Consumer Alert: Ford Recalls 2021-2022 Ford Bronco Sport and Escape SUVs

U.S. Virgin Islands Department of Licensing & Consumer Affairs (logo)

The Virgin Islands Department of Licensing and Consumer Affairs (DLCA) informs the public of a recall announcement on certain 2021-2022 Bronco Sport and Escape SUV vehicles because of a potential reduction in the vehicles’ power brake performance related to the rear brake lining.

According to Ford, the rear brake linings may have been manufactured incorrectly, which can affect braking performance. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 135, ‘Light Vehicle Brake Systems.’ During certain situations, the driver may have to apply more brake pedal force, and the distance required to stop the vehicle may be extended, increasing the risk of a crash. Ford said it is not aware of any accidents or injuries caused by this issue. A potential number of 115,000 vehicles are affected.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has identified the cause as the friction coefficient of the rear brake-caliper linings being below specification. A NHTSA chronology explains that the agency conducted a stopping-distance test compliance audit on the 2021 Bronco Sport. It found that it took almost 192 meters (630 feet) to stop when the brake power assist unit was inoperative, compared with the federally regulated distance of 168 meters (551 feet).

Ford told the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration that its internal certification tests from December 2018 resulted in a stopping distance of just under 150 meters (492 feet). When Ford re-tested a vehicle under the same circumstances, it found that it took almost 178 meters (584 feet) to stop.

Owner notification letters were expected to be mailed Jan. 10, 2022.

For more information on the vehicles that are subject to recall, contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford’s number for this recall is 21C31.

The Department of Licensing and Consumer Affairs encourages all consumers to routinely check the NHTSA website for any recalls that may affect the safe operations of their motor vehicle. This can be done at https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls.