Article by multiple RFHC contributors, based upon information from Ford Motor Company and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

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