Ford is telling owners of certain Bronco Sport SUVs and Maverick pickup trucks not to drive them after finding a steering defect that could cause a loss of control. The recall covers 4,653 vehicles from the 2022-2026 model years, and dealers have been told to contact owners and arrange towing or mobile service at no cost.
The warning is aimed at drivers who may be sitting on an improperly assembled front lower control arm-to-steering knuckle ball joint. Ford says a partial connection can let the ball joint separate from the knuckle, which could leave the driver without steering control. Dealers will inspect the front lower control arm ball joints and repair them as needed, while rentals are authorized under the recall for people whose vehicles cannot be driven safely.
That immediate stop-driving instruction is why the recall is landing with urgency today. Owners can check whether their vehicle is included by entering the 17-digit vehicle identification number at and Ford's Customer Service Center at 1-833-807-3673 can help arrange a tow and repair.
Ford said it is not aware of any accidents or injuries tied to the condition, but it still moved to warn owners because the defect could lead to steering loss before anyone gets a warning light or a second chance to react. The company said it looked at three similar warranty claims before issuing the inspection and repair notice.
The recall adds to a period in which quality issues have stayed in focus for Ford as recalls have piled up. What matters now is not the size of the paperwork but the speed of the fix: every affected Bronco Sport and Maverick has to be found, inspected and repaired before it goes back on the road.
