ford tells bronco sport and maverick owners to stop driving right nowFord has issued a "Do Not Drive" warning for more than 4,600 vehicles after finding a suspension defect that could potentially lead to a loss of steering control.According to documents filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), Ford is recalling a total of 4,653 vehicles, including 2,296 Bronco Sports and 2,357 Mavericks.The recall is for select 2021-2026 Ford Bronco Sport SUVs and 2022-2026 Ford Maverick pickups. The affected vehicle population is equipped with front suspension components that may have been improperly assembled. The issue focuses on the front lower control arm ball joint, a critical suspension component that connects the wheel assembly to the vehicle's suspension.ford tells bronco sport and maverick owners to stop driving right nowFord says some vehicles may have ball joints that were incorrectly assembled, while others may have received improper repairs. In affected vehicles, the ball stud may not be fully secured within the steering knuckle.AdvertisementAdvertisementIf that connection loosens or separates, the lower ball joint could detach from the knuckle entirely, potentially resulting in a sudden loss of control. Given the severity of the outcome, Ford is advising owners not to drive affected vehicles until they have been inspected and repaired.Ford says it is not aware of any crashes, injuries, or fatalities related to the defect. The automaker believes the issue would most likely show up early in a vehicle's life, reducing the likelihood that many affected vehicles remain on the road with the condition undetected.Dealers will inspect the front lower control arm ball joints and verify that the connection between the ball joint and steering knuckle has been properly secured. If necessary, technicians will repair and correctly fasten the assembly at no cost to owners.Ford has already notified dealerships about the recall and plans to begin contacting affected customers by June 5.Become an AutoGuide insider. Get the latest from the automotive world first by subscribing to our newsletter here.