On [XXX], my 2024 Ford Bronco Sport spontaneously burst into flames while driven by my [XXX] son. Per a local bystander, there was smoke and fire observed around the undercarriage as he drove down the road. Multiple vehicles began honking while stopped at a red light. A driver alerted my son of the fire. He was able to evacuate along with his [XXX] sister. As they were fleeing to the median of an active highway, the vehicle burst into flames. After several explosions the vehicle continued to burn and melt until the fire dept extinguished the flames. Prior to spontaneous combustion, there were no symptoms of gas leaks or error messages. Nor were there any fluid leaks. There were no error messages or signs of vehicle distress even while my children were driving & engulfed in flames. If bystanders had not flagged down my son, my children may have still been inside the vehicle when the fire & explosions consumed them. The fire department ultimately inspected the vehicle for damage. I am still awaiting their report. Initial conversations on the scene indicated an engine fire. On June 11th, my insurer commissioned an engineer to inspect the vehicle for causation. No report currently available. The vehicle was brand new; purchased just 6 weeks ago. At the time we purchased, 2022 & 2023 models had an open safety recall for fire risk due to a fuel injection defect. There were no reported design updates for the 2024 model. Nor were the recall fixes recommended in Feb 2024 installed on my Bronco purchased late April. It is my position that both Ford & the dealership knew or should have known the 2024 models would have the same defect and fire risk. Disturbing they sold their defective vehicle to my family. The dealership claims no responsibility or obligation to disclose risks. Ford refuses to speak with me given total loss status. My only recourse now is through my insurance. My children remain traumatized by their near death experience. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA ODI 11593802