Ford just issued a “Stop Delivery” to dealers and “Stop Driving” to owners of certain Bronco SUVs. The order involves only the 2023 Ford Bronco Wildtrak and 2022 Ford Bronco Raptor models. At issue are steering gears that can lock up. According to Ford, most of the recalled Broncos are still sitting at dealerships. 

How many Ford Broncos are in this recall?

This recall involves only 343 Ford Broncos, so the number is fairly low. But the safety concerns are high. The automaker is already contacting dealers and owners to address the issue. Ford will replace the steering gears under warranty, so owners are not charged. 

This started when a locked Bronco steering gear was replaced by a dealer tech at the beginning of this month. The warranty replacement was due to the customer’s complaint about grinding noises and the power steering going out. However, they were still able to steer, though without the power assist, it is much harder to turn, as we’re sure you know. 

Ford received the steering gear and tore it down to determine what happened. Upon inspection, a ball nut retainer failed. With the broken retainer, it allowed the balls to enter between the gears, which could result in the steering box locking up.

Has the Ford Bronco had many recalls?

Maria Buczkowski, Corporate Communications Manager, told FordAuthority that “within days of hearing from our supplier about one related customer warranty concern, we were able to swiftly investigate and identify the issue. On March 3rd, we proactively reached out to 58 affected customers, informing them not to drive their vehicles, and provided them with the option of a loan vehicle. Another 280 are at dealerships or are held at our plant and will be repaired before they are in customer’s hands.”

Ford says it is only aware of that one incident and is not aware of others or any injuries. 

Unfortunately, the Bronco has seen its fair share of recalls over the past two years. This recall makes it eight since 2021. The first was for an airbag issue in 2021, not involving the earlier Takata airbag disaster.

The second came at the end of 2021 for the misalignment of radar modules. This could affect the automatic emergency braking system by slowing down the reaction to a collision. One from mid-2022 was for child safety locks not working.

What should owners do if they have questions?

Also, in mid-2022, a recall was issued over windshields that were not properly bonded, resulting in them becoming detached in the event of an accident. Two more recalls in 2022 for glitches with backup cameras and the other for airbag sensors allowing random deployment. 

By this year, a recall over automatic transmissions that indicate they are in “park” when they aren’t. This can increase the possibility of rollaway.

Ford Bronco owners with concerns or questions can contact Ford’s recall center for this just-announced recall. Refer to recall number 23S09, and have your VIN number handy.