Full Breakdown
Ford Issues Do-Not-Drive Advisory for 2021-2026 Bronco Sport and 2022-2026 Maverick Vehicles
6/4/2026, 8:12:16 AM
Immediate Recall and Advisory
On June 3, 2026 Ford Motor Company issued a “Do-Not-Drive” advisory for 4,653 vehicles after the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) flagged a possible suspension defect. The notice covers select 2021-2026 Bronco Sport SUVs and 2022-2026 Maverick trucks, and owners are instructed to stop driving until repairs are completed.
Affected Vehicles
The recall, identified as 26S36, includes 2,296 Bronco Sport and 2,357 Maverick units. Notification letters will be mailed by June 5, and VIN checks on Ford’s recall portal confirm eligibility. All repairs, towing and rental-car costs are covered by Ford.
Defect and Safety Risk
Investigations found that the front lower control-arm ball joint may have been installed or repaired incorrectly at the assembly plant, allowing partial disengagement from the wheel knuckle. Such a failure can cause loss of steering control and increase crash risk. Ford reports three warranty claims and no injuries to date.
Timeline
- May 12 2026: Ford’s Critical Concern Group began reviewing the issue after a warranty claim for a Bronco Sport with a misaligned front wheel.
- May 19 2026: Internal approval of the recall was granted.
- May 27 2026: NHTSA received the recall filing.
- June 3 2026: Ford issued the public “Do-Not-Drive” advisory.
- June 5 2026: Owner notification letters are scheduled for mailing.
Official Statements & Responses
Ford said the defect could cause loss of vehicle control and raise the likelihood of a crash. The company will perform free visual and tactile inspections of the ball joint on both sides, repair as needed, and provide complimentary towing or mobile service. NHTSA warned that a detached control arm can lead to loss of control and noted that violating the federal stop-sale rule could incur penalties up to $27,168 per vehicle.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
The recall is unrelated to a separate seat-belt recall for Expedition and Lincoln models, and no accidents have been reported for the suspension issue.
Verbatim Quotes
- “may result in loss of vehicle control while driving, increasing the risk of [a] crash,” — Ford Safety Recall Report to NHTSA
- “If a joint fails while the vehicle is moving, the driver could lose steering control increasing the risk of a crash,” — Ford spokesperson, June 3, 2026
- “A detached control arm can cause a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash,” — NHTSA statement, June 2026
- “FORD TEAMS UP WITH OUTDOOR OUTFITTER FILSON TO LAUNCH NEW BRONCO SUV Violating the federal stop-sale requirement could result in severe civil penalties of up to $27,168 per vehicle.” — NHTSA regulatory notice
What’s Next
Owners will receive recall notices by June 5, can arrange service via Ford’s 1-866-436-7332 hotline, and may use free towing or mobile repair. Ford will monitor warranty claims and report any new incidents to NHTSA.
