Like most modern vehicles, four-door Ford Broncos come equipped with rear door child safety locks. For my non-parent readers: You engage these locks by turning a switch in the door seam. You can use the ignition key or a similar tool. The result is the lock disables the interior door handles. This feature has been mandatory since the 1985 model year. However, Ford has acknowledged that on some recent Broncos, activating this switch may not function as intended.

• 2023–2024 Ford Broncos (Four-Door Only)

Ford stated, “A routine inspection discovered that the child-safety locks on the driver-side rear doors of some vehicles may not work properly.”

The Bronco nameplate made its triumphant return in 2021, and it appears that the initial model years had functioning child safety locks. According to Twin Pine Ford, the automaker revised the child safety lock mechanism for the 2023 model year, and this redesign may have introduced some issues.

Notably, two-door Broncos are unaffected, as they lack rear doors and, consequently, child safety locks. Additionally, the Bronco Sport crossover has not been recalled for any child safety lock concerns. In total, approximately 2,002 vehicles may require repair. Ford plans to notify all affected Bronco owners of the recall by May 26th and will inspect and repair the vehicles free of charge. In the meantime, four-door Bronco owners might consider seating children on the passenger-side rear seat as a precaution.

For information on recalls affecting your Ford, you can contact your dealership’s service department or Ford’s recall team at 1-866-436-7332 with your VIN. Alternatively, you can enter your VIN at NHTSA.gov.