Ford is recalling 149,449 of its popular Ford Bronco SUVs because of a problem with the rear shock absorbers. The recall affects 2021-2024 Ford Broncos with the Badlands and Sasquatch trims. According to a report filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the vehicles can develop corrosion near the rear shock absorbers allowing an external reservoir to fall off. The reservoir could become a road hazard for vehicles traveling behind the Broncos. Ford says there haven’t been any accidents or injuries reported because of the problem.
What is Causing the Shock Absorber Issue
According to the NHTSA Safety Recall Report, “The long flange rear shock absorbers in affected vehicles may experience corrosion between the external reservoir, mounting flange, and the damper body, resulting in separation of the external reservoir.”
“If a rear shock absorber external reservoir separates from the vehicle, it can create a potential road hazard for other road users, increasing the risk of a crash.”
The report says that drivers may experience a bouncy ride, noise, or leaking fluid near the rear wheels prior to the detachment of an external reservoir.
Why Only Specific Models are Being Recalled
The recall only applies to Broncos with the Badlands and Sasquatch trims because those vehicles were built with different suspensions. According to Ford, The Sasquatch package adds “Class-first 35-inch Goodyear mud-terrain tires mounted to 17-inch beadlock-capable wheels, Dana front and rear electronic locking axles with 4.7:1 final drive ratio, and high-clearance suspension with a nearly two-inch wider track, wider fender flares. The package also adds HOSS-tuned, long-travel Bilstein® position-sensitive dampers with end-stop control valves with increased ride height to help improve ground clearance.”
As of December, Ford has received 551 warranty claims, one field report, and two customer reports related to this problem.
How Ford Will Fix the Issue
Right now, Ford is working on a remedy for the corrosion issue. Owners will be notified by mail next week about the problem and that Ford will contact them again as soon as it has a way to fix it. Owners who have already paid to have these repairs completed may be eligible for reimbursement. The NHTSA number for the recall is 25V-025. The Ford number for the recall is 25S01. Owners with concerns can contact Ford’s toll-free line at 1-866-436-7332.
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Mary Conway is a professional automotive journalist and has decades of experience specializing in automotive news analysis. She covered the Detroit Three for more than twenty years for the ABC affiliate, in Detroit. Her affection for the Motor City comes naturally. Her father ran a gas station while Mary was growing up, in Wisconsin.
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