Ford Recalls 456,565 US Vehicles OverDrive Power Loss: NHTSA

April 18, 2024 : The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) announced a large-scale safety recall initiated by Ford Motor Company. The recall covers 456,565 vehicles in the United States, including specific models of the company’s compact SUVs and pickup trucks. The cause for concern is a potential issue with battery detection, which could lead to a complete loss of drive power while the vehicle operates.

Certain model years of the Bronco Sport SUV (2022-2024) and the Maverick compact pickup truck (2022-2023) are affected. According to the NHTSA, a malfunction within the vehicles’ body and powertrain control modules could prevent them from accurately detecting a sudden decline in battery voltage. This poses a significant safety risk, as it could lead to the vehicle being unable to restart after an automatic engine stop-start event or stalling unexpectedly at low speeds.

The potential consequences of this malfunction highlight the critical role of accurate battery detection in modern vehicles. A sudden loss of power while driving, particularly at lower speeds or during critical maneuvers, could significantly increase the risk of an accident.

Ford has outlined a solution to address this issue. Dealerships will be authorized to perform a free software recalibration on the affected control modules. This procedure is intended to rectify the malfunction and ensure proper battery detection.

The NHTSA has indicated that official notifications will be mailed to owners of affected vehicles beginning on May 13th, 2024. These notifications will detail the specific actions required to schedule the necessary software recalibration. Additionally, Ford has established a customer service hotline to address any questions or concerns about the recall.

This large-scale recall underscores the importance of ongoing safety monitoring and proactive measures for automotive manufacturers. By addressing potential issues and implementing corrective actions, Ford aims to mitigate safety risks and ensure the continued safe operation of their vehicles.

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