NHTSA Recall 26V340000: Ford Bronco Sport & Maverick “Do Not Drive”

What the recall covers

Recall 26V340000 (Ford's own reference 26S36) covers 4,653 vehicles — about 2,296 model year 2021–2026 Bronco Sport SUVs and 2,357 model year 2022–2026 Maverick trucks — whose front lower control arm ball joints may have been incorrectly installed or repaired at the assembly plant. A ball joint that separates lets the control arm disconnect from the front wheel knuckle, which can cause a sudden loss of control and a crash. Because of that risk, Ford issued a rare Do Not Drive advisory. This is a small, VIN-specific recall — most Bronco Sport and Maverick owners are not affected.

The remedy

Dealers will inspect the front lower control arm ball joints and repair or replace them as needed, free of charge. Because of the Do Not Drive advisory, Ford is arranging options such as mobile service or towing for affected owners — contact Ford or your dealer rather than driving the vehicle in for service.

What owners should do now

• Do not drive the vehicle if your VIN is included — arrange mobile service or towing through Ford or your dealer.
• Confirm whether your specific VIN is affected before assuming anything; only a small set of VINs is covered.
• Keep your recall letter and every repair order — they document the defect and your notification date.
• If the vehicle is unusable while you wait for parts or service, note those dates; extended loss of use can matter under the Lemon Law.
• If the same problem recurs after the repair, save the paperwork.

How to check your VIN

Confirm whether a specific vehicle is included by entering the 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or ford.com — both lookup tools already list the affected VINs. Inclusion is VIN-specific, not just by model and year, so most Bronco Sport and Maverick vehicles are not part of this recall.

Ford customer service: 866-436-7332 (Ford recall reference 26S36). NHTSA Vehicle Safety Hotline: 888-327-4236.

When this recall can become a California lemon law claim

A recall is not automatically a lemon — it is the manufacturer acknowledging a defect and offering a free fix. Your Ford may qualify under California's Lemon Law if the recall repair is significantly delayed, doesn't resolve the problem, or your vehicle has other unrepaired warranty defects. In those cases you may be entitled to a buyback, replacement, or cash settlement, with the manufacturer paying your attorney fees. For the full breakdown, see the guides below.