“A broken steering gear ball nut retainer can allow balls in the ball nut assembly to displace and wedge,” says the NHTSA’s recall report. “Continued steering wheel movement can further wedge the balls and displace the retainer, resulting in increased steering effort. Should this continue and the balls do not transition back into the return guides, the ball nut may not be able to rotate.”
For drivers operating affected Broncos, an audible grinding noise or increased steering effort are two warning signs. Ford is currently aware of a single warranty claim related to this problem, but there have been no reports of associated accidents or injuries.
Owners will be requested to take in their Bronco to a Ford or Lincoln dealer for steering gear replacement at no cost to them.
The Bronco has not been a beacon of reliability since its launch. Besides the steering wheel lock-up issue highlighted here, the 2023 Bronco has also been recalled for a loose transmission bolt that could result in the vehicle rolling away. The 2022 Bronco, meanwhile, has already amassed six recalls.