Preliminary findings show that Ford's BlueCruise hands-free driver assistance feature fails to detect stopped objects at night at freeway speeds.

Ford is recalling more than 270,000 cars across the U.S. after customers reported battery failures that have affected functions including the steering and hazard lights. Models affected by the recall include 2021-2023 Bronco Sport SUVs and 2022-2023 Maverick trucks, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

The government analysis will determine if a safety recall is necessary and could influence driver assistance features across the auto industry.

In a regulatory filing this week, the NHTSA said it has “upgraded” its April 2024 probe into Ford’s (F) BlueCruise, a driver assistance system

Ford Motor Co. is recalling more than 270,000 Broncos and Mavericks due to a power problem that can cause vehicles to stop unexpectedly or fail to start.

In the latest Ford Motor Company recall, the major automaker names almost 275,000 SUVs and pickup trucks for potentially faulty batteries. The 12V batteries aboard certain Ford Maverick compact pickup trucks and Bronco Sport SUVs could fail,

At the center of the inquiry are two crashes that resulted in fatalities, both occurring at night and involving Mach-Es traveling at freeway speeds with BlueCruise engaged. In these cases, the system failed to detect stationary vehicles, leading to deadly collisions.

Ford recalled more than 270,000 vehicles because of a battery issue. Ford recalled 272,817 vehicles due to concerns over battery failure. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said in a notice the recall impacts certain 2021-2023 Bronco Sport and 2022-2023 Maverick pickup trucks.

The NHTSA highlighted that some of the affected vehicles had previously been part of a recall regarding 2021-2023 Ford Bronco Sport SUVs and 2022-2023 Ford Maverick pickups.

Batteries could “suddenly fail” in some recalled Ford cars, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Ford Motor Company recalled some 272,817 cars including the 2021-2023 Bronco Sport and 2022-2023 Maverick.

The number of vehicles in need of inspection and potential repair is 272,817, the NHTSA said, adding: “Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2023 Bronco Sport and 2022-2023 Maverick vehicles. The 12-volt battery may experience degradation and suddenly fail.”