Ford Recalls Over 4 Million Vehicles for Multiple Safety Defects, Including Explorer, F-250, Lincoln Navigator, and More

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Dearborn, MI – Ford Motor Company is initiating several recalls affecting millions of vehicles across various models due to multiple safety concerns, according to reports submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). The recalls address issues ranging from potential brake failure and fire risks to critical lighting and trailer braking system malfunctions.

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One significant recall impacts approximately 15,965 Ford Transit vehicles manufactured between January 21, 2025, and April 25, 2025. These vehicles may have been assembled without a cotter pin that secures the brake booster pushrod to the brake pedal. If this pin is missing, the pushrod could separate from the pedal, leading to a loss of braking function while driving and increasing the risk of a crash. Owners of these vehicles are advised not to drive them and to park them outside until the issue is addressed. Ford will inspect and repair the brake booster assembly free of charge.

Additionally, two plug-in hybrid models are being recalled due to potential issues with their high-voltage battery cells. Approximately 7,345 Lincoln Corsair PHEVs produced between August 1, 2023, and June 16, 2025, and 17,345 Ford Escape PHEVs produced between August 4, 2023, and July 17, 2025, are affected. These vehicles may experience internal short-circuiting of the high-voltage battery cells. This could lead to a shutdown of the vehicle’s propulsion system, increasing the risk of a crash, or potentially cause battery thermal venting and a vehicle fire. As an interim measure, owners are instructed to limit their vehicle’s maximum state of charge to 80% and to use only “Auto EV” mode until the remedy is available. The remedy, which involves a software update, is still under development.

A substantial recall involves approximately 412,774 Ford Explorer vehicles manufactured between May 16, 2017, and March 3, 2019. These vehicles may have rear suspension toe links that can fracture. This fracture can diminish steering control, increasing the risk of a crash. Drivers may notice a clunking noise, unusual handling, or a misaligned rear wheel if this issue occurs. Ford will replace the toe links with a revised, stronger design at no cost to the owner. Owners are advised not to drive these vehicles until the repair is completed.

The largest recall by volume affects over 4.3 million Ford and Lincoln vehicles equipped with an Integrated Trailer Module (ITRM). This includes various models such as the 2022-2026 Ford F-250 SD, 2026 Ford E-Transit, 2022-2026 Lincoln Navigator, 2022-2026 Ford Expedition, 2022-2026 Ford Maverick, 2024-2026 Ford Ranger, and 2021-2026 Ford F-150. The ITRM may lose communication with the vehicle, which, when a trailer is connected, can result in the loss of trailer stop lamps and turn signal indicators, and for some configurations, the loss of trailer braking function. This affects compliance with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 108. The remedy involves a software update to the ITRM, which will be deployed over-the-air starting in May 2026, or can be performed by a dealer. Owners may see a “Trailer brake module fault” message on the instrument panel, and the turn signal telltale may flash rapidly.

Ford will begin notifying dealers about these recalls on February 18, 2026, for the Transit, Lincoln Corsair PHEV, and Ford Escape PHEV recalls, with owner notifications to follow in early March. Dealer notifications for the Ford Explorer recall are expected on February 25, 2026, with owner notifications beginning March 9. Dealer notifications for the Integrated Trailer Module recall are scheduled for March 17, 2026, with owner notifications starting March 23. The VINs for affected vehicles will be searchable by dealers and owners starting on their respective notification dates. Ford has not indicated any costs to consumers for these repairs.

Owners seeking more information on whether their specific vehicle is affected by these recalls can contact Ford toll-free at 1-866-436-7332 or their local Ford or Lincoln dealer.

Article by Mel Anara, based upon information from Ford Motor Company/NHTSA

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