Ford has announced a recall of the 2023 Bronco and Ranger due to an issue with the driver’s side lug nuts, Autoblog reports.
The recall applies to Broncos and Rangers manufactured between February 9 and February 13, 2023, and affects 992 Broncos and 442 Rangers; 1,434 vehicles total. Ford estimates that 19% of the vehicles recalled were affected by the issue.
The root of the recall is improperly torqued lug nuts on the driver’s side. Investigators determined based on plant records that the issue is a result of the automated tool used to tighten lug nuts undergoing maintenance at the time. A “manual backup process” was used in the meantime, while the passenger side lug nuts were still tightened by a machine.
Ford has not reported any injuries or accidents, though a field report was received of an incident where a wheel detached and made contact with another vehicle.
The solution to the issue will be to have either a mobile repair appointment made or to arrange for a dealership to pick up the vehicle. Ford has discouraged drivers from operating recalled vehicles until they are inspected and will send letters to affected owners starting in May.
