Ford Motor Company has recently issued a safety recall for select 2021-2024 Ford Bronco Sport and 2022-2023 Ford Maverick vehicles to address an issue with the powertrain control module (PCM) and body control module (BCM) calibrations. The recall involves updating the calibrations to improve the detection of sudden battery degradation during driving and prevent potential stalling or loss of motive power. Owners of affected Ford models should watch for recall notifications to have this important repair completed.
What is Causing the Fire and Stall Risk?
Ford has discovered that the current BCM and PCM calibrations are unable to detect a sudden change in the 12-volt battery’s state of charge (SOC) during a drive cycle. This can lead to a vehicle being unable to restart after an auto start/stop event or experiencing a stall while coming to a stop at low speed. Either scenario may also result in a loss of 12-volt accessories, including hazard lights.
What Are Some Signs That I Should Watch Out For?
Any of the following signs can indicate a potential issue related to this recall:
- The vehicle fails to restart after an auto start/stop event
- The vehicle stalls while coming to a stop at low speed
- Loss of 12-volt accessories, such as hazard lights
Which Ford Vehicles Are Affected?
The following Ford vehicles are affected by this recall:
- 2021-2024 Ford Bronco Sport (402,978 units)
- 2022-2023 Ford Maverick (53,587 units)
If you own one of these vehicles, you can expect to receive a letter with more details regarding the recall on or after May 13, 2024.
Can I Still Drive My Ford If It Is Affected By The Recall?
Ford recommends that owners of affected vehicles can continue driving their vehicles until the recall repair is completed. However, if you experience any of the signs mentioned above, such as a stall or failure to restart, you should have your vehicle towed to a Ford dealer for inspection and repair.
To fix this issue, Ford dealers will update the BCM and PCM calibrations for free. The updated calibrations will provide improved detection of 12V battery SOC during drive cycles, inhibit auto start/stop in the event of a low SOC, and provide notification to the driver if the battery is degraded. Additionally, the updated PCM calibration will increase the alternator output threshold to maintain vehicle operation if a low 12V battery SOC is detected during a drive cycle.
Ford plans to begin mailing recall notification letters to owners on or around May 13, 2024. Owners can also contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332 and refer to recall number 24S24 for more information.
What Other Ford Vehicles Have Been Recalled Recently?
In addition to the Bronco Sport and Maverick recall, Ford has issued several other recalls in recent months for various issues. Here are some notable examples:
- In February 2024, Ford recalled over 1.2 million vehicles, including the 2020-2023 Ford Explorer and 2020-2024 Ford Escape, due to an issue with the rear suspension toe link that could fracture and increase the risk of a crash.
- In March 2024, Ford recalled over 650,000 vehicles, including the 2020-2022 Ford F-Series Super Duty, due to an issue with the front windshield wiper motor that could overheat and cause a fire.
- In April 2024, Ford recalled over 230,000 vehicles, including the 2021-2023 Ford Mustang Mach-E, due to an issue with the battery management system that could cause the high-voltage battery to overheat and potentially catch fire.
If you own a Ford vehicle, it’s important to stay up-to-date on any recalls that may affect your vehicle. You can check for open recalls by visiting Ford’s website, contacting your local dealer, or visiting the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s website and entering your vehicle’s VIN.
What Should I Do If My Ford Is Having Issues?
If your Ford vehicle is experiencing issues, here are some steps you can take:
- Don’t ignore warning lights or unusual noises. Promptly have any issues inspected by a qualified mechanic or your local Ford dealer.
- Keep up with scheduled maintenance. Following the recommended service intervals in your owner’s manual can help prevent many issues and catch problems early on.
- Keep records of all repairs and maintenance. Documentation can be helpful if you need to file a warranty claim or seek assistance from Ford or a lemon law attorney.
- Contact Ford customer service. If you have general questions or concerns about your vehicle, you can reach out to Ford’s customer service at 1-866-436-7332.
- Consider seeking legal assistance. If you have been dealing with recurring issues that the manufacturer cannot seem to fix after multiple attempts, you may qualify for relief under your state’s lemon law. A lemon law attorney can review your case and advise you on the best course of action.
Get Help From A Ford Lemon Law Attorney
If you own a Ford vehicle that keeps having issues that the manufacturer cannot fix or that keep recurring, our Ford lemon law attorneys at Consumer Action Law Group can help. During a free consultation, we’ll review your situation and determine if you have a valid lemon law claim. Call us at (818) 254-8413 for your free consultation today, or fill out our contact form, and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible.
