Ford Issues Major Recall for 2025–2026 Bronco and Bronco Sport Models
Ford recalls Bronco Sport and Bronco SUVs in one of its largest safety actions of 2025, citing a critical issue with the instrument panel that may fail to display necessary safety information. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the recall covers more than 200,000 vehicles across the 2025 and 2026 model years.
The Ford Bronco recall instrument panel defect involves a malfunction where the digital display can fail to illuminate at startup, potentially leaving drivers without essential information such as speed, warning lights, or system alerts. This increases the risk of an accident, though Ford reports no known injuries or crashes related to the defect so far.
Details of the Ford Bronco Recall Instrument Panel Issue
The Ford recalls Bronco Sport action includes approximately 128,607 Bronco Sport models and 101,002 Ford Bronco SUVs built between 2025 and 2026. Both models are among Ford’s most popular sport utility vehicles, combining off-road capabilities with modern digital instrumentation. However, this digital advancement has now triggered a safety concern affecting thousands of owners.
The instrument panel failure can occur when the system’s software fails to boot properly during vehicle startup. As a result, the display remains blank, preventing drivers from viewing critical indicators like oil pressure, engine temperature, or the speedometer.
Ford’s investigation determined that the problem stemmed from a software glitch in the vehicle’s control module. Engineers have developed a fix involving a software update that restores normal display function.
NHTSA Recall Number and Notification Process
The recall, registered under NHTSA campaign number 25V540, will officially begin notifications on December 8, 2025. Ford stated that affected owners will receive mailed notices with detailed instructions. Drivers can then visit any authorized Ford or Lincoln dealership to have the instrument panel software updated free of charge.
Consumers concerned about their vehicles can also visit the NHTSA recall lookup tool online or contact Ford customer service for verification. The automaker has assured that the update process is quick and will prevent future occurrences of the display issue.
Ford’s Response and Safety Commitment
Ford emphasized that the company is taking proactive measures to ensure the safety and satisfaction of its customers. In an official statement, the automaker said that while no crashes or injuries have been reported, it is acting “out of an abundance of caution.”
This isn’t the first time the brand has faced such challenges. Over the past few years, Ford has conducted multiple recalls related to electronic and safety system malfunctions, reflecting both the complexity of modern vehicle technology and the company’s commitment to transparency.
By addressing the Ford Bronco recall instrument panel issue promptly, Ford aims to maintain customer confidence and uphold safety standards set by federal regulators.
What Owners Should Do Next
Owners of Ford Bronco Sport and Bronco models should monitor their mail for official recall notices starting in early December. Until the repair is completed, drivers are encouraged to remain attentive to any display issues during startup. If the instrument panel fails to light up, Ford recommends restarting the vehicle and contacting a dealership immediately.
As with all recalls, repairs will be completed at no cost to the customer.
Broader Implications for Vehicle Software Safety
The Ford recalls Bronco Sport announcement highlights the growing role of software reliability in modern vehicle safety. As digital dashboards become more common, software integrity is increasingly critical to preventing operational failures.
Industry experts note that this recall underscores the importance of over-the-air software management and real-time diagnostics—technologies that could allow automakers to fix such issues remotely in the future.
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