Recall 23V283 affects 1,434 2023 Ford Ranger and Bronco vehicles for loose driver-side lug nuts. Do not drive. Free repair at any franchised Ford dealer.
Loose lug nuts can let a wheel detach while driving, increasing the risk of a crash. Vibration or noise while driving is a warning sign. Do not drive the vehicle until the dealer inspects the lug nuts and retightens them if needed. Repair is free at any franchised Ford dealer.
Ford is recalling 1,434 2023 Ranger and Bronco vehicles under recall 23V283 because the lug nuts on the driver's side wheels were improperly tightened. Loose lug nuts can let a wheel detach while driving, increasing crash risk. Do not drive an affected vehicle until a Ford dealer inspects and tightens the lug nuts free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The lug nuts on a 2023 Ford Ranger or Bronco fasten each wheel to the hub. When they are tightened to the correct specification, they clamp the wheel in place so it stays centered and secure while the truck carries weight, turns, and brakes.
On affected vehicles, the problem is on the driver's side wheels. Ford traced the issue to an assembly process error during a manual backup tightening process, when the automated tool for the left side was out of service. The left front and left rear wheel lug nuts were not tightened to specification, so normal driving loads can loosen the wheel instead of keeping it firmly clamped.
If the lug nuts loosen, the driver can feel vibration or hear noise while driving. Those are warning signs that the wheel is no longer being held as designed. If the condition continues, the wheel can detach from the vehicle.
Who's affected?
Covers both the Ranger and Bronco from the 2023 model year, with the same wheel fastener involved in each scope.
| 2023 Ford Ranger | wheel fastener (lug, nut, bolt, or stud) |
|---|---|
| 2023 Ford Bronco | wheel fastener (lug, nut, bolt, or stud) |
| Units affected | 1,434 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged 4 field incidents to date. |
A matching year and model does not guarantee inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether this recall applies to your specific vehicle.
What's the safety risk?
Loose lug nuts can let a wheel detach while driving, increasing the risk of a crash. Vibration or noise while driving is a warning sign. Do not drive the vehicle until the dealer inspects the lug nuts and retightens them if needed. Repair is free at any franchised Ford dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2023 Ford Ranger or Bronco is included in this recall.
- Do not drive the vehicle until a Ford dealer completes the lug-nut inspection and repair.
- Arrange a tow if the vehicle has to be moved to the dealer; do not drive it there yourself.
- Contact a franchised Ford dealer to schedule the free lug-nut inspection and retightening that secures the driver-side wheels.
- Bring the recall notice if Ford mailed one. If not, reference recall number 23V283 and Ford recall 23S17 when you call.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Ford technician inspects the driver's side wheel lug nuts and retightens them if needed. The recall repair is free, with parts and labor covered by Ford. Because Ford says owners should not drive until the remedy is completed, arrange towing or ask the dealer how to move the vehicle safely. Ford's reimbursement plan covers documented owner-paid remedies completed before the recall notice, with eligibility estimated to end May 19, 2023. Bring prior repair paperwork when you speak with the service desk.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| April 20, 2023 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| April 20, 2023 | Dealer notification began |
| April 20, 2023 | Dealer notification ended |
| May 1, 2023 | VIN-searchable in NHTSA's database — Check your VIN to see whether this recall applies to your specific vehicle. |
| May 1, 2023 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
| May 2, 2023 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 23V283?
Recall 23V283 covers 1,434 2023 Ford Ranger and Bronco vehicles with driver-side wheel lug nuts that need inspection for improper tightening. Loose lug nuts can result in wheel detachment while driving, increasing crash risk. Do not drive the vehicle until Ford completes the free remedy.
What should I do if my 2023 Ford Ranger or Bronco is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific vehicle is included in recall 23V283. If it is included, do not drive it. Contact a franchised Ford dealer for the lug nut inspection and, if needed, retightening. Reference Ford recall number 23S17 when you call.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to complete the recall remedy at no cost. Ford dealers will inspect the driver-side wheel lug nuts and retighten them if needed, free of charge.
What does "Do not drive" mean for this Ford recall?
Do not drive the vehicle until the dealer completes the lug nut inspection and remedy. This includes short trips. Loose lug nuts can lead to wheel detachment while driving, so ask the Ford dealer how the vehicle should be moved for service.
When did Ford notify owners about recall 23V283?
Ford mailed owner notification letters on May 2, 2023. If you never received a letter, the VIN still decides whether your 2023 Ranger or Bronco is included. You can also call Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332 and reference recall 23S17.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/23V283000 |
|---|---|
| Ford customer service | 1-866-436-7332 |
| NHTSA recall # | 23V283 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 23V283000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Misc. Document (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Recall Report (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on May 20, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →