The Bronco's Badlands and Sasquatch setups are a big part of why people buy these things. Those Bilstein shocks with piggyback reservoirs soak up trails beautifully. The catch: on a lot of 2021-2024 trucks, the joint between the reservoir and the shock body can corrode. Give it enough salt and mud, and the reservoir can let go.
Is my Bronco included?
Per Ford's recall filing with NHTSA:
- Years: 2021-2024 Bronco, two-door and four-door
- Packages: Badlands (with Capable Suspension) and Sasquatch
- Part: Bilstein long flange rear shock absorbers, built September 23, 2020 to July 23, 2024
- Not included: The Fox shocks on the Bronco Raptor, according to TFLcar's report on the recall
Ford says these Broncos weren't built in VIN order, so don't guess from your build date. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or call Ford at 1-866-436-7332. Ford changed to a short flange design in production. TFLcar reports Badlands built after May 1, 2024 and Sasquatch built after July 23, 2024 have the fix from the factory.
Warning signs
| What you notice | What it might mean |
|---|---|
| Rear end feels floaty or bouncy over bumps | Shock has lost fluid or damping |
| Oily wetness on the shock or near the rear tires | Fluid leaking at the reservoir weld |
| Clunk or rattle from the rear | Reservoir loose or separating |
| Crusty corrosion where the reservoir attaches | Early stage of the problem |
Ford knew of no crashes or injuries tied to this recall. TFLcar reported that as of December 2024 Ford had 551 warranty claims, and estimated about 30% of the recalled population has the condition.
What the dealer does (free)
1. Inspects both rear shocks.
2. If they pass: applies a corrosion-inhibiting sealant and installs a shield on each side.
3. If either fails: replaces both rear shocks, in some cases with the newer short flange design.
Owners who already paid out of pocket for this repair may be reimbursed under Ford's plan on file with NHTSA. Keep your invoice and ask the dealer or Ford customer service how to submit it.
Easy checks you can do at home
- Look, don't lift. With the Bronco parked on level ground, shine a flashlight at the rear shocks behind the tires. You're looking for wetness, rust bubbling at the reservoir mount and anything hanging loose.
- Do the bounce test. Push down hard on a rear corner and let go. It should settle in about one rebound. Multiple bounces suggest a weak shock.
- Rinse after salt and mud. Washing the underside regularly won't fix a bad shock, but corrosion is the root cause here, so it can't hurt.
What it costs
| Situation | Who pays |
|---|---|
| Covered Bronco, inspection and seal or shield | $0 at a Ford dealer |
| Covered Bronco, failed shocks | $0, both rear shocks replaced |
| You already replaced them | Possible reimbursement, submit your receipt |
| Bronco Raptor or non-covered trim with worn shocks | Normal repair cost, get a written quote for parts and labor |
What to ask the dealer
- "Is my VIN covered by 25S01?"
- "Did my shocks pass or fail inspection? Can I see them?"
- "If you replaced them, did I get the short flange design?"
- "How do I file for reimbursement for shocks I already bought?"
- "Are there any other open recalls on my Bronco?"
Is it worth fixing?
It's free, so yes, without question. Even if your shocks look fine today, the sealant and shield treatment is meant to keep the corrosion from starting. Book it, especially if you live where roads get salted or you off-road a lot.
More Bronco help is on the Ford Bronco page. Windshield trouble too? See our Bronco windshield cost guide. Recall details checked October 14, 2026.
