Catastrophic engine failures in 2021 Ford Broncos

I’m really glad this didn’t happen to the Bronco I reviewed earlier this year.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is investigating a series of engine failures in 2021 Ford Broncos equipped with the 2.7-liter V6 engine. The issue (according to Ford) apparently involves faulty valve keepers, which can come loose, in turn allowing the valves to impact the piston, with predictably unpleasant results.

The investigation encompasses over 25,000 vehicles, and began following complaints by 32 owners who experienced abrupt losses of power in their new V6 Broncos—undoubtedly accompanied by predictably unpleasant noises.

According to the Wall Street Journal, Ford has 45 open recalls so far in 2022, more than any other U.S. auto maker—in fact nearly twice as many as the second place manufacturer, Daimler Trucks North America.