Ford Motor Company has announced a significant recall affecting 272,827 of its Bronco Sport SUVs and Maverick pickups due to a potential power issue that could lead to unexpected vehicle shutdowns or difficulties in starting the engine. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has identified the root of the problem as a 12-volt battery produced by Camel Battery, a manufacturer based in China. This battery has been found to possess internal manufacturing defects, including weld failures that could result in open circuits, posing a risk to vehicle operation.
Ford has clarified that, to date, there have been no reported incidents of accidents, fires, or injuries linked to this battery issue. The affected vehicles were manufactured between February 2021 and October 2023, after which Ford ceased the use of these specific batteries in their production. The company estimates that only about 1% of the vehicles equipped with these batteries may actually exhibit the defects.
In light of previous scrutiny and penalties from the U.S. government for delays in addressing earlier recalls, Ford has committed to enhancing its recall processes. In November, the automaker pledged to review and improve its decision-making regarding recalls, with oversight from an independent third party that will monitor its performance over the next three years. Additionally, a prior recall had revealed that some vehicles lost the ability to activate hazard lights unexpectedly. To address this, Ford is implementing software updates designed to detect battery issues and notify drivers accordingly.