Yahoo Autos NHTSA opens investigation into engine failures in some 2021 Ford Bronco models
After receiving several complaints, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has opened an investigation into reports of "catastrophic engine failures" in V6-powered variants of the 2021 Ford Bronco. The issue could affect over 25,000 units of the SUV.
The agency's Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) began evaluating the issue in May 2022. It met with Ford representatives the following month and learned that the engine failure some Bronco owners have reported is due to a valve keeper-related problem. In short, the keeper doesn't hold the retainer in place, which allows the valve spring to come loose and causes the valve to come in contact with the piston.
"Under normal driving conditions without warning the vehicle may experience a loss of motive power without restart due to catastrophic engine failure related to an alleged faulty valve within 2.7-liter EcoBoost engines," the NHTSA wrote in a document published in July 2022.
