Overview of the Recall
Ford has announced a significant recall affecting more than 272,800 units of its Bronco Sport SUV and Maverick pickup truck. The recall is due to an issue with the original-equipment 12-volt battery that may cause a surprising loss of drive power. This safety recall pertains to model-year 2021-23 Bronco Sports and model-year 2022-23 Mavericks.
Potential Risks
The affected 12-volt battery could potentially experience internal weld or cast-on-strap failures. Such failures may lead to a sudden battery degradation while the vehicle is in motion. This sudden loss of battery power could create dangerous scenarios, such as stalling when coming to a stop or preventing the vehicle from restarting after an auto stop-start event. Consequently, these issues significantly increase the risk of a crash.
Next Steps for Affected Owners
Ford will directly contact affected owners on February 3, notifying them about the recall. Vehicle owners should remain vigilant and may also reach out to the automaker at 866-436-7332 for additional guidance. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has set up a vehicle-safety hotline at 888-327-4236, where owners can inquire about the recall. Moreover, consumers are advised to visit Ford’s website to check their vehicle identification number for further details. Dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the compromised 12-volt battery at no cost to the owners, ensuring their safety and maintaining vehicle performance.
