Ford Motor Company Issues Multiple Safety Recalls Affecting Several Popular Vehicle Models

Dearborn, MI – Ford Motor Company is initiating several safety recalls impacting a significant number of its vehicles, including the Lincoln Corsair, Ford Escape, Ford Bronco, Ford Explorer, Ford Ranger, Ford Maverick, and Ford Bronco Sport. These recalls address a range of potential defects, from transmission parking issues to problems with the vehicle’s hard top and engine components, according to information submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). The manufacturer is working to notify owners and provide remedies for these issues at no cost to the consumer.

In one of the recalls, approximately 5,397 hybrid electric vehicles, specifically the 2026 Lincoln Corsair and 2026 Ford Escape models, are being recalled due to a potential issue with the Integrated Park Module (IPM). A defect in the IPM could prevent the transmission from locking into Park under certain conditions. This noncompliance with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 114, concerning theft protection, poses a safety risk if the vehicle were to roll when not in Park and the Electronic Park Brake (EPB) is not engaged or has a fault. Warning signs for this condition include no illuminated range position (P not illuminated) and the display of a wrench light and shift system fault message in the instrument panel cluster. The proposed remedy involves a software update to the Secondary On Board Diagnostic Module C (SOBDMC) that will allow the IPM slider to unbind if the condition occurs, enabling Park to be engaged. Owners will be notified by mail, with remedy owner notifications expected to begin by late June 2026. VINs are searchable starting May 15, 2026.

Another significant recall affects approximately 16,200 units of the 2021-2022 Ford Bronco. These vehicles are equipped with 3-door and 5-door Molded-In-Color (MIC) hard tops that may develop delamination or cracking in the exterior skin. In severe cases, this can lead to sections of the outer layer detaching while the vehicle is in motion, creating a road hazard for other drivers and increasing the risk of a crash. The issue stems from unoptimized supplier manufacturing processes and equipment during the production period. Ford will notify owners by mail, and they will be instructed to bring their vehicles to a dealer for inspection and replacement of the hardtops. Replacement tops will be manufactured using updated processes to prevent future adhesion concerns. Owner notifications for this remedy are expected to begin in early November 2026, with VINs searchable from May 12, 2026.

Further recalls address critical engine and chassis components. Approximately 1,536 units of the 2025-2026 Ford Bronco, 2025-2026 Ford Explorer, and 2025-2026 Ford Ranger are being recalled because their 2.3L engines may have improperly installed camshaft roller finger followers. If dislodged, this component can lead to engine failure, resulting in a loss of motive power and an increased risk of crash. Drivers may notice engine ticking or tapping noises, a low volume engine leak, or the illumination of the check engine light. The remedy for this issue is the replacement of the vehicle’s engine long block at no cost to the owner. Interim owner notifications are expected to begin in mid-June 2026, with VINs searchable from May 28, 2026.

Additionally, Ford is recalling 4,653 units of the 2022-2026 Ford Maverick and 2021-2026 Ford Bronco Sport due to issues with the front lower control arm ball joints. These joints may have been improperly assembled or repaired, potentially leading to separation from the knuckle. Such separation could result in a loss of vehicle control while driving, increasing the risk of a crash. Ford is advising owners not to drive these vehicles and to contact a dealer for inspection and repair, which will be performed at no charge. Owners will be contacted by phone and email, with mailed notifications to begin in early June 2026. VINs will be searchable starting May 29, 2026.

Owners of affected vehicles can obtain more specific information about their vehicle’s recall status by contacting Ford’s toll-free line at 1-866-436-7332 or by visiting a local Ford or Lincoln dealer. The Ford On-line Automotive Service Information System (OASIS) database can provide details regarding specific vehicle applicability. Ford has stated it is not aware of any accidents or injuries related to these specific recalled conditions.

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

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