This isn’t so much about the two Bronco Sport recalls this week, so much as it is more about Ford’s habitual product launch problems. Where do we begin? The most glaring is the Explorer launch last year that required transporters taking boinked Explorers from the Chicago plant to a side assembly line at Flat Rock, Michigan, where Mustangs are assembled. There they were fixed before being delivered to dealers. 

It was like Ford was recalling Explorers from its own factory

All of that shuffling from one plant to the next must have cost Ford lots of cha-cha. It definitely cost it credibility as it continues the failures of getting the first new products out the door successfully. Those remedial jaunts from Chi-town to Flat Rock are over 250 miles one way. It was like Ford was recalling Explorers from its own factory. And empty lots around Detroit’s Metro airport were clogged with Explorers either waiting to be fixed or waiting to be shipped out after the fix. 

Now we have Ford’s crown jewel-the F-150, with problems keeping its windshields attached. They keep popping out. So earlier this week Ford issued a recall of almost 80,000 2020 and 2021 F-150s. Recalls are never good but in the case of it happening to the F-150, it’s unacceptable. 

It is unacceptable issuing two recalls in the same week for Ford’s newest product

Just as it is unacceptable having to issue two recalls in the same week for Ford’s newest product; the Bronco Sport. Ford’s launch failures and glitches are becoming common and expected unless you’re the owner. Then it is unacceptable and puts a big question mark on what Ford does or doesn’t do that keeps it from having a smooth, uneventful launch?

Faulty rear suspensions were the first Bronco Sport recall this week. Suspension modules may not be attached to the subframe. Just what Ford needs; images online of the rear suspension to a brand new Bronco Sport laying a few hundred yards behind the rest of the now disabled SUV. So far that hasn’t happened, and Ford says it is not aware of any injuries associated with the issue. 

The second recall this week involves using the wrong front lower control arms on certain Bronco Sport models. Depending on how affected Bronco Sports are loaded they can be at risk of a rollover crash, according to Ford. So it starts the week with rear suspension issues and ends the week with front suspension issues. Sort of like putting the bow on a Christmas package. It makes it all complete. 

Bronco Sport is on its way to matching the Explorer’s record of 10 recalls in its first year of production

So far the Bronco Sport is on its way to matching the Explorer’s record of 10 recalls in its first year of production. At this rate, the Bronco Sport will match the Explorer before the end of March. And we still don’t know what is lurking around the corner for the Mustang Mach-E or the yet-to-be-produced Bronco? We wonder what the record is for the most recalls by a single auto manufacturer in a given year?   

Maybe there should just be a blanket recall for all new Ford launch products. Sort of like a destination charge-the customer doesn’t want to have to pay for it, but can’t get their new Ford until it’s paid.