Ford recalls Maverick and Bronco Sport again

• The latest 12-volt battery recall corrects a previous 12-volt battery recall that didn’t work
• Owners will need to have the battery replaced at no charge
• This is the 15th recall for the Maverick and 10th for the Bronco Sport since the popular vehicles launched

Ford has recalled more than 272,000 Maverick small pickup trucks and Bronco Sport compact SUVs for an issue with the 12-volt battery that could lead to a stall, the NHTSA disclosed last week. 

The 12-volt battery could fail, causing sudden degradation that might make the vehicles stall as they come to a stop or not be able to restart when stopped at a light or any other instance where the stop/start function is triggered. Automatic stop/start is governed by the 12-volt battery and cuts engine power at stops to not waste fuel when the engine is not needed.

The loss of engine power can happen at low speeds as well, and the failure of the battery would also cut power to other functions such as the hazard lights. Both the hybrid and gas versions of the Maverick are affected, but the recall applies mostly to older models. 

The recall encompasses the 2021-2023 Ford Bronco Sport and the 2022-2023 Ford Maverick. The suspect battery was removed from production on Oct. 20, 2022, but Ford doesn’t expect a recall remedy until the second quarter of this year. 

A software update for a prior recall in April 2024 for a similar battery issue didn’t fix the root cause. That recall encompassed 465,565 Maverick and Bronco Sport models from a broader range of model years. That recall required a battery replacement and control module software updates that evidently didn’t work on the older models. Those recalled models (under NHTSA code 24V-267) need the new fix provided by this recall (25V-019). 

It’s the 15th Maverick recall time since it launched for the 2022 model year, and the 10th recall for the equally popular baby Bronco that launched new for the 2021 model year. Other issues have ranged from bum taillights to busted wipers and blurry rearview camera images. 

From 2021 to 2023 Ford led the industry with the most number of recalls. In 2024, Tesla took over as the automaker with the most cars recalled, followed by Stellantis, then Ford. 

The latest Maverick and Bronco Sport recall requires owners to bring their vehicles to a Ford or Lincoln service center and have a new Ford AGM battery installed in the place of the problematic one. Owners who have paid for a battery replacement on their own will be reimbursed, with proof. Expect notification by mail as early as Feb. 3. For more info, contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332 or visit Ford’s recall site.