Ford Broncos Could Roll Away, Automaker Says

Ford is recalling some 5,000 Bronco sport utility vehicles, warning that they could lose power and roll away.

“Loss of motor power while driving or vehicle rollaway can increase the risk of a crash,” Ford recently said in a recall report filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

The recall covers certain Bronco SUVs from model years 2021 to 2025. The vehicles may have had their transmissions misaligned during previous repairs, Ford explained. This could lead to premature wear of the shaft spline, according to the automaker.

“If the splines on the transmission output shaft or transfer case are worn such that they do not have sufficient spline engagement to transfer torque, a driver may experience a loss of motive power or loss of park pawl function,” Ford told NHTSA. “These vehicles may roll in park if the parking brake is not applied.”

The automaker planned to notify owners of recalled SUVs by early May. Bronco drivers can also check the NHTSA website to see if their SUVs are covered by the recall. Ford wants owners of recalled cars to bring their vehicles to authorized service providers for inspection and repair. 

Ford said it is aware of at least 25 warranty claims related to the defect, but no accidents or injuries. The company said drivers should be on the lookout for signs of problems. “Customers may notice a grinding or clunking noise prior to loss of motive power or loss of park pawl function,” Ford said in the recall report. 

Ford Drivers: Know Your California Lemon Law Rights

Ford is the undisputed king of recalls. The automaker has led the industry in safety recalls for several years running and shows no signs of giving up that crown.

The company recently said it is calling back more than 400,000 Explorer SUVs, for example, because of a defect that could cause drivers to lose control. The move came nearly five years after Ford called back some 775,000 Explorers over a similar issue

There is some good news, however, for Ford drivers in California. The California lemon law gives Ford owners and lessors across the state some strong rights and protections. Namely, you do not need to wait for a recall to get a defective or malfunctioning car repaired.

The lemon law requires carmakers to perform a wide range of repairs on vehicles while they are under warranty. It also requires auto manufacturers to buy back (or replace, in some cases) covered vehicles that they are not able or flat-out refuse to fix. That includes compensating the owner for the purchase price, as well as financing fees, rental car costs, and other related expenses.

There is no specific number of repair requests or attempts that must happen before the buyback or replace requirement kicks in. That is one reason why it is important to consult an experienced California lemon law attorney, who will help you understand your rights and take action.

Speak with a California Lemon Law Attorney

If you have been stuck with a defective or malfunctioning vehicle, a California lemon law attorney at Bickel Sannipoli APC can help you fight back.  

Call us at (888) 800-1983 or contact us online to speak with a California lemon law attorney.