2021-2026 Ford Bronco Sport, Maverick Control Arm Recall
Ford Motor Company is recalling certain 2021-2026 Bronco Sport and 2022-2026 Maverick vehicles due to incorrectly installed front lower control arm ball joints, which can lead to a loss of vehicle control. A 'DO NOT DRIVE' advisory has been issued.
Also applies to
- Ford Bronco Sport
- 2021, 2022, 2023, 2025, 2026
- Ford Maverick
- 2022–2026
Important Safety Warning: Do Not Drive!
Ford has issued a critical "DO NOT DRIVE" advisory for all affected vehicles until the recall remedy is completed. A detached control arm can cause a sudden loss of vehicle control, significantly increasing the risk of a crash. Owners should contact their dealership immediately to schedule the inspection and repair.
Why This Matters: Risk of Crash
The primary concern with the incorrectly installed or repaired front lower control arm ball joints is the potential for the control arm to disconnect from the front wheel knuckle. If this occurs, drivers could experience an abrupt loss of vehicle control. This situation dramatically increases the risk of a crash, posing a serious safety hazard to occupants and others on the road.
What's Being Recalled
Ford Motor Company is recalling approximately 4,653 units of certain 2021-2026 Bronco Sport and 2022-2026 Maverick vehicles. The specific component under scrutiny is the SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER BALL JOINT. The issue stems from manufacturing errors where the ball joints may have been incorrectly installed or repaired at the assembly plant. This defect can allow the control arm to separate from the front wheel knuckle.
This recall is identified by Ford's internal number 26S36 and NHTSA campaign number 26V340000.
How to Check if Your Vehicle is Affected
Owners of 2021-2026 Ford Bronco Sport and 2022-2026 Ford Maverick vehicles should check if their vehicle is included in this recall. You can verify your vehicle's status by visiting the NHTSA recall website and entering your 17-digit Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). VINs for vehicles involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on May 29, 2026.
If you own a 2024 Ford Bronco Sport recall-affected vehicle, it is crucial to confirm its status promptly.
Manufacturer's Remedy
Ford dealers will inspect the front lower control arm ball joints. If necessary, they will repair the affected components free of charge. Owners are strongly advised not to drive their vehicles until this crucial remedy is completed. This remedy is vital for owners of affected vehicles, including the 2024 Ford Bronco Sport recall models, to ensure safety. The repair aims to ensure the proper installation and function of the ball joints, preventing the control arm from detaching.
Owner notification letters were mailed on September 2, 2026. For further assistance, owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. The Ford recall number for this action is 26S36.
Source: NHTSA Recall ID: 26V340000
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the specific issue with the front lower control arm ball joints?
- The front lower control arm ball joints may have been incorrectly installed or repaired at the vehicle assembly plant, allowing the control arm to disconnect from the front wheel knuckle.
- What is the potential consequence of this defect?
- A detached control arm can lead to a sudden loss of vehicle control, significantly increasing the risk of a crash.
- What should I do if my 2024 Ford Bronco Sport is affected by this recall?
- Ford has issued a "DO NOT DRIVE" advisory. You should contact your Ford dealer immediately to schedule an inspection and repair, which will be performed free of charge.
- How many vehicles are affected by Ford recall 26S36?
- Approximately 4,653 vehicles are potentially affected by Ford recall number 26S36, including certain 2021-2026 Bronco Sport and 2022-2026 Maverick models.
- How can I check if my vehicle is part of NHTSA recall 26V340000?
- You can check if your vehicle is affected by visiting the NHTSA recall website and entering your 17-digit VIN. The VINs became searchable on May 29, 2026.
What Ford Bronco Sport owners report
Counted from the records in our database across 6 model years.
- 1,409
- Owner complaints
- 32
- Recalls
- 283
- Service bulletins
- 51
- Crashes reported
- 43
- Fires reported
- 47
- Injuries reported
The 2024 model year
115 complaints, the 4th most of 6 model years on file. Owners reported 5 crashes, 7 fires and 2 injuries for this year, which also has 8 recalls on file.
Suspension, the system this article covers, accounts for 42 of 1,409 complaints (3%), including 2 for 2024.
Complaints by model year
| 2021 | 712 | |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 370 | |
| 2023 | 163 | |
| 2024 | 115 | |
| 2025 | 41 | |
| 2026 | 8 |
Most-reported systems
- Electrical System — 358
- Power Train — 313
- Engine — 308
- Service Brakes — 197
- Fuel/Propulsion System — 160
Latest recalls for the 2024 model year
- 26V340000 — Suspension (May 2026) — Do not drive
- 25V685000 — Equipment (Oct 2025)
- 25V467000 — Fuel System, Gasoline (Jul 2025)
Complaints are owner reports filed with NHTSA. They are unverified, and counts depend on how many vehicles were sold, so they are not a failure rate.
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