The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has launched an investigation into certain Ford Bronco and Maverick vehicles due to concerns with their electrical systems. The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened a Preliminary Evaluation in January 2024 to investigate allegations of loss of motive power in model year 2021 Ford Bronco Sport vehicles.
What’s Happening?
In April 2024, Ford issued a safety recall (24V-267) covering 456,565 model year 2021-2024 Ford Bronco Sport and model year 2022-2023 Ford Maverick vehicles. The recall addressed occurrences of loss of motive power resulting from sudden degradation of the 12V battery during the drive cycle. When the battery failure occurs, consumers may experience a complete loss of engine power without the ability to restart, accompanied by the loss of 12V accessories, including hazard lights.
The Remedy
The recall remedy consists of software updates to the body control module and powertrain control module, which were designed to provide improved detection of the 12V battery state of charge during the drive cycle and provide warning to consumers if the battery is degraded.
New Concerns Arise
Despite the recall, the ODI has since received 15 reports from vehicle owners describing loss of motive power incidents for model year 2021 Ford Bronco Sport vehicles that received the 24V-267 recall remedy. Consumers describe that prior to the loss of motive power, there were no warnings related to the 12V battery or vehicle electrical system. Additionally, multiple consumers reported that after the vehicle was towed to the dealership following the loss of motive power, the event was diagnosed to the 12V battery, and a battery replacement was the only required repair.
What’s Being Done About It?
The NHTSA has opened an investigation (RQ24014) to further examine this issue. The agency will review the data and determine if additional action is necessary to ensure public safety.
What to Do Next
If you own one of these vehicles and have experienced a loss of motive power, it’s crucial to:
- File a report : Share your experience with the NHTSA by submitting a complaint on their website.
- Stay informed : Keep an eye on this investigation and any updates from the manufacturer or the NHTSA.
Your safety is paramount, and staying proactive can help prevent potential electrical system failures and keep you safe on the road.
Key Facts
- Affected Vehicles: Certain Ford Bronco and Maverick models (2021-2024 Ford Bronco Sport and 2022-2023 Ford Maverick)
- Component: Electrical System
- NHTSA Action Number: RQ24014
- Opened From: November 15, 2024–Present
