Ford recently issued an order to dealers to stop delivering Broncos and for customers to stop driving them over a safety issue. The problem lies in the steering gear of 343 Broncos specifically of the 2023 Wildtrak and 2022 Raptor varieties. The automaker is proactively working with dealers and owners to get the issue fixed.
According to Ford, its Critical Concern Review Group found out about an issue pertaining to a warranty-returned steering gear on March 2nd, 2023. The technician reviewing the warranty claim alleged a grinding noise and a loss of power steering but no loss of directional control.
After tearing down the steering gearbox, Ford found that the ball nut retainer was broken which in turn allowed the balls to wedge in between the steering gears. Should the problem continue unchecked, it’s possible that the gearbox could end up locked up and leave the SUV without the ability to change direction.
More: Ford Dealer Demands Resale Rights From New Bronco Raptor Buyer
Clearly, that’s a safety concern but thankfully, it’s confined to the models mentioned above. Ford says that it’ll replace each of the affected units’ gearboxes at no cost to the customer. In fact, a large percentage of the included vehicles are still in possession of Ford or Ford dealers.
Manager of corporate communications over at Ford, Maria Buczkowski told FordAuthority that “Within days of hearing from our supplier about one related customer warranty concern, we were able to swiftly investigate and identify the issue.
“On March 3rd, we proactively reached out to 58 affected customers, informing them not to drive their vehicles, and provided them with the option of a loan vehicle. Another ~280 are at dealerships or are held at our plant and will be repaired before they are in customer hands.”
That’s a very proactive approach and a welcome one considering the potential for danger in a scenario like this one. The single warranty claim that sparked off this finding is the only one that Ford is aware of at the time that it filed the recall. To that end, no accidents or injuries are associated with it either.
Those concerned about whether or not their Bronco is included in the recall can call their local dealer or contact Ford at 1-866-436-7332. The recall number is 23S09.
