Ford Recalls 456K Bronco Sport and Maverick Cars Over Drive Power Loss

Ford has initiated a recall for over 456,000 of its Bronco Sport and Maverick vehicles, citing a significant battery detection issue that could lead to a loss of drive power, thereby elevating the risk of crashes. This recall is rooted in a problem where the body and powertrain control modules might fail to recognize changes in the battery's charge level. A low battery charge, if not detected, could result in the vehicle unexpectedly stalling or failing to restart, alongside impairing the functionality of electric features such as hazard lights.

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The recall specifically targets approximately 403,000 units of the model years 2021-2024 Bronco Sports manufactured between February 2020 and March 2024, and over 53,000 units of the model years 2022-2023 Mavericks produced from February 2021 to October 2022. This action follows a recall report issued on a recent Friday. In response to this issue, Ford dealers are set to recalibrate the affected vehicles' body and powertrain control modules at no extra charge to the owners. Notification letters to owners are scheduled to be dispatched on May 13, as indicated by a Tuesday NHSTA recall acknowledgment letter.

While it remains uncertain if the remedy will be available before mid-May, The Associated Press has sought additional details from Ford, including any reports of incidents linked to this problem. According to a recall report dated February 8, Ford has not been made aware of any injuries connected to this defect. However, the company has received 917 related warranty reports, 11 field reports, and 54 customer complaints. There have also been two claims of property damage and three unverified reports of fires.

This is not the first instance of a recall affecting Bronco Sport owners. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) recently announced an investigation into Ford's proposed solution following the recall of nearly 43,000 select Bronco Sport and Escape SUVs due to potential gasoline leaks from fuel injectors onto hot engine surfaces—a situation that could significantly increase fire risks. The NHTSA highlighted that Ford's remedy did not address the repair of the fuel leaks.