Ford is recalling thousands of Ranger and Bronco vehicles due to a dangerous seat bolt defect. See if your truck is affected and how to get it fixed.
Ford Motor Company has issued a significant safety recall affecting over 179,000 vehicles in the U.S. market. The recall focuses on a critical manufacturing flaw in the front seats of the popular Ford Ranger and Ford Bronco models, which could compromise passenger safety during a collision.
The Scope of the Recall
According to a report submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) on April 30, the recall impacts the following vehicles:
- Ford Ranger: 62,255 units
- Ford Bronco: 117,443 units
The affected vehicles are those produced within the production window of November 1, 2024, to October 1, 2025. Owners are encouraged to check their VINs to see if their vehicle falls within this range.
The Defect: Why Your Seat Could Be Unsafe
The core issue lies within the bolts used to secure the pivot axis for the front seat height adjustment. Ford has discovered that these bolts may loosen over time and eventually detach from the pivot joint.
If the bolts fail, the overall structural integrity of the seat is compromised. In the event of a sudden stop or a vehicle collision, the seat may not provide the necessary support, significantly increasing the risk of severe injury to the occupants.
The Root Cause: A Manufacturing Oversight
The problem has been traced back to a quality control error at Magna Seating, a supplier based in Canada. Investigations revealed that technicians performed torque checks on the bolts before the adhesive thread patch had fully dried.
By tightening the bolts prematurely, the adhesive bond was disrupted. This left the bolts susceptible to loosening due to the natural vibrations experienced during normal driving conditions.
Warning Signs: What Owners Should Look For
While Ford has not yet received any reports of accidents or injuries related to this defect, they have recorded over 60 warranty claims. Owners should stay alert for the following warning signs:
- A feeling of instability or “looseness” when sitting in the front seat.
- Unusual creaking, popping, or rattling sounds coming from beneath the seat.
The Solution: How Ford is Fixing the Issue
Ford is acting quickly to rectify the situation. The manufacturer will remove the front seats to conduct a thorough inspection of all adjustment bolts. Any bolts found to be below the required safety standards will be replaced immediately at no cost to the owner.
A String of Recent Recalls
This is not the first time the Ranger has faced scrutiny recently. In late April, Ford recalled approximately 140,201 Ford Ranger models (2024-2026) due to a potential electrical short in the sun visor, which posed a risk of vehicle fire.
Drivers are advised to contact their local Ford dealership or visit the official NHTSA website to schedule their safety inspections and ensure their vehicles are road-ready.