The problem
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2026 Bronco Sport and 2022-2026 Maverick vehicles. The front lower control arm ball joints may have been incorrectly installed or incorrectly repaired at the vehicle assembly plant, allowing the control arm to disconnect from the front wheel knuckle.
The risk
A detached control arm can cause a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix
Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until the remedy is completed. Dealers will inspect and repair the front lower control arm ball joints as necessary, free of charge.Owner notification letters were mailed September 2, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26S36. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on May 29, 2026.
Recall details
| NHTSA campaign | 26V-340 (26V340000) |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer number | 26S36 |
| Manufacturer | Ford Motor Company |
| Component | Suspension › Front › Control arm › Lower ball joint |
| Report date | May 27, 2026 |
| Owners notified | September 2, 2026 |
| Vehicles affected | 4,653 |
| Initiated by | Manufacturer |
Vehicles covered
Owner complaints about the suspension
- 2021 Ford Bronco Sport suspension problems 24
- 2022 Ford Bronco Sport suspension problems 8
- 2023 Ford Bronco Sport suspension problems 5
- 2024 Ford Bronco Sport suspension problems 2
- 2025 Ford Bronco Sport suspension problems 3
- 2022 Ford Maverick suspension problems 5
- 2023 Ford Maverick suspension problems 10
- 2024 Ford Maverick suspension problems 4
- 2026 Ford Maverick suspension problems 1
Frequently asked questions
Is the recall 26V-340 repair free?
Yes. Ford dealers will fix the problem at no cost: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until the remedy is completed. Dealers will inspect and repair the front lower control arm ball joints as necessary, free of charge.Owner notification letters were mailed September 2, 2026.
How do I know if my car is included?
Not every vehicle of the listed model years is affected — the recall covers 4,653 vehicles built in a certain window. Check your 17-character VIN with our VIN recall check or at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Is it safe to drive?
No — the manufacturer says owners should not drive affected vehicles until the repair is done. Contact a dealer to arrange towing.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.