Ford Sets Record for the Most Safety Recalls in a Year

Ford is facing major scrutiny after setting a record for the most recalls by a single manufacturer in one year.

The auto manufacturing giant set a modern auto industry record in 2025 by issuing more than 150 recalls across various models, affecting millions of vehicles.

Some experts have raised concerns about the numbers, calling it a quality-control crisis. But Ford Motor Company officials have attributed the spike to an internal strategy shift aimed at fixing issues before they escalate.

A New Record for Ford Safety Recalls

Ford issued over 150 recalls in 2025. This is a new record by a considerable margin. The previous record was 77 recalls in a calendar year, set by General Motors in 2014.

Between 2020 and 2026, nearly every model in the Ford range has undergone at least one safety recall worldwide.

In total, 16 different Ford models have been subject to recalls. They include the Escape, Explorer, Bronco, Bronco Sport, Edge, Mustang Mach-E, Maverick, F-150, Ranger, F-150 Lightning, Super Duty, and the Expedition.

The Nature of Ford’s Safety Recalls

Recalls can cover a wide range of issues. Some are minor and may include software glitches or issues with non-essential components. But others could be significantly more dangerous if left unaddressed.

Some of the common issues fixed in Ford recalls include:

• Electronic door latch failures: Door latch issues can trap people inside the vehicle, which can be extremely dangerous after an accident.
• Cracked fuel injectors: A damaged fuel injector can cause gasoline leaks and pose fire risks.
• Camera malfunctions: Rearview backup cameras have been showing blank or inverted images, increasing the risk of reversing accidents and parking lot crashes.
• Brake lights and turn signals: Some trucks have experienced electrical issues affecting indicators, especially while towing.
• Battery issues: Any issues involving the battery can cause dangerous vehicle shutdowns.
• Powertrain and braking: Software problems affecting the core functions of the car, such as braking and acceleration, are likely to be particularly dangerous on the road.

The range of issues addressed in Ford safety recalls shows that it is not just an isolated problem but a widespread concern.

Why are There So Many Recalls? Ford’s Response

Critics say that the number of problems identified in recalls suggests significant issues with Ford’s engineering, manufacturing, and quality control processes.

However, Ford says the rise in recalls is a deliberate, strategic approach to identify potential issues and take proactive action.

A statement issued by Ford said: “The increase in recalls reflects our intensive strategy to quickly find and fix hardware and software issues and go the extra mile to help protect customers.

“Ford has more than doubled its team of safety and technical experts in the past two years and significantly increased testing to failure on critical systems in current Ford vehicles, such as powertrains, steering, and braking. Insights from this testing are being incorporated into current production.”

It remains to be seen whether this apparent shift in strategy will have the intended impact on overall safety that Ford expects.

The Vehicle Recall Process

There are several different types of vehicle recalls. They are:

• Voluntary manufacturer recalls: Voluntary recalls are when the vehicle manufacturer issues a recall for a relatively minor fault. The vehicle owner will be alerted of the issue and advised of the remedy if and when they want to have it seen to.
• Mandatory manufacturer recalls: A mandatory recall is when the automaker becomes aware of a serious issue that poses an unreasonable safety risk or fails to meet federal standards. Once the manufacturer is aware of the issue, they are legally required to notify vehicle owners and fix the issue at no cost.
• NHTSA recall: If a serious safety issue is discovered and the auto manufacturer fails to do anything about it, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration can step in. NHTSA is a federal watchdog agency and has the power to investigate concerns and order action when required.

The Ford recalls in recent years have all been voluntary manufacturer recalls, initiated proactively by Ford Motor Company.

The Importance of Auto Defect Attorneys

Auto defect lawyers are extremely important in holding vehicle manufacturers accountable.

There have been many examples of potentially dangerous defects from many different manufacturers, including steering and braking failures, airbag malfunctions, and electrical fires. These are usually caused by design, manufacturing, or testing failures by the carmaker or by third-party component suppliers.

When those defects cause injuries, the victims can work with experienced auto defect attorneys to file lawsuits against the at-fault parties.

Working with a top-rated auto defect attorney allows injury victims to recover compensation for their medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. But it also helps force auto manufacturers to fix dangerous issues and adopt safer designs and processes going forward.