Ford Bronco Sport and Maverick Control Arm Recall: What Buyers Should Do
This is the hard-stop recall in the current watch list. If the exact VIN is open, do not treat it as a normal paperwork delay.
Reported
May 27, 2026
Affected
4,653
Campaign
Ford 26S36
Component
Front suspension lower control arm ball joint
Official campaign
What NHTSA says is affected.
MotorRank is not the official VIN source. Use this page to turn the campaign into a purchase decision, then verify the exact VIN at NHTSA and the manufacturer.
Affected vehicles
- 2021-2026 Ford Bronco Sport
- 2022-2026 Ford Maverick
Quick facts
- Affected count
- 4,653 vehicles
- Campaign
- Ford 26S36
- Repair type
- Dealer inspection and ball-joint repair
- VIN lookup
- Searchable at NHTSA since May 29, 2026
Issue
NHTSA says the front lower control arm ball joints may have been incorrectly installed or repaired at the assembly plant, which can allow the control arm to disconnect from the front wheel knuckle.
Risk
A detached control arm can cause loss of vehicle control and increase crash risk.
Repair
Owners are advised not to drive until the remedy is complete. Dealers inspect and repair the front lower control arm ball joints as needed, free of charge.
Buyer decision
What to do before money changes hands.
You are shopping a Bronco Sport or Maverick with an open VIN
Pause or pick a different unit.
Completed repair order matching the VIN, mileage, and 26S36 campaign.
The dealer says the recall repair is scheduled
Do not sign until the repair is complete.
Written completion record, not just an appointment or parts note.
The VIN is clear at NHTSA
Keep it on the list, but save the lookup record.
NHTSA result plus seller paperwork in the purchase file.
New-car delivery
Do not take delivery of an affected open-recall VIN unless the manufacturer and dealer give safe written instructions for that exact vehicle.
Used-car shopping
Used-car shoppers should require a completed recall repair order, not a promise that the seller will handle it later.
Already own one
Do not keep driving an affected open-recall vehicle. Contact Ford or the selling dealer for towing, mobile service, or written instructions tied to the VIN.
Paperwork
Keep the recall record with the vehicle file.
NHTSA VIN result for the exact 17-character VIN.
Ford 26S36 repair order or dealer completion record.
Towing, mobile-service, or delivery notes if the vehicle was moved before repair.
Final buyer order showing the recall was closed before handoff.
Walkaround
Simple checks before handoff.
Run the VIN through NHTSA and Ford before any test drive or delivery.
Ask the seller whether the vehicle was driven after the notice and before repair.
Confirm the repair status again on delivery day.
Save the completion record with the title, registration, and warranty paperwork.
Questions
Answers before you buy, drive, or schedule service.
Can I test-drive a Bronco Sport or Maverick with this open recall?
If NHTSA shows the exact VIN is open under 26V340000, treat it as a do-not-drive issue until the remedy is complete.
Is this just a paperwork recall?
No. NHTSA describes a front suspension ball-joint issue that can allow the control arm to disconnect from the wheel knuckle.
What should prove the repair was completed?
Ask for a completed repair order showing the VIN, date, mileage, Ford 26S36, and the dealer work performed.
Should a private seller fix this before sale?
Yes. For an open affected VIN, make completion a condition of the deal or walk away.
Sources
Official records to check.
Campaign data can change by VIN. Use these sources to confirm the exact vehicle before buying, driving, or scheduling repair.
Next checks