Ford is recalling over 35,500 Kuga crossovers worldwide due to a wiring harness issue that could cause power loss or even fire. The problem affects Euro-focused Kugas built between late 2024 and mid-2026 at Ford’s Valencia plant in Spain.
Wiring Harness Could Cut Power or Cause Fire
The recall targets the main instrument panel wiring harness, located behind the dashboard. This harness carries essential electrical signals to keep the vehicle running. Over time, the harness can rub against something inside the vehicle, causing the wires to wear through.
This wire damage may either cut power to the drivetrain—potentially leaving drivers stranded or causing a loss of propulsion at high speeds—or create a short circuit that can start a fire. Ford and German safety regulators have not specified what part the harness rubs against, only that the damage poses a serious risk.
Recall Covers 18 Months of Production
The affected Kugas were built from December 20, 2024, through July 10, 2026, at the Valencia assembly line. This period accounts for much of the recent production of this European version of the Ford Escape.
Although the bulk of affected vehicles are outside Germany, only 42 recalled units are registered there, highlighting the recall’s wider international scale.
Fix Involves Securing and Protecting the Wiring
To address the problem, service technicians will install cable ties and protective caps, apply protective tape to worn areas, and adjust the routing to ensure the harness no longer contacts anything that could cause rubbing.
This repair points to an original assembly or design fault that allowed the wiring harness to sit too close to other components, leading to gradual damage.
Context Within Ongoing Kuga Issues
This recall follows a similar, larger campaign this year affecting nearly 167,000 Kuga plug-in hybrids over concerns about high-voltage battery fires. Ford of Europe plans to continue Kuga production at the Valencia plant until at least the end of 2029.
Meanwhile, a new joint venture between Ford and Chinese automaker Geely will bring two new crossover models to the Valencia plant by 2030. One will carry the Bronco name, while the other is expected to be a multi-energy vehicle. It is currently unclear whether these newcomers will replace the current Kuga in Europe.
Source: autoevolution.com