Ford Announces Multiple Recalls Affecting Over Half a Million Vehicles Due to Safety Concerns

The Ford Motor Company is initiating several safety recalls affecting a significant number of its vehicles, totaling over half a million units across various models. These recalls address a range of potential safety issues, from sharp edges on interior trim to critical software malfunctions that could lead to vehicle stalls or unintended movement. Owners of affected vehicles will be notified by mail and instructed to schedule service appointments at Ford or Lincoln dealerships for repairs, which will be performed at no cost.

One of the most extensive recalls involves nearly 548,500 Ford Expedition vehicles manufactured between March 14, 2017, and December 3, 2024. This recall is due to a defect where the chrome plating on the center console may peel from the base material, creating a sharp edge. This condition has been linked to customer reports of hand injuries. Ford’s investigation into this issue began after identifying trends in owner questionnaires referencing bubbling and peeling chrome trim, with some reports alleging hand injuries from contact with the sharp edges. While bubbling may be an initial visible warning, the peeling can present a more significant risk. Ford is aware of one accident and 65 injuries globally associated with this issue, some of which required professional medical attention.

Another significant recall impacts approximately 255,400 Ford Focus vehicles manufactured from October 4, 2010, to December 20, 2017. This recall addresses a potential issue where the powertrain control module (PCM) software remedy for a previous recall (18S32 / 18V375) may not have been correctly installed on some vehicles. If the correct software update was not applied, the Canister Purge Valve (CPV) could stick open. A stuck-open CPV can lead to excessive vacuum in the fuel system, potentially deforming the plastic fuel tank. The safety risk associated with this condition is an engine stall while driving, which could increase the risk of a crash. Warning signs may include a Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL) illumination, inaccurate fuel gauge readings, or drivability concerns. Ford is not aware of any accidents or injuries related to this specific recall.

Additionally, approximately 4,445 Ford F-150 trucks from the 2017 model year are being recalled. This recall addresses a similar concern regarding the incorrect installation of a software remedy for a previous recall (17C01 / 17V053) related to the Instrument Panel Cluster (IPC). If the correct software was not installed, drivers may experience a loss of instrument cluster display functionality, including PRNDL illumination, jittering gauge pointers, and flashing warning lights, particularly after starting the engine in cold temperatures. This loss of functionality can range from two seconds to several minutes and poses a safety risk by potentially preventing the display of the selected transmission gear, increasing the risk of injury or crash from unintended vehicle movement. The inoperative instrument panel cluster may also prevent the activation of certain warning chimes, messages, and warning lights. Ford is not aware of any accidents or injuries linked to this specific recall.

A smaller recall affects 58 Ford Explorer vehicles from the 2024 model year, specifically those equipped with 2.3L engines and 10R60 automatic transmissions. These vehicles may have experienced one or more Powertrain Control Module (PCM) resets due to a connected data request. If a PCM reset occurs while the vehicle is in motion, the park system may sustain damage, preventing it from engaging properly. This could lead to unintended vehicle movement and increase the risk of injury or crash. Warning signs include the Electronic Parking Brake (EPB) applying and a “wrench” light appearing in the instrument cluster. In some cases, there may be no warning if the park system is damaged but still capable of shifting into “PARK.” Ford is not aware of any accidents, injuries, or fires related to this condition.

Finally, a recall impacts a combined total of 4,151 Lincoln Navigator (2019 model year), Lincoln MKX (2019 model year), and Ford Mustang (2019 model year) vehicles. These vehicles may not have received the correct software update for the Instrument Panel Cluster (IPC) system as part of a previous recall (19C03 / 19V076). If the correct software was not installed, drivers may experience a blank instrument cluster display upon key-on, including PRNDL illumination, gauge indicators, and warning lights. This inoperative instrument cluster may not provide the required controls, telltales, and indicators at vehicle start-up, increasing the risk of a crash. The issue stems from an identified problem with 2GB memory chips in certain cluster assemblies that may not properly load the necessary data for the display to function. This condition can only occur at key-on, prior to vehicle operation. Ford is not aware of any reports of accidents or injuries related to this condition.

Owners of affected vehicles can determine their vehicle’s eligibility for these recalls by contacting a local Ford or Lincoln dealer or by calling Ford’s toll-free line at 1-866-436-7332. The specific information can be obtained from the Ford On-line Automotive Service Information System (OASIS) database. Notification to dealers is scheduled to begin imminently, with owner notifications to follow. Remedy owner notification letters are expected to be mailed starting in late July for some recalls, and in late January 2027 for the Ford Expedition recall.

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

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