Ford Recalls Over 150,000 Vehicles Due to Incomplete Software Updates

Ford Motor Company is initiating a recall affecting over 150,000 vehicles across multiple models, including the F-150, Lincoln Nautilus, Ford Fusion, Ford Focus, and Ford Escape. According to reports submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), these vehicles may not have received the necessary software updates during previous recall repairs, potentially leaving them susceptible to safety defects. The recall is expected to begin with dealer notifications and owner mailings in early July 2026.

The affected vehicles include certain 2018-2020 Ford F-150 trucks, where a Body Control Module (BCM) software update intended to address issues with daytime running lamps (DRLs) may not have been correctly installed. If the software remedy was not properly applied, the DRLs could remain illuminated at full brightness when the master lighting switch is rotated from the “Autolamp” position to the “headlamp on” position. This could potentially reduce the visibility of other drivers, increasing the risk of a crash. Approximately 91,198 F-150 vehicles are involved in this particular recall.

Another recall affects 44,963 units of the 2014 Ford F-150. These trucks may have also not received the correct Powertrain Control Module (PCM) software update as part of a previous recall. The potential defect could lead to an intermittent loss of the transmission Output Shaft Speed (OSS) sensor signal to the PCM. This could, in turn, cause a temporary, unintended downshift into first gear while driving. Ford has indicated that such an abrupt downshift could lead to a loss of vehicle control and increase the risk of a crash.

Additionally, 1,013 units of the 2019 Lincoln Nautilus are being recalled due to an improperly installed software update for the power steering control module. The original recall aimed to address issues with the Lane Keep Assist system’s ability to detect if a driver’s hands are off the steering wheel. If the remedy was not correctly applied, the system might not adequately alert drivers when their hands are not on the wheel, potentially increasing the risk of a crash.

Ford is also recalling 5,252 units of the 2013-2016 Ford Fusion and 3,763 units of the 2015-2018 Ford Focus. These vehicles, equipped with 1.0L Fox GTDI engines and B6 manual transmissions, may have had an incomplete software update related to prolonged clutch slip. If the correct software was not installed, the vehicles could experience clutch slip, leading to elevated operating temperatures and potential clutch plate fracture. This could result in a breach of the clutch cover and transmission housing, causing a transmission fluid leak. A transmission fluid leak in the presence of an ignition source could lead to a risk of engine compartment fire.

A further recall involves 10,742 units of the 2018 Ford F-150 with 3.3L engines and 6-speed transmissions equipped with a column-mounted shift lever. These vehicles may not have received the correct Powertrain Control Module (PCM) software update to address issues with rapid gear shifting. A rapid movement of the transmission shifter from Park to Drive could potentially cause a momentary engagement of Reverse operation before achieving forward Drive function, or momentary Neutral operation instead of Reverse. This unintended vehicle movement could increase the risk of an accident or injury.

Finally, 18,124 units of the 2017 Ford Escape are being recalled because the power window operating system software remedy may not have been correctly installed. If the software was not updated as intended, the power window closing force could exceed regulatory requirements for automatic reversal systems when closing windows remotely, potentially increasing the risk of injury.

In all cases, Ford states that the company is not aware of any reports of accidents or injuries related to these specific conditions. Owners of the affected vehicles will be notified by mail and instructed to visit a Ford or Lincoln dealer to have the relevant software updated at no charge. Owners who have previously paid for these repairs may be eligible for reimbursement. Vehicle identification numbers (VINs) for these recalls are expected to be searchable beginning July 6, 2026. To determine if their specific vehicle is affected, owners can contact Ford’s toll-free line at 1-866-436-7332 or a local Ford or Lincoln dealer.

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

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