Ford has issued an urgent safety recall after identifying a suspension defect affecting thousands of Bronco Sport and Maverick vehicles. The company also advised owners to stop driving the affected models immediately due to safety risks.
The suspension defect involves potential issues with the front lower control arm ball joints. Ford stated that incorrect installation or improper repairs during assembly may have created the problem.
Because of this suspension defect, regulators warned that drivers could lose vehicle control while driving. That failure significantly increases the risk of a crash, according to safety documentation.
Ford applied the recall to 4,653 vehicles across multiple model years. The affected group includes 2,357 Maverick trucks and 2,296 Bronco Sport SUVs.
Additionally, Ford approved the recall internally on May 19 after engineers reviewed manufacturing records and inspection data. The company then coordinated with federal safety regulators to issue the advisory.
Officials instructed dealerships to immediately stop selling, demonstrating, or delivering any affected vehicles. Furthermore, regulators warned that violations of the stop-sale order could result in major financial penalties.
Ford confirmed that it will fully cover repair costs related to the suspension defect. The company also instructed dealers to prioritize inspections and repairs for affected customers.
Moreover, Ford authorized dealers to claim compensation for towing services when vehicles require transport. Some dealers may also send technicians directly to customer locations for inspections.
If parts replacement becomes necessary, Ford will provide rental vehicle coverage for up to 30 days. This measure aims to reduce inconvenience while repairs take place.
Additionally, Ford established a reimbursement program for customers who previously paid for related repairs. Eligible owners may receive refunds if they completed repairs before the cutoff date.
The suspension defect has also triggered monitoring from federal safety agencies overseeing compliance and repair timelines. Regulators continue reviewing Ford’s corrective actions and inspection procedures.
Meanwhile, Ford has not issued further public comments beyond its official recall filing. The company continues working with dealerships to identify and repair all affected vehicles.
Overall, the recall highlights ongoing concerns about vehicle safety inspections and manufacturing quality control. Authorities expect repairs to proceed as parts and inspections become available nationwide.
