Ford Issues Urgent Recall for Over 270,000 Broncos and Mavericks Amid Power Loss Concerns

Ford Motor Co. has announced a significant recall affecting 272,827 Bronco and Maverick vehicles. The recall stems from issues with their 12-volt batteries, supplied by Camel Battery of China, which may unexpectedly lose power or fail to start.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) noted that the batteries exhibit internal manufacturing defects, including potential weld failures leading to open circuits. Thankfully, there have been no reported accidents, fires, or injuries linked to this defect.

These vehicles, produced between February 2021 and October 2023, were the last to use the problematic battery design, with estimates suggesting that only 1% of the affected vehicles may experience these issues.

Amid criticism for its recall procedures, Ford committed to improving its recall decision-making. This commitment follows a fine from the U.S. government for delays in addressing a prior recall impacting 2021-23 Ford Bronco Sport SUVs and 2022-2023 Ford Maverick pickups.

As part of the remedy, the NHTSA indicated that software updates will be implemented to enhance the detection of battery issues and to alert drivers if a problem arises. This proactive measure aims to prevent potential risks before they escalate.