Ford Recalls Nearly 420,000 SUVs While Issuing a Separate Do-Not-Drive Warning
If you drive a Ford SUV, now may be a good time to check your VIN.
Ford 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 Expeditions and Navigators. The other is a smaller but more urgent "Do Not Drive" warning involving certain Bronco Sport and Maverick models.
Nearly 420,000 SUVs Are Included in a Ford Seat Belt Recall
The larger recall affects nearly 420,000 vehicles.
According to Ford and federal safety regulators, some front seat belt retractors may lock unexpectedly, making it difficult for the belts to extend or retract properly.
The recall includes certain:
2018 - 2022 Ford Expedition models
2018 - 2022 Lincoln Navigator models
The issue involves the seat belt pretensioner system. If the retractor locks and doesn't function as intended, occupants could face a greater risk of injury during a crash.
This latest action expands on previous investigations involving similar concerns and includes vehicles that may have already received earlier recall repairs.
A Separate Ford Do Not Drive Warning Is Drawing Attention
At the same time, Ford has issued a much stronger warning for a much smaller group of vehicles.
The company is advising owners of certain:
2021-2026 Ford Bronco Sport models
2022-2026 Ford Maverick models
not to drive their vehicles until repairs have been completed.
Unlike the seat belt recall, this issue involves the front suspension system. Ford says some front lower control arm ball joints may have been improperly installed or repaired.
If the component separates from the wheel assembly, drivers could lose control of the vehicle. That makes this Bronco Sport recall particularly urgent, even if it affects fewer vehicles overall.
What Ford Owners Should Do Next
Ford dealers will inspect and repair any affected vehicles free of charge.
For the SUV recall, dealers will inspect and replace faulty seat belt retractors where necessary. Owners of the affected Expedition and Lincoln Navigator recall will receive notification letters explaining the repair process.
For the Bronco Sport and Maverick recall, Ford is urging affected owners not to drive the vehicle until it’s been inspected and repaired.
In some situations, Ford may help arrange transportation or towing to a dealership.
Before You Head Out, Check Your VIN
Not every vehicle from the affected model years is included.
That's why the easiest way to determine whether your vehicle is involved in this Ford recall in 2026 is to check your VIN through Ford's recall website or the NHTSA recall database.
Vehicle recalls happen every year, but it's not often that a major recall and a do-not-drive advisory arrive at the same time.
A quick VIN check today could save you a much bigger headache tomorrow.
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