Ford recalls more than 456,000 Bronco Sport and Maverick cars due to risk of loss of engine power

NEW YORK — Ford is recalling more than 456,000 Bronco Sport and Maverick vehicles due to a battery detection issue that could cause a loss of motive power, increasing the risk of a crash.

According to documents published by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the body and powertrain control modules in these cars may not detect changes in battery charge. And when undetected, a low battery charge can lead to an unexpected loss of driving power – including sudden stalling or inability to restart – and use of other electrical capabilities such as lights of distress.

The recall covers approximately 403,000 model year 2021-2024 Bronco Sports produced between February 2020 and March 2024, as well as more than 53,000 model year 2022-2023 Mavericks manufactured between February 2021 and October 2022, a report notes reminder dated Friday.

To address this issue, dealers will recalibrate the body and powertrain control modules of affected vehicles free of charge. Landlord notification letters are expected to be mailed May 13, in a reminder acknowledgment letter from the NHSTA on Tuesday.

The software update is not yet available, a Ford spokesperson confirmed to The Associated Press on Wednesday, but it is expected to arrive later in the second quarter. In a statement, the spokesperson added that “security is a top priority and we are taking proactive steps to resolve this issue quickly and effectively.”

As of Feb. 8, the NHSTA recall report notes, Ford was not aware of any injuries related to the problem — but the Dearborn, Mich.-based company noted 917 related warranty reports, 11 reports on the field and 54 customer complaints. There were also two property damage claims and three unverified fire reports.

This isn’t the only recall affecting Bronco Sport owners.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said last week it was investigating Ford’s proposed solution after the recall of nearly 43,000 select Bronco Sport and Escape SUVs in which gasoline may leak from fuel injectors on hot engine surfaces, thereby increasing the risk of fire. . NHTSA said the repair does not include fixing fuel leaks.