Ford Issues Recall on Nearly 288,000 Vehicles Over Roof Rail Concerns

Ford Motor Company is recalling roughly 288,000 vehicles in the United States after discovering that the roof rails could detach while driving. The recall affects certain models including the 2021-2024 Bronco Sport and the 2022-2023 Maverick, where the roof rail covers may lose adhesion and separate from the vehicle.

According to documents filed with federal safety regulators, the issue stems from a manufacturing problem that can cause the trim to loosen over time, posing a potential hazard to other drivers if the parts fall off on the road.

The company says it has received a small number of reports related to this defect, but no injuries or crashes have been linked to the problem so far. Ford dealers will inspect the affected vehicles and, if necessary, replace the roof rail covers free of charge. Owners can expect notification letters starting in early April, and they can also check their vehicle's eligibility using Ford's online recall lookup tool.

The automaker is advising drivers who notice loose trim to contact their dealer immediately.

This marks the latest in a series of recalls for Ford, which has been proactive in addressing quality issues across its lineup. While the recall is not tied to any major safety incidents, the company emphasizes that it takes all potential risks seriously. For now, owners of the affected models should watch for official mail and schedule a service appointment at their local dealership.

The repair process is expected to take under an hour, and Ford says it will reimburse owners who have already paid for related repairs out of pocket.