If you own a 2024 or 2025 model year Ford Bronco and you’ve been getting a call from a strange number, you might want to answer it. It could be from Ford, and it could be very important. The Blue Oval has just issued a recall for the Bronco. It only applies to three specific units, but it’s one that shouldn’t be ignored. One that could result in a serious crash if the three owners don’t follow up and get it fixed in a hurry.
Those three unfortunate Bronco owners could have loose nuts. The nuts (and therefore bolts) that connect the lower control arm to the frame might not be tight enough, and that could lead to a serious problem.
Ford Tracked Down The Issue In Record Time
The process behind the scenes on this one is fascinating and fast-paced. On April 22, the Michigan Assembly Plant vehicle team got a report about one Bronco with a problem. The owner took it to a dealer complaining of a “pop” noise when turning. The dealer found that all four of the bolts holding the front lower control arm to the frame were loose.
That team discovered that when the vehicle had its suspension alignment checked at the factory, it had failed for vehicle toe angle. It received what Ford labels a “manual buy-off” from the Quality Leadership System (QLS) operator, so it didn’t have its alignment fixed or checked again before heading to the dealer.
On April 29, Ford stopped shipping vehicles from the plant in response. The next day, the plant took away the QLS operator’s ability to intervene in the alignment validation process. Plant vehicle team members looked back at alignment validation data going back through August 2024 and learned that four other vehicles had failed the test and gotten a “manual buy-off” from the QLS. Ford has been working hard over the last few years to remedy its high number of recalls. This quick action is likely the result of new processes that have come from the effort.
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One of those four had already been repaired at a dealer, but three had been sold and were in customer hands. It is those three vehicles that are being recalled.
Ford Is Trying Everything To Reach These Owners
Ford is contacting the three owners via phone, mail, and email. They are being instructed to not drive the vehicles and get them towed to a dealer for service. The dealer will check the torque figure for the control arm fasteners. If they’re loose, the SUVs will get new ones tightened to spec. The SUVs will also get a free alignment check and adjustment.
If you’re worried you own one of the three, you can check your VIN on the NHTSA recall site or on Ford’s own website. If you do, don’t drive it. A loose control arm can separate from the vehicle, and that means the wheel is only being held in place by hopes, dreams, and some parts that aren’t meant to take that load.
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Ford Crying Out Loud, Another Recall For A Previous Recall
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If you are one of the three, and you get your Bronco fixed, maybe keep all of the paperwork. Your one-of-three ultra-rare Ford Bronco could be worth serious cash at Barrett-Jackson in another 40 years.
Source: NHTSA
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