- Impacted Ford Bronco models were built between September 23, 2020, and July 23, 2024.
- The recall involves Ford Bronco Badlands variants and those with the Sasquatch package.
- Ford continues to work on a fix for the issue and will contact owners in due course.
The Ford Bronco is marketed as one of the most capable off-roaders on sale but an issue with its trick rear shocks has forced the automaker to issue a recall for almost 150,000 examples in the United States. While Ford doesn’t know of any accidents or injuries caused by the problem, it had received 551 warranty claims as of December 11.
Ford says the area between the rear shock absorber’s external reservoir, mounting flange, and damper body could corrode over time. If this is to occur, the external reservoir could completely break off. That’s not just bad news for Bronco owners but could be bad for other motorists if they have to try and dodge a shock reservoir bouncing down the road.
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In total, 149,449 Ford Bronco models are involved in the recall. These consist of 2021-2024 models manufactured from September 23, 2020, to July 23, 2024. Importantly, the recall only impacts Badlands trim Ford Broncos and those equipped with the Sasquatch package. Ford estimates that approximately 30% of the models being recalled could have the defect.
If owners notice a bouncy ride, noise, or fluid leaking from near the rear wheels, they should drive cautiously, as these are signs the reservoir could soon break away from the damper.
The NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation alerted Ford to four customer complaints of shock absorber faults, including three who alleged the external reservoir had detached. The brand quickly opened an investigation into the issue and found that Broncos with a long flange assembly are more prone to failure than more recent models with a short flange assembly on the damper tube.
Owners of impacted models in the US will be alerted to the recall between February 3 and February 7. Ford is yet to announce a fix, noting that its investigation is still “ongoing.” Impacted owners will be contacted when a fix is ready.
