Ford Motor Company has issued a safety recall affecting nearly 180,000 vehicles, specifically focusing on the popular Ford Bronco SUV and Ford Ranger pickup. The issue is mechanical and relates directly to passenger safety: front seat bolts that may loosen or fall out over time.
Recall Overview & Affected Models
According to the official documents, the problem stems from a supplier error. During the manufacturing process, the front seat height-adjust pivot link bolts were checked for tightness before the thread adhesive had properly cured. As a result, the bolts may not withstand the regular vibrations of daily driving.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Affected Models | Ford Bronco (SUV) & Ford Ranger (Pickup) |
| Model Years | 2024, 2025, 2026 |
| Total Units | 179,698 (117,443 Broncos, 62,255 Rangers) |
| Production Dates | November 1, 2024 – October 1, 2025 |
The Safety Risk & Warning Signs
If these bolts loosen or fall out entirely, the front seats can become unstable. In the event of a crash, a loose seat may not properly secure the occupant, increasing the risk of injury. Fortunately, Ford has reported no accidents or injuries related to this defect so far, though there have been 60 warranty claims filed.
What to watch out for:
- Squeaking or rattling noises coming from the base of the driver or passenger seat.
- A loose or shifting feeling in the seat while accelerating, braking, or taking corners.
If you prefer to do your own basic maintenance or check bolts on your vehicle, having a reliable torque wrench in your garage is highly recommended (though for this recall, you should let the dealer handle it).
Shop Torque Wrenches on AmazonOfficial NHTSA Documentation
For complete transparency and full technical details, you can read the official recall report submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
View Official NHTSA Recall PDFThe Fix: What Should Owners Do?
The solution is straightforward and entirely free of charge. Owners should take their affected vehicle to a local Ford dealership. Technicians will remove the front seats, inspect the bolts, and replace the necessary parts to ensure everything is torqued and secured properly.
Ford will begin sending notification letters to affected owners in phases starting in mid-May 2026. You do not need to stop driving your vehicle immediately, but you should remain vigilant for any of the warning signs mentioned above until the repair is completed.
