Ford announces recall advising against driving Broncos and Mavericks

Ford Bronco Owners Cut Back Driving After Recall

Ford Bronco owners are driving their vehicles less frequently following a recall affecting nearly 5,000 units due to significant safety concerns.

The rugged SUVs can hit large bumps on the road, and Ford has alerted owners of certain 2021-2026 Bronco Sport and 2022-2026 Maverick models that there may be issues with how safety equipment was installed, potentially raising the risk of accidents, as reported by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

A critical “Do Not Drive” warning has been issued, highlighting that the front lower control arm’s ball joint—which essentially acts as a pivot point between the vehicle’s wheels and suspension—might not have been correctly installed or repaired during assembly.

If the installation is flawed, there’s a serious risk that the control arm could detach from the front wheel knuckle, which is obviously alarming.

Until repairs are finished, owners are cautioned not to operate the vehicle, and Ford is providing complimentary inspections and repairs for affected parts.

Those impacted will receive notifications by mail no later than June 5, and Ford customer service will reach out to coordinate repairs. While 4,653 vehicles are involved, this number represents only a small fraction of the total Bronco Sport and Maverick models, indicating Ford has pinpointed a specific defect on the assembly line.

Dealers have also been instructed not to drive or deliver any stock vehicles that fall under this recall. They are to perform “visual and tactile inspections” to ensure the parts are correctly assembled.

The Ford Bronco was initially designed to tackle a variety of terrains, becoming an iconic vehicle in American automotive history. From its rugged beginnings as a compact off-roader in the 1960s, it has seen numerous redesigns that have shaped its cultural legacy.

The SUV gained widespread recognition during O.J. Simpson’s infamous low-speed chase in a white Bronco in 1993, and it remains one of the most talked-about SUVs even today.

This recall ties Ford’s record for the highest number of recalls by any automaker in 2025, based on a recent report. In the last year alone, Ford has recalled 19.6 million vehicles, surpassing the total of all other manufacturers combined. This trend reflects a projected increase in lifetime recall rates for both Ford and its luxury division, Lincoln.

According to automotive journalist John McElroy, this recall issue is not solely Ford’s problem; it’s part of a broader industry challenge. Recalls often come with significant costs tied to warranty repairs, a concern for many manufacturers.

McElroy noted that last year, the top 13 global automakers spent over $57 billion on warranty and recall expenses, a steep rise from $35 billion a decade ago.

Still, some loyal Ford fans argue that the recalls are usually overly cautious compared to other brands. One enthusiast on Reddit shared, “Typically, with Ford, they say, ‘We found a potential issue with your backup camera. We’d like to replace it as a precaution.’” In contrast, he remembered Honda recalls being much more urgent in nature.

Others echoed similar sentiments and felt the recall was portrayed unfairly. “There are certainly numerous recalls, but I’ve always had good luck with their vehicles. Perhaps it’s because they actively identify and address problems,” another Reddit user remarked.