Ford has initiated a recall affecting around 7,500 units of the Bronco produced during the 2023 and 2024 model years due to a potential issue with the hardtop quarter windows.
This recall, identified as recall number 24V-142 by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), encompasses 7,527 units of the 2023 and 2024 Bronco vehicles manufactured between November 6 and December 6, 2023.
While Ford estimates that about 46% of the recalled vehicles may be affected, it notes that the Heritage Series variant is exempt from this recall due to its unique window attachment mechanism.
The concern arises from the rear quarter windows requiring a specific priming process before installation onto the hardtop surface. Ford has discovered that in some instances, one of the primer layers may have been omitted during the sub-assembly process.
This omission increases the likelihood of the windows loosening and detaching while the vehicle is in motion, posing a safety hazard on the road and potentially leading to accidents. Symptoms such as wind noise, rattling, or water leaks may be noticed by drivers before window detachment.
Ford identified the defect during internal testing conducted on December 4, 2023. Through an X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy analysis and interviews with supplier personnel, the root cause of the issue was determined.
Despite this discovery, Ford has not received any warranty claims, customer complaints, or field reports related to the problem. Furthermore, there have been no reported accidents or injuries resulting from a detached window.
Owners of affected vehicles will receive notification by mail starting April 8, informing them of the recall. They will be instructed to bring their Bronco to an authorized dealership for inspection.
If necessary, technicians will reinstall the hardtop windows according to Ford’s approved service procedure to address the issue and ensure vehicle safety.
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