More than a year ago now, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) launched a major safety investigation into Ford Broncos. This investigation targeted the 2.7 liter engines offered in the range.
They are, according to several complaints collected by the organization, victims of a major failure which endangers the safety of users. Now we learn that other vehicles and that the 3-liter turbocharged engine would also be affected by the situation. In total, more than 700,000 units from model years 2021 and 2022 would be affected.
A complete loss of power
NHTSA’s investigation was prompted by several complaints and petitions received from Ford owners. Initially, the independent agency was investigating 25,000 2021 Ford Broncos equipped with the 2.7-liter turbocharged engine. The first information gathered at the time specified that the vehicles were victims of a spontaneous loss of power while moving, and that the SUV was simply no longer able to start after the forced stop. The NHTSA, which is still continuing its study, has dubbed this loss of liveliness “catastrophic”. According to the organization, everything suggests that the engine valves are the cause of the problem.
Several vehicles are added
It is common to see an engine from one manufacturer being deployed in different vehicles in the range. This is also the case with Ford’s 2.7-liter turbocharged engine. The V6, developing 325 horsepower, is offered in several models.
This therefore led the NHTSA to broaden its scope of investigation and added several other copies to the list of potential victims. The institution then elevated the status of the examination to the technical analysis stage. The organization specifies that it received 328 customer complaints, 487 warranty requests and 809 engine replacement complaints concerning the same situation as during the investigation.
The 2021 and 2022 Ford Bronco, Edge, Explorer and F-150, as well as the Lincoln Aviator and Nautilus from the same years, all equipped with 2.7-liter or 3-liter EcoBoost engines, are now also the subject of the analysis.
The NHTSA states that “during the investigation, several contributing factors were identified that could lead to the cracked intake valves of the subject engines.” “Ford has recognized that a fractured intake valve can lead to catastrophic engine failure and loss of motive power. The company also observed that, following such an event, a vehicle usually requires a complete engine replacement. » Despite everything, Ford reiterated his support for the organization in the matter.
A Canadian problem?
In all likelihood, the situation affects the United States and could also affect Canada since the same engines are on the market. It is important to note that, so far, no official recall has been made by the company.
No injuries, accidents or deaths associated with this issue have been reported to date. The RPM team will monitor the situation.
