Ford Bronco Engine Failure Complaints Spark Federal Probe

Federal vehicle safety regulators are looking into new complaints about engine failure in certain Bronco sport utility vehicles.

More than 30 Ford Bronco Sport owners say their cars have unexpectedly lost power on the road, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Many of those drivers say the cars’ electrical systems also failed, said NHTSA, which oversees vehicle recalls across the country.

“Consumers have described that loss of engine power accompanied by complete electrical system failure has occurred either while driving, or after coming to a stop at traffic light or stop sign,” NHTSA said in a report from its Office of Defects Investigations. “It is commonly alleged that there are no warnings which preceded the failure and that following the loss of power event, the vehicle is stuck in the travel lane without external lighting.”

The probe covers more than 95,000 Bronco Sport SUVs from model year 2021.

“ODI has opened this Preliminary Evaluation (PE) to determine the scope, frequency, and potential safety-related consequences of the alleged defect,” NHTSA said.

Ford Safety Problems

These kinds of investigations are sadly old hat for Ford. 

Last year, for example, NHTSA opened an investigation into the company’s recall of some 50,000 Mach-E electric Mustang vehicles. The agency said it was looking into whether Ford should have called back more cars and whether the automaker adequately addressed the safety issue behind the recall.

Meanwhile, Ford holds a dubious title in the U.S.: King of the recalls. The company has issued more safety recalls nationwide than any other auto manufacturer in each of the last three years.

Ford announced 58 recalls over last year, accounting for roughly 16% of all call backs nationwide, according to data from NHTSA. The total was about 30% more than the 45 recalls by Chrysler, the second-most called back brand last year.

Legal Rights for Ford Owners in California

Fortunately, the California lemon law gives Ford owners and lessors in the Golden State some important rights and protections.

The lemon law generally requires carmakers to perform a wide range of repairs on vehicles while they are under warranty. It also forces manufacturers to buy back vehicles that they are unable or simply refuse to fix. That means compensating the owner for the vehicle’s purchase price, as well as financing charges, rental car costs and other related expenses.

There is no specific number of repair requests or attempts that must occur before the buyback requirement kicks in. An experienced California lemon law attorney can help you understand your rights and take action.

How Our California Lemon Attorneys Can Help

At Bickel Sannipoli, our California lemon law attorneys have assisted hundreds of clients across the state stuck with defective or malfunctioning vehicles. 

We are conveniently located in Los Angeles, San Diego and San Francisco. Call us at (888) 800-1983 or contact us online to speak with a California lemon law attorney today.