Ford Issues Do-Not-Drive Advisory for Certain 2021-2026 Maverick; Owners Urged to Contact Dealerships Immediately (June 1, 2026)

[RetAcct24]

I Checked for this Ball joint do not drive recall compliance on the Ford website. Nothing came up for my VIN. I can't know if this recall is on this website since that website site doesn't include a short summary description of each recall and this Maverick club notice doesn't give a recall number.

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[Cancunbadlands]

Some Hermosillo hombre didn't tighten the nuts.

Benito Camelo was hungover on a Monday shift for sure

 

[Reece @ DI]

I Checked for this Ball joint do not drive recall compliance on the Ford website. Nothing came up for my VIN. I can't know if this recall is on this website since that website site doesn't include a short summary description of each recall and this Maverick club notice doesn't give a recall number.

.... "Customers can determine if their vehicle is included in this recall (26S36) by entering their 17-digit vehicle identification number (VIN) at www.ford.com/support/recalls. Owners may also contact Ford’s Customer Service Center at 1-833-807-3673 for assistance in arranging a tow and repair." .....

 

[Glen Baker LLC]

My 2024 XLT isn't on the list and looks like they are seated properly, but should there be such a big gap in the rubber?

I just took a look at mine from the front. Mine has a gap which I expected because of the flexible bellows type construction. I was curious so I felt and it wasn't split or cracked.

 

[Lone Ridr]

The advisory says visually inspect. The TSB would be helpful. In the meantime, get one wheel off the ground and check the control arm at the ball joint. Grab the arm and tug it in all directions, up, down, sideways. Any movement you have a problem. Sometimes, there is no movement and the ball joint can be bad but any movement is a cause for concern. While you are at it, check the wheel for play. Part of a good oil change procedure. If their visual inspection will find the problem, your eyes should be able to find it. Hope the TSB hits soon. Just had foot surgery so I can't visually check but I'm not on the list.

 

[tom_tucker]

The recall applies to 1% of total Mavericks, so please, if you are unaffected then reply to this thread to confirm your status with everyone.

 

[MattTX]

I just took a look at mine from the front. Mine has a gap which I expected because of the flexible bellows type construction. I was curious so I felt and it wasn't split or cracked.

Yeah I didn't think mine looked cracked, just thought it seems ineffective if these are meant to protect from fluids and debris but have a gap in them.

 

[Nw_adventure]

Benito Camelo was hungover on a Monday shift for sure

Yep he went huge that Sunday night and posted a bunch of Tik/Toks. What a trooper for even considering going in that Monday -

 

[Darthie]

I know who to blame but not sharing

 

[Cancunbadlands]

I know who to blame but not sharing

#saywhat

 

[scharris99]

A Ford employee posted the info on Reddit. The issue is ball joints that are not fully seated in the control arm. The top of the ball joint should sit flush with the top of its mounting location. If the ball joint it recessed, that's a bad one. From the imagery it looked like a bad one down about 1/2" in the hole.

 

[Chops]

AI info fyi…

“In the Ford Maverick (2022+ models, sharing the platform with the Bronco Sport/Escape), the front lower ball joints are integrated into the lower control arm as a single assembly. motortrend.com amazon.com
This is a common modern design for cost, weight, and durability reasons on these compact unibody vehicles. Replacement parts are sold as complete “loaded” lower control arms with the ball joint, bushings, and arm pre-assembled. You typically cannot (and are not meant to) service just the ball joint separately on OEM-style parts. mavericktruckclub.com
Attachment Method
• The ball joint is permanently installed (likely pressed or otherwise factory-assembled) into the control arm during manufacturing of the arm or sub-assembly. It is not typically riveted (as in some older Ford designs) or easily bolted for field service on these models. facebook.com
• The tapered ball joint stud connects to the steering knuckle with a nut (and often a cotter pin or similar retainer). This is the primary connection point that can allow separation if improperly assembled. fordauthority.com
Relation to Recall 26S36
This recall (also affecting some Bronco Sport models) specifically involves the front lower control arm ball joints potentially not assembled correctly at the vehicle assembly plant (or during prior repairs). fromtheroad.ford.com fordauthority.com
• Issue: Incorrect installation could allow the control arm to disconnect from the front wheel knuckle, leading to loss of steering control. fordauthority.com
• Affected: A small number of 2021–2026 Mavericks (part of ~4,653 total vehicles with Bronco Sport).
• Fix: Dealers visually inspect both left and right front lower control arm ball joint assemblies. If out of spec, they replace the affected control arm assembly(ies). This is free, with towing support and a “do not drive” advisory until repaired. motortrend.com
Ford has not publicly detailed the exact assembly error, but it relates to how the ball joint was seated/attached within the control arm or its connection to the knuckle during production.
Practical Notes
• Service/Replacement: If replacing outside the recall (e.g., due to wear), you swap the entire lower control arm. This is straightforward but requires proper torque specs, alignment afterward, and care with the CV axle and other components. Aftermarket arms are widely available as loaded assemblies. mavericktruckclub.com
• Upper Control Arms: These are separate and use more traditional ball joint connections (stud/nut to knuckle), but the recall targets the lower ones.
• Check your VIN on Ford’s recall site or contact a dealer for 26S36 applicability.”

 

[Darryl]

Geez…another problem from Ford

Get your act together Ford

Understood. But it's less than 5,000 Mavericks and Bronco sport models between the years 2022 and now that are even possibly affected. That's a drop in the bucket

 

[Darryl]

I just took a look at mine from the front. Mine has a gap which I expected because of the flexible bellows type construction. I was curious so I felt and it wasn't split or cracked.

It's 4504 affected vehicles out of hundreds of thousands of Mavericks and Bronco sport between 2020 and April 2026. It's safe to say that most vehicles are perfectly safe. Besides, if the ball joint was loose, a person would surely have symptoms by now.

 

[Glen Baker LLC]

It's 4504 affected vehicles out of hundreds of thousands of Mavericks and Bronco sport between 2020 and April 2026. It's safe to say that most vehicles are perfectly safe. Besides, if the ball joint was loose, a person would surely have symptoms by now.

Darryl,
Thank You replying.

Perhaps you can join us at the Hybrid fuel line subject and give us some insight.
https://www.mavericktruckclub.com/forum/threads/hybrid-only-fuel-line-issue.83072/

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