Ford had more recalls in the first half of 2025 than any automaker has ever recorded in a full calendar year. That sentence is worth sitting with for a moment.
152 safety recalls. 12.9 million vehicles. More than any manufacturer, in any year, ever — and it happened in six months.
What's Being Recalled
The scope is wide enough that it covers almost every major vehicle system:
Rearview camera failures — cameras that go blank, freeze, or display a corrupted image when the vehicle is in reverse. On vehicles where drivers have come to rely on the backup camera as their primary visibility tool, a failure isn't just an inconvenience.
Fuel pump issues — failures that can cause engines to stall unexpectedly, including at highway speeds. A stalled vehicle in traffic is a serious collision risk, full stop.
Brake problems — including issues with brake assist systems that may not activate correctly in emergency stops.
Fire risks — multiple Ford recalls in the first half of 2025 involved fire hazards, including issues with battery management systems on hybrid and EV models and fluid leaks near hot components.
The vehicles affected span Ford's lineup, from F-Series trucks to Explorer SUVs to Mustang Mach-E electric vehicles.
Ford's Response
Ford has publicly stated that its quality is "improving" and that the high recall count reflects a more proactive approach to identifying and addressing defects — essentially arguing that more recalls is a sign of doing things right.
There's a kernel of truth in that framing. A manufacturer that catches problems early and issues recalls proactively is doing something better than one that buries safety data for years. But 152 recalls in six months is not a sign of quality. It's a sign of a production process with serious, systemic problems.
The NHTSA, which oversees recall compliance, has been watching Ford closely. Ford has faced billions in fines and enforcement actions over the past decade related to recall handling, including the Takata airbag disaster and F-150 rollover issues.
What Ford Owners Need to Do Right Now
Check your VIN at NHTSA.gov. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration maintains a searchable recall database at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Enter your Vehicle Identification Number (found on your dashboard or door frame) to see every open recall on your vehicle.
Ford's own portal at owner.ford.com also allows VIN-based recall checks and can connect you to your nearest dealer for the free repair.
Don't pay for recall repairs. Recalls are fixed at no charge by the manufacturer through authorized dealers. If a dealer tries to charge you for a recall repair, refuse and report it to NHTSA.
If your vehicle has a safety defect related to an open recall, you may be able to request a loaner or reimbursement for a rental while the part is on backorder — ask the dealer about rental assistance policies.
The Broader Point
Recalls protect people when manufacturers find and disclose problems. They only work if owners actually know about them. Millions of vehicles currently on the road have open recalls that have never been repaired — because the owner didn't know, couldn't get a timely appointment, or didn't think it was serious.
If you drive a Ford, check your VIN today. It takes two minutes.
For more guidance on your rights as a vehicle owner when it comes to recalls and dealer repairs, visit /avoiding-scams/.