Urgent Ford Bronco Recall: ‘Do Not Drive’ Warning Issued for Specific Models

Ford Motor Company has issued a critical safety alert that every owner of a recent Bronco Sport or Maverick should pay attention to. In a rare and serious move, the company has released a “Do Not Drive” advisory affecting thousands of vehicles due to a manufacturing defect that could compromise driver safety.

What is the Cause of the Recall?

According to reports filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the issue stems from a defect at the vehicle assembly plant. Specifically, the front lower control arm ball joints may have been incorrectly installed or improperly repaired.

The implications of this failure are severe. If the ball joint fails while the vehicle is in motion, it may lead to a sudden loss of vehicle control, significantly increasing the risk of a serious crash.

Which Vehicles are Affected?

The current safety recall is targeted at a specific group of vehicles. If you own one of the following models, you should check your VIN immediately:

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• Ford Bronco Sport: Select models from 2021 to 2026.
• Ford Maverick: Select models from 2022 to 2026.

In total, approximately 4,653 vehicles (including 2,296 Bronco Sports and 2,357 Mavericks) are subject to this immediate safety warning.

What Should Owners Do Now?

Because of the high risk of mechanical failure, Ford strongly advises owners of the affected vehicles to stop driving them immediately until a professional inspection and the necessary repairs are completed.

Ford’s Support Plan for Affected Customers

To mitigate the inconvenience and ensure safety, Ford is implementing several measures to support its customers:

• Free Repairs: Ford is absorbing all costs associated with the fixing the defect.
• Towing Assistance: Dealerships are authorized to claim up to $250 per vehicle for towing services to get the car to the shop safely.
• Mobile Inspections: Some participating dealers are offering technicians to perform inspections directly at the customer’s location.
• Rental Cars: If parts replacement is required, Ford is pre-approving rental vehicle costs for up to 30 days.

Reimbursements and Dealer Compliance

For those who have already paid out-of-pocket to fix this specific suspension issue, Ford has a reimbursement plan in place. Owners are eligible for a refund provided the repair was performed before June 19, 2026.

Furthermore, the NHTSA has imposed strict federal compliance measures on dealerships. Any dealer found selling, demonstrating, or delivering an affected new vehicle from their inventory could face civil penalties of up to $27,168 per vehicle.

A Pattern of Recalls

This isn’t the only safety concern Ford has faced recently. The company previously recalled over 179,000 Bronco and Ranger vehicles due to a separate seat defect. This highlight’s the importance of staying updated via the official Ford Recall portal.

Bottom Line: If you own a Ford Bronco Sport or Maverick within the affected year ranges, prioritize your safety. Contact your local dealership immediately to verify your vehicle’s status and schedule your free repair.