Bronco Sport Recall 26S36: Do-Not-Drive Instructions

Vehicle Recalls

Updated October 16, 2026

Certain 2021–2026 Ford Bronco Sport SUVs and 2022–2026 Maverick pickups are covered by a do-not-drive recall for an improperly assembled or repaired front suspension joint. Ford campaign 26S36, also identified as NHTSA 26V340, advises owners of included vehicles not to drive until the remedy is completed. The campaign lists 4,653 potentially affected vehicles across both models.

What can separate?

The concern is the connection between a front lower control-arm ball joint and the wheel knuckle. Ford’s May 27, 2026 filing says incorrect assembly or an incomplete plant repair can leave the ball stud only partly engaged. The joint can then separate from the knuckle, potentially causing loss of vehicle control.

Ford’s investigation identified two production situations: an original assembly problem, and vehicles shipped after an intended in-plant repair had not been completed properly. Plant records were used to select the affected population. The report says the vehicles were not produced in VIN order, so a model-year or build-date comparison is not a substitute for checking the individual vehicle.

Which model years are listed?

The two groups total 4,653 vehicles; they are not a count of confirmed joint failures. This campaign names Bronco Sport, not the larger Bronco. Nor does it cover every Bronco Sport or Maverick in the listed years.

The filing lists no warning that can identify the condition before a failure. An included vehicle should not be cleared by a quiet suspension, a short drive or an owner’s visual check. Those observations cannot replace the campaign inspection.

Arrange the remedy without driving there

Ford’s owner advisory describes complimentary towing for inspection and repair, with inspection at the customer’s location through mobile service where applicable. Ford lists 1-833-807-3673 for assistance arranging a tow and repair. Availability of a mobile inspection at a particular address must be confirmed.

The remedy checks the front lower ball-joint attachment on both the left and right sides and repairs it as necessary, free of charge. Ford says dealers will confirm proper assembly and secure the attachment as needed. This does not mean every included vehicle requires a replacement control arm or ball joint.

The do-not-drive instruction applies until the remedy is completed. Having an appointment, receiving the letter or arranging transportation does not complete that work. Owners should obtain Ford’s VIN-specific instructions and use the towing or applicable on-location inspection arrangements rather than driving an included, unremedied vehicle to the appointment.

The current notice date is September 2

NHTSA’s June 1 acknowledgement originally expected owner letters by June 5. The current campaign record, checked October 16, says letters were mailed September 2, 2026. It continues to specify inspection and conditional repair, with the do-not-drive instruction until completion.

For a vehicle changing hands, match the VIN and campaign number to the completed inspection or repair record. The relevant question is whether 26S36 has been performed on that vehicle, rather than whether it has had an unrelated suspension service or still looks normal.