Ford Bronco Sport and Maverick Recall: Ford Issues ‘Do Not Drive’ Warning for 4,653 Vehicles
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Ford has issued a serious safety recall affecting certain Bronco Sport and Maverick models in the United States. The company is urging owners of affected vehicles not to drive them until they have been inspected by an authorized dealer.
According to documents submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the issue involves front lower control arm ball joints that may not have been assembled correctly or may have been improperly repaired during production.
Why Is Ford Issuing a ‘Do Not Drive’ Warning?
The recall centers around a potential problem with the front lower control arm ball joint assembly.
Ford says some vehicles may have a ball stud that is only partially engaged with the steering knuckle. If that happens, the lower front ball joint could separate from the knuckle while driving.
In a worst case scenario, the separation could cause a loss of vehicle control and increase the risk of a crash.
Because of the severity of the issue, Ford has issued a “Do Not Drive” warning rather than a standard recall notice.
Affected Ford Bronco Sport and Maverick Models
The recall covers a total of 4,653 vehicles.
| Model | Model Years | Vehicles Affected |
|---|---|---|
| Ford Bronco Sport | 2021–2026 | 2,296 |
| Ford Maverick | 2022–2026 | 2,357 |
| Total | — | 4,653 |
These vehicles may contain incorrectly assembled front lower control arm ball joints or components that were not repaired correctly at the factory.
What Could Happen?
The front suspension plays a critical role in keeping the vehicle stable and controllable.
If the lower ball joint separates from the knuckle, drivers could experience:
- Sudden changes in steering response
- Reduced vehicle control
- Front suspension failure
- Increased risk of an accident
Ford believes the problem is likely to appear early in the vehicle’s service life.
Has Ford Reported Any Accidents?
According to Ford’s recall report filed with NHTSA, the company is not aware of any accidents or injuries related to this issue at the time of publication.
Even so, Ford has chosen to take immediate action because suspension component failures can create significant safety risks.
How Will Ford Fix the Problem?
Ford dealers will inspect the affected vehicles and check the front lower control arm ball joint assembly.
If necessary, technicians will properly secure the ball joint to the knuckle attachment and complete any required repairs.
All inspections and repairs will be performed free of charge.
Ford has also instructed customers to work with their local dealer to arrange vehicle inspections. If needed, affected vehicles can be towed to the dealership, and Ford says those costs will be covered as part of the recall process.
When Will Owners Be Contacted?
Ford has already notified its dealer network about the recall.
Customer notifications are expected to begin by June 5, 2026. Owners can also check their vehicle identification number (VIN) through Ford’s recall lookup system or the NHTSA recall database to see whether their vehicle is affected.
What Owners Should Do Next
If you own a 2021 to 2026 Ford Bronco Sport or a 2022 to 2026 Ford Maverick, it is important to determine whether your vehicle is included in this recall.
Owners of affected vehicles should:
- Avoid driving the vehicle until it is inspected
- Contact a Ford dealer as soon as possible
- Arrange an inspection or towing service if required
- Complete all recall repairs at no cost
Given the potential for suspension separation, Ford’s “Do Not Drive” warning should be taken seriously until the vehicle receives the necessary inspection and repairs.
Sources & References
Official Sources
1. Ford Official Do Not Drive Advisory
Ford’s official announcement regarding the Bronco Sport and Maverick suspension issue, inspection process, and customer support.
2. Ford Recall Lookup Tool
Owners can enter their VIN to check whether their vehicle is affected by the recall.
3. NHTSA Recall Database
Official U.S. government recall database for checking vehicle recalls by VIN.
4. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
The U.S. agency responsible for vehicle safety recalls and investigations.
Media References
5. Associated Press (AP News)
Trusted coverage of the recall and Ford’s do not drive warning.
6. Road & Track
Detailed automotive industry coverage explaining the suspension defect.
7. Car and Driver
Comprehensive report covering affected models, repair procedure, and recall details.
