Ford Motor Co. is recalling 272,827 Broncos and Mavericks due to a power problem related to internal defects in 12-volt batteries that can lead to vehicles stalling unexpectedly or failing to start.
Ford recalls 272,827 Broncos and Mavericks over battery defects
The National Highway and Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA) reported that the affected batteries, manufactured by Camel Battery of China, have internal manufacturing defects, including weld failures that can create open circuits. The recall includes vehicles produced between February 2021 and October 2023, when Ford discontinued the use of these specific batteries. It is estimated that the defects affect only 1% of the vehicles equipped with the impacted batteries.
As of November 20, 2024, Ford has not received any reports of accidents, fires, or injuries caused by this issue, although the NHTSA cautioned that the potential for a crash could be increased due to the battery problems. The automaker first learned of the issue in September 2024 following an informal inquiry from NHTSA’s Office of Defect Investigation, which connected the problem to 19 reports of vehicles losing power.
Careful: New U.S. rule blocks Chinese tech in cars by 2027
The NHTSA indicated that previous recalls involving the 2021-2023 Ford Bronco Sport SUVs and 2022-2023 Ford Maverick pickups also reported issues with loss of power, including the failure to activate hazard lights. The recall remedy in those cases involved software updates designed to enhance detection of battery problems and provide warnings to drivers.
Owners of the recalled vehicles will be notified by mail and instructed to report to a Ford or Lincoln dealer for inspection of the batteries. If a vehicle is found not to have a Ford Absorbed Glass Mat 12V battery, one will be installed at no cost. Vehicle owners who have already addressed the battery issue prior to the recall may be eligible for reimbursement under NHTSA’s recall reimbursement plan.
Featured image credit: Ford
