Ford Recalls 450K+ Trucks and SUVs Over Battery Issue

Ford is issuing a recall affecting over 450,000 trucks and SUVs due to a battery-related issue. Specifically, the recall involves Ford’s Bronco Sport models manufactured between 2021 and 2024, as well as its Maverick trucks produced from 2022 to 2023. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) announced this recall, citing concerns that these vehicles may fail to detect a low battery charge. This failure could lead to the loss of important features such as hazard lights and drive power, potentially increasing the risk of a crash.

Owners of affected vehicles can have their vehicles’ body control and powertrain control modules recalibrated at a Ford dealership free of charge, according to the NHTSA. This recalibration is intended to address the issue with battery detection and ensure the proper functioning of these critical features.

This latest recall is part of a series of challenges for Ford’s truck lineup over the past year. In a separate incident, the NHTSA recently launched an investigation into an automatic transmission issue affecting 2014 F-150 models. This issue could cause the trucks to randomly downshift, posing a safety risk. Ford also recalled 113,000 F-150s in January, made between 2021 and 2023, due to an issue with the rear axle hub bolt that could cause the trucks to roll away while parked. Another recall in January 2023 affected over 870,000 F-150s due to a problem with the parking brake activating while the vehicle is in drive. Additionally, Ford recalled nearly 2 million of its 2011-2019 Explorer SUVs in January over concerns about a potentially detaching windshield exterior clip.

Despite these challenges, investors have shown confidence in Ford, with its shares remaining relatively stable, hovering around the $12 mark. On the day of the announcement, Ford’s shares increased slightly, reflecting ongoing investor optimism in the company’s future.

In addition to these recalls, Ford has also undergone significant restructuring, including several rounds of layoffs over the past two years. These layoffs, totaling over 1,000 salaried and contract employees last June, were part of the company’s efforts to reduce operating expenses. Further job cuts occurred during a months-long standoff with the United Auto Workers Union last fall, as Ford and other automakers sought to streamline operations and adapt to changing market conditions.