Back in February 2024, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) opened an investigation into select 2021-2023 Ford Bronco Sport and 2022-2023 Ford Maverick models after receiving dozens of complaints pertaining to a “loss of engine power accompanied by complete electrical system failure.” FoMoCo proceeded to issue a recall addressing this problem in April, pertaining to 456,565 models in total, which prompted the NHTSA to close its investigation – though additional complaints motivated it to take another look into the matter.
Now, the NHTSA has closed its investigation into 12-volt battery issues with the Ford Bronco Sport and Maverick yet again, after The Blue Oval issued a second recall earlier this year to address concerns that its original fix – a software update – wasn’t actually rectifying the battery woes. This newer recall instructed dealers to replace the existing 12-volt battery with an AGM unit, a move that came after the automaker determined that the original battery – sourced from a supplier called Camel – contained internal manufacturing defects that could cause a loss of power.
Ford’s investigation also determined that its software updates were unable to detect battery failures quickly enough to prevent this loss of power from occurring, too. Customers with vehicles equipped with a different 12-volt battery – from a supplier called Clarios – weren’t experiencing these types of issues when the first recall rolled out either, but Ford later determined that those units were exhibiting the same failure mode as batteries from Camel.
Regardless, given the fact that Ford addressed these concerns with its second, expanded recall for impacted Ford Bronco Sport and Maverick models, the NHTSA has opted to close its investigation into the matter. As is always the case, however, it will continue to monitor the situation, and reserves the right to reopen its query if future circumstances dictate such a move. In the meantime, Ford is still facing a lawsuit claiming that its fix for this particular issue is “wholly inadequate,” devalues the vehicles, and causes a “cognizable risk.”
Only two models beat it out this time around.
Another pony car diecast model to add to the collection.
Shoppers rushed out to buy EVs before the tax credit expired.
Due to high costs and a lack of infrastructure.
The plant has been shuttered for years, and may remain that way.
The supplier apparently owes it some money.
