Recall 25V165 affects 33,576 2020-2023 Ford Escape and Bronco Sport vehicles for fuel-injector leaks. Repair is free at any franchised Ford dealer.
Ford is recalling 33,576 2020-2023 Escape and Bronco Sport vehicles under recall 25V165 because earlier repairs under recalls 22V-859 or 24V-187 were done incorrectly, leaving a fuel injector that can crack and leak fuel inside the engine compartment. Fuel near hot engine or exhaust parts can increase fire risk, and Ford dealers will complete the repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The recalled part on these 2020-2023 Ford Escape and Bronco Sport vehicles is the powertrain control software. That software lives in the Powertrain Control Module, or PCM, the computer that manages engine operation and supports the recall remedy Ford intended to install. The fuel injector itself meters fuel into the engine so the vehicle can run cleanly and at the right mixture.
On these vehicles, a previous dealer repair did not install the correct remedy software for recall 22S73 or 24S16. Ford says the service tool downloaded software from Ford, but it did not upload the intended software to the vehicle. That leaves the vehicle without the PCM software package Ford intended as part of the fuel injector recall remedy, while a cracked injector can leak fuel inside the engine compartment.
Owners can notice fuel odor outside or inside the vehicle. If leaked fuel starts a fire and the fire progresses, smoke or flames can come from the engine compartment or underbody.
Who's affected?
Spans Escape SUVs from 2020 through 2022 and Bronco Sport SUVs from 2021 through 2023, all tied to the same powertrain control software.
| 2020 Ford Escape | fuel system |
|---|---|
| 2021 Ford Escape | fuel system |
| 2022 Ford Escape | fuel system |
| 2021 Ford Bronco Sport | fuel system |
| 2022 Ford Bronco Sport | fuel system |
| 2023 Ford Bronco Sport | fuel system |
| Units affected | 33,576 |
A matching year and model does not guarantee inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether this recall applies to your specific SUV.
What's the safety risk?
Fuel leaking near hot engine or exhaust components raises the risk of a fire. Treat fuel odor inside or outside the vehicle, smoke, or flames from the engine compartment or underbody as a reason to stop, park safely, and call a Ford dealer. Repair is free at any franchised Ford dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2020-2023 Ford Escape or Bronco Sport is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Ford dealer to schedule the free PCM software update that addresses the cracked-fuel-injector fuel leak risk.
- Bring the recall notice if you have it. Reference recall number 25V165 and Ford recall 25S21 when you call.
- Avoid driving if you notice fuel odor, smoke, or a fuel leak. Call the Ford dealer about towing instead.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Ford technician updates the powertrain control module software so the recall repair is completed correctly after the earlier fuel injector recall work. The software update and labor are free under this recall. If you've already paid out of pocket for the same repair before the owner notice, Ford's reimbursement plan covers qualifying expenses. Bring repair invoices or other documentation to the service desk, or contact Ford customer service to start the claim.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| March 14, 2025 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| April 22, 2025 | Owner notification mailed |
| April 24, 2025 | Dealer notification began |
| April 24, 2025 | Dealer notification ended |
| April 24, 2025 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 25V165?
Recall 25V165 covers 33,576 Ford Escape and Bronco Sport vehicles previously repaired incorrectly under earlier fuel-injector recalls. A fuel injector can crack and leak fuel inside the engine compartment, increasing fire risk near hot engine or exhaust parts. Ford dealers will update the PCM software for free.
What should I do if my 2020-2022 Ford Escape or 2021-2023 Ford Bronco Sport is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific vehicle is included in recall 25V165. If it is, contact a franchised Ford dealer to schedule the PCM software update. Reference recall number 25V165000 or Ford recall number 25S21 when you call. The repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost, and Ford's remedy for this recall is a free PCM software update at a franchised Ford dealer. Parts and labor are covered.
What is the safety risk in recall 25V165?
The safety risk is fire. A cracked fuel injector can leak fuel inside the engine compartment. If that fuel reaches an ignition source, including hot engine or exhaust components, the vehicle fire risk increases. Ford's free dealer repair updates the PCM software to address the recall.
What if I bought my Ford Escape or Bronco Sport used?
The free recall repair still applies. Recall eligibility follows the VIN, not the owner. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific Escape or Bronco Sport is included, especially if the vehicle changed owners after the earlier recall repair.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/25V165000 |
|---|---|
| Ford customer service | 1-866-436-7332 |
| NHTSA recall # | 25V165 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 25V165000 |
Source documents
-
Download Quarterly Report (PDF) - Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Recall Report (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
- Download Misc. Document (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on May 19, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →