Ford Prioritizes Safety: Recall Issued for Certain Ford Broncos, Child Lock Safety

Mar 19, 2024 04:17 AM EDT

FORD CAR BRONCO — (Photo : PIXABAY/Fariz19)

A recall for specific four-door Bronco models has been issued. This is due to a possible issue with the child safety locks on the left rear door. These locks might not work properly. Children could open the door from the inside. Therefore, endangering themselves. The vehicles in question were manufactured in 2023, more precisely between November 28 to December 17.

Child Lock Safety Alert: Ford Bronco

According to Tork US, Ford became aware of this issue towards the end of last year and initiated an investigation. During this process, they made adjustments to the latch system. Regrettably, these modifications inadvertently led to a slight repositioning of the latch reinforcement.

This new placement can potentially affect the functioning of the door latch, resulting in the possibility of it being opened from the inside even with the child safety lock engaged. To address this issue, Ford dealers will be conducting thorough inspections of the latches on the left rear doors of all affected Ford Broncos.

If any issues are detected, the latches will be replaced at no cost to the owner. Individuals who own a Bronco from the affected group can expect to receive a notification letter via mail between April 16th and 19th, containing comprehensive information regarding the recall process and how to arrange for their Bronco's servicing.

As per CarScoops, the most significant recall pertains to the 2023-2024 Bronco four-door model. Ford is recalling 9,847 units of the SUV manufactured between November 28 and December 17, 2023. In a subset of these vehicles, there may be issues with the child lock on the rear left door.

The positive aspect is that Ford's in-house quality team identified this issue proactively, rather than it being reported by a customer. Subsequent investigation revealed that the root cause of the problem stemmed from an altered manufacturing process aimed at enhancing door alignment.

This unintended consequence led to a shift in the positioning of the rear door latch reinforcement bracket, particularly on the left side. Consequently, in approximately 2 percent of rear left doors, the release lever could come into contact with the child lock coupling, potentially allowing the door to open despite the lock being engaged.

2024 Ford Bronco

As shared by Car and Driver, Ford's Bronco has been named as a direct rival to the long-standing, undisputed success of the Jeep Wrangler. Like its sibling, the Bronco is offered to consumers in two- and four-door models with the choice of a manual transmission or four-wheel drive.

With a 300-horsepower turbocharged inline-four engine mated to a 10-speed automatic transmission or an available seven-speed manual gearbox, even the base Bronco model produces plenty of power. A 330-hp twin-turbo V-6 motor is available for individuals who want a sportier driving experience.

Offering the choice of two or four doors, softtops or hardtops, and detachable body panels, the Bronco presents comparable open-air capabilities that have made the Wrangler a favorite among outdoor enthusiasts. Additionally, the Ford model incorporates several interior advancements not found in the Jeep. For instance, the Bronco features a built-in rack on top of the dashboard, designed for convenient mounting of smartphones and GoPros. Furthermore, it boasts frameless doors that are simple to remove, enhancing the overall outdoor experience.