Ford Recall Count SHATTERS Industry Record!

Ford Motor Company has issued a record-breaking 88 recalls in the first half of 2025 alone—more than any automaker has ever recorded in a full year—leaving regulators, dealers, and millions of vehicle owners scrambling for answers and repairs.

At a Glance

• Ford issued 88 safety recalls from January to June 2025, an all-time record for a single automaker.
• Over 5.6 million vehicles have been affected since January 2024, including major trucks and EVs.
• Key defects include fuel pump failures and door latch malfunctions that could trap passengers.
• Dealerships report serious backlogs; customers face long waits and mounting frustration.
• Ford says the recalls reflect a “proactive” approach to safety oversight.

Ford’s Recall Frenzy Crushes Industry Records

According to the Wall Street Journal, Ford initiated an unprecedented 88 separate recall campaigns during the first six months of 2025—more than any competitor has logged in a full year. The automaker attributes the surge to an internal quality audit emphasizing software and electronic systems, though several major hardware failures are also under scrutiny.

Among the most severe recalls, Ford flagged over 850,000 vehicles—including the F-150, Explorer, Bronco, and Navigator—for potential fuel pump defects that could cause engine stalling and increase crash risk (AP News). Separately, nearly 200,000 Mustang Mach-E EVs were recalled for a battery-related door latch issue that could trap occupants inside the vehicle when power drops (AP News).

Watch a report: Ford Recall Crisis Deepens in 2025

Ford officials say the recalls demonstrate enhanced transparency and a faster response to potential hazards, especially those involving over-the-air software fixes. But customers and auto experts aren’t convinced. Many drivers are now contending with multiple notices, dealership delays, and inconsistent communication about when repairs will actually be available.

Dealers and Drivers Left Holding the Bag

Ford dealerships nationwide report overloaded service bays and scheduling bottlenecks, with technicians struggling to balance recall repairs against normal maintenance and new vehicle prep. Customers are increasingly frustrated—some with vehicles under 5,000 miles receiving multiple recall letters before their first oil change.

Warranty claims and part shortages are compounding the issue. In some cases, owners have been told they must wait months for parts to address safety-critical issues. The strain is particularly acute in areas where popular models like the F-150 dominate the roads and dealer capacity is limited.

While Ford has publicly tied executive compensation to “quality initiatives,” as noted in Jalopnik, some critics say that alone isn’t enough to restore confidence. The automaker’s recall performance is not only affecting sales—it’s fueling skepticism about whether Ford can maintain product reliability while accelerating its shift to electric and software-based vehicles.

Industry “Transparency” or Outright Dysfunction?

Auto industry analysts agree that software-driven recalls are likely to increase across all manufacturers—but Ford’s numbers stand out. Experts warn that the company may be dealing with deeper structural challenges, especially as it ramps up complex new models amid ongoing supply chain disruptions and EV competition.

So far, Ford’s defenders have framed the recall blitz as a sign of safety leadership. But with over 5.6 million vehicles affected since January 2024 and the total recall count on track to exceed 128 by year-end, many are questioning whether this is transparency—or a breakdown in basic engineering standards.

As the crisis unfolds, Ford’s brand faces mounting pressure. The outcome could reshape not only its customer base but broader consumer expectations for quality and accountability in a rapidly changing auto landscape.