Ford Bronco engine failures prompt U.S. safety investigation

Ford Motor Co.’s hot-selling Bronco sport-utility vehicle is the subject of a safety investigation by federal regulators for catastrophic engine failure that can cause the vehicle to lose power at highway speeds.

The U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said in a filing Tuesday that it has opened a probe into 2021 Bronco SUVs that lost power due to a faulty engine valve.

The investigation involves 25,538 vehicles with 2.7 liter Ecoboost engines.

The federal agency said it had received 26 complaints from consumers, but did not report any accidents, injuries or deaths.

It began considering an investigation in May after initial reports.

In a meeting with Ford last month, the automaker told investigators an “engine lockup” occurs when a valve spring becomes detached, causing interference between the valve and the piston.

“We are aware of a select number of engines early in the launch that exhibited this concern and we are investigating,” Ford said in an emailed statement. “We will cooperate with the NHTSA as we always do.”

No recall has yet been ordered.

Ford sold 54,842 Broncos in the U.S. in the first half of the year, its first full year on the market.

Ford’s shares fell 2.3% at 12:39 p.m. in New York.