There is a new recall at Ford, this time covering a very specific slice of the Bronco trim walk and concerning the possible failure of critical suspension pieces. The company doesn’t yet have a fix for the problem.
In particular, models in Badlands trim or equipped with the Sasquatch package are at risk of shedding the external reservoir that is part of the rear shock absorber. At fault is the potential for these suspenders to develop corrosion between the external reservoir and its mounting flange and the damper body itself. In some cases, that can lead to the SUV jettisoning the reservoir like yesterday’s news, an event which would cause wonky handling characteristics to say nothing of the sharp metal it could leave all over the roadway.
Affected models span the 2021 to 2024 model year and were assembled at the Michigan plant between roughly mid-September 2020 and mid-July last year. Since only the Badlands and Sasquatch trucks have the offending suspension piece, the recall only covers certain examples of those trims. A total of 148,415 vehicles are ensnared in this net.
Of some note is that Ford doesn’t yet have a fix for the problem. The words “parts are not available” are printed in angry red letters on communication being mailed to affected owners. This isn’t overly ideal, especially since a separate memo sent to dealers promises a $27,168 fine per new vehicle delivered with this malady. While there probably aren’t a ton of Bronco SUVs with this option mix left kicking around on dealer lots from the 2024 model year, it would behoove the smart buyer to ask pertinent questions if they’re looking at a unit used as a demo and already has a recorded in-service date. All that said, there is no stop-drive order issued under this safety recall.
Sales of the entire Bronco family totaled 233,873 last year, representing nearly a third of all Ford SUV sales. The upcoming 2025 model year sees a return of the base trim, starting under forty grand, all the way up through an Outer Banks and Badlands on to a $90,035 Raptor. This year also sees a $75,365 Stroppe Edition, paying tribute to its namesake with vintage style and a tremendously appropriate appearance package.
As for the recall, Ford says a remedy isn’t anticipated until the third quarter of this year.
[Image: Ford]
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