Ford is recalling almost 150,000 newer Bronco SUVs in the U.S. because premature rusting issues may let key parts of the rear suspension fall right off the back of the thing. Specifically, some 149,994 examples of Broncos from model years 2021 through 2024 are covered by the safety campaign if they’re of the Badlands trim, or are fitted with the Sasquatch Package; the automaker says of that total 150,000 recalled, only 30% are likely to actually be affected by the issue. It’s unclear how many Bronco SUVs would fall under the recall in Canada.
On affected Broncos, the remote reservoir for the rear shocks could completely fall off if its mount rusts away; as Ford puts it, “the long-flange rear shock absorbers in affected vehicles may experience corrosion between the external reservoir, the mounting flange, and the damper body, resulting in separation of the external reservoir.”
If this happens, owners may hear a strange noise or suffer harsh ride conditions; one owner told the U.S. NHTSA that the reservoir falling off of their Bronco “cause[d] the vehicle to bounce uncontrollably.” The other danger, of course, is the loose part flying off and striking other nearby vehicles.
Ford has already fielded some 551 warranty claims tied to the issue, but says it’s not aware of this defect causing any sort of collisions or incidents. The bad news is the automaker has yet to figure out an effective repair for the problem. It will nevertheless contact owners of affected Broncos by March; those who have already had the rust repaired will be recompensed for whatever that fix cost.
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