NHTSA Launches Probe Into 2021 Ford Bronco Engine Failures

709,000, 2021-2022 Ford Models Now Involved in Engine Failure Investigation

The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) of the NHTSA received complaints from 3 consumers In March 2022 about potential issues with the 2021 Ford Bronco’s 2.7L EcoBoost engine. The consumers believed that these engines could suddenly fail, causing the vehicle to lose power without the chance of restarting.

After receiving these complaints, the ODI began a thorough investigation and discovered 26 additional complaints. This led to an official investigation that began on July 22, 2022.

The investigation then expanded to other Ford models with the same engine, including the 2022 Bronco, 2021-2022 F-150, 2021-2022 Edge, and 2021-2022 Lincoln Nautilus. After analyzing Ford’s data, it was revealed that the problem might not only be with the 2.7L engine but also the related 3.0L EcoBoost engine used in the 2021-2022 Explorer and 2021-2022 Lincoln Aviator.

The Main Cause/Issue of Engine Failure Identified By Ford

The main issue identified was a faulty intake valve in these engines, which has the potential to break and lead to engine failure. Ford identified that these valves, made from a material called “Silchrome Lite,” might become too hard and brittle if overheated during their production. However, Ford changed the valve material in October 2021 to a more reliable one called “Silchrome 1.” They believe that most of the faulty engines have already experienced issues. Read the Ford Engine Failure ODI notice.

The Office of Defects is currently conducting a more detailed analysis in an effort to:

1. Understand the extent and frequency of these engine issues.
2. Test returned faulty parts.
3. Determine if older engines are more prone to failure.
4. Evaluate if Ford’s recent production changes have genuinely resolved the issue.

If your 2021 Ford Bronco engine failure has caused numerous visits to the dealer to fix the issue, your new car could be a lemon. Submit your information on this website for a free Georgia lemon law case evaluation.Or call 404-737-3451 to speak to a lemon law representative from our firm.