Automotive
Ford owners have two new recalls to pay attention to this week, but the issues involved are vastly different in both scale and severity. One recall affects nearly 420,000 Ford Expedition and Lincoln Navigator SUVs over a seat belt concern, while a second and more urgent action covers roughly 4,600 Ford Bronco Sport and Maverick models that have been issued a “Do Not Drive” warning due to a potential suspension defect.
The larger recall involves 419,967 Ford Expedition and Lincoln Navigator vehicles from the 2018 through 2022 model years. According to federal safety regulators, the problem centers on the front seat belt retractors. In certain vehicles, the seat belt pretensioners may inadvertently lock, preventing the belts from extending or retracting as intended. If the belts cannot function properly during a collision, occupants may face a greater risk of injury.
Ford dealers will inspect the affected seat belt retractors and replace components as necessary at no cost to owners. While the issue does not require owners to stop driving their vehicles immediately, affected customers should schedule an inspection once they receive notification from Ford.
Separate from the seat belt campaign, Ford has also issued a recall affecting 4,653 Bronco Sport and Maverick models, including certain 2021 through 2026 Bronco Sport SUVs and 2022 through 2026 Maverick pickups. Unlike the larger recall, this one carries a “Do Not Drive” advisory due to the potential safety risks involved.
According to Ford, some of the affected vehicles may have front lower control arm ball joints that were improperly assembled or incorrectly repaired during production. Under certain conditions, the ball joint could separate from the steering knuckle, potentially causing a loss of steering control and increasing the likelihood of a crash. Because of the seriousness of the defect, Ford is advising owners to avoid driving affected vehicles until they have been inspected.
The automaker says it is not aware of any accidents or injuries related to the suspension issue. Dealers will inspect the affected components and properly secure the ball joint connection if necessary. Ford is also working with customers to arrange inspections and towing services when required, with all repair costs covered by the company.
While both recalls highlight Ford’s ongoing efforts to address safety concerns, the distinction between the two is important. The Expedition and Navigator recall affects a significantly larger number of vehicles and centers on occupant restraint performance, while the Bronco Sport and Maverick recall affects a much smaller population but involves a defect serious enough to prompt owners to leave their vehicles parked until repairs can be completed.
Darryl Taylor Dowe is a seasoned automotive professional with a proven track record of leading successful ventures and providing strategic consultation across the automotive industry. With years of hands-on experience in both business operations and market development, Darryl has played a key role in helping automotive brands grow and adapt in a rapidly evolving landscape. His insight and leadership have earned him recognition as a trusted expert, and his contributions to Automotive Addicts reflect his deep knowledge and passion for the business side of the car world.
