Ford Issues Major Recall and Rare 'Do Not Drive' Warning for Hundreds of Thousands of Vehicles
If you’re a Ford owner, you may want to take a few minutes to check your mail, email, and vehicle identification numbers (VINs) this week.
The automaker is dealing with two separate safety actions that, together, affect hundreds of thousands of vehicles across the United States.
One involves a Ford seat belt recall affecting nearly 420,000 Ford Expedition and Lincoln Navigator SUVs.
The other is a rare “Do Not Drive” warning involving certain Bronco Sport and Maverick models that could pose an immediate safety concern.
Nearly 420,000 SUVs Are Included in a Ford Seat Belt Recall
The larger action affects approximately 420,000 vehicles.
According to Ford and federal safety regulators, some front seat belt retractors may unexpectedly lock, making it difficult for the belt to extend or retract properly.
The recall includes certain:
2018 - 2022 Ford Expedition models
2018 - 2022 Lincoln Navigator models
The issue may sound minor at first, but seat belts are designed to move smoothly while still protecting the occupants in a collision. If the retractor doesn't function properly, the restraint system may not perform as intended.
This Lincoln Navigator recall and Expedition recall are expanding on previous investigations that involved similar seat belt concerns.
A Separate Ford Do Not Drive Warning Is Drawing Attention
At the same time, Ford has issued a much stronger warning for a smaller group of vehicles.
The company is advising owners of:
2021 - 2026 Ford Bronco Sport models
2022 - 2023 Ford Maverick models
not to drive their vehicles until the repairs have been completed.
Unlike the seat belt recall, this issue involves the 12-volt battery.
Ford says that some of the batteries may experience internal manufacturing defects that can suddenly fail while the vehicle is being driven. In certain situations, that could result in a loss of electrical power, increasing the risk of a crash.
Because of the potential safety implications, Ford has elevated the action to a formal “Do Not Drive” warning, one of the strongest advisories an automaker can make.
What Bronco Sport and Maverick Owners Should Know
The Bronco Sport recall only represents a portion of the overall production. Ford says anyone whose vehicle is involved will receive direct notification, and dealers will inspect and replace affected batteries free of charge.
The company is also working to provide mobile repairs in certain situations, helping people avoid the inconvenience of transporting their vehicles themselves.
If you receive a “Do Not Drive” notice, Ford is asking you to immediately follow the instructions and schedule a service appointment as soon as possible.
How to Check If Your Vehicle Is Affected
The easiest way to see whether your vehicle is included in either action is to check its VIN on Ford's recall website or the NHTSA database.
Not every Expedition, Navigator, Bronco Sport, or Maverick is affected. That's why checking the VIN is more reliable than assuming your vehicle is part of the recall, based solely on its model year.
Before You Drive, Check Your Ford Recall 2026 Status
Vehicle recalls happen every year, but it's relatively uncommon to see a large recall and a “Do Not Drive” advisory generating headlines at the same time.
For Ford owners, the takeaway is fairly straightforward. If you drive one of the affected vehicles, take a few minutes to see if your VIN is included.
Most recall repairs will be completed free of charge, and addressing them right away will help you make sure the safety systems you rely on every day continue to work as intended.
Curious for more stories that keep you informed and entertained? From the latest headlines to everyday insights, YourLifeBuzz has more to explore. Dive into what’s next.