Ford has never issued this many recalls in a single year. Ever.
152 recalls. 12.9 million vehicles. That number doesn't just break the previous record — it shatters it. GM held the old record following the ignition switch scandal of 2014. Ford has now surpassed that by a significant margin, and 2025 isn't over.
This is not a reason to panic if you own a Ford. But it is a very good reason to check your VIN right now.
What's Being Recalled
The 2025 Ford recalls span a wide range of issues, but several categories stand out:
Rearview camera failures. Multiple Ford and Lincoln models are affected by software or hardware issues that cause the backup camera to fail or display a blank screen. This is both a safety and a regulatory compliance issue — federal law has required rear visibility systems on new vehicles since 2018.
Rollaway risk in hybrids and EVs. Some Ford hybrid and electric models have a defect that can prevent the vehicle from fully engaging park, creating a rollaway risk when the driver exits. This is the kind of defect that doesn't announce itself until someone gets hurt.
Engine block heater fires. Certain Ford trucks and SUVs equipped with engine block heaters — common in cold climates — have a defect that can cause the heater to overheat and potentially ignite surrounding materials. This is a fire risk when the vehicle is plugged in and parked.
Occupant sensor failures. Some models have airbag occupant detection systems that may not properly identify when a passenger is in the seat, potentially causing airbags to deploy incorrectly in a crash — or not at all.
Why So Many Recalls?
There's no single answer. Ford has attributed parts of the surge to proactive identification — finding issues through internal testing before they become field problems. Regulatory scrutiny from NHTSA has also intensified, with investigators pushing manufacturers more aggressively to issue recalls rather than issue technical service bulletins (TSBs) that don't require the same level of consumer notification.
Some of the 152 recalls also cover relatively small populations of vehicles with minor software updates. Not every recall is a fire-or-rollaway situation. But the volume reflects how complex modern vehicles have become, and how many things can go wrong when software and hardware interact across millions of units.
How to Check If Your Vehicle Is Recalled
Go to nhtsa.gov/recalls and enter your 17-digit VIN. The VIN is on your dashboard (visible through the windshield on the driver's side), on your insurance card, and on your vehicle registration.
The NHTSA database is updated regularly and covers all manufacturers, not just Ford. Checking takes about 30 seconds.
You can also sign up for recall alerts by email at nhtsa.gov — enter your VIN and you'll be notified automatically when any new recall is issued for your vehicle.
Recall Repairs Are Always Free
This is worth saying clearly because some people don't know it: recall repairs are always free at authorized dealerships. The manufacturer pays. You pay nothing.
You can take your vehicle to any authorized dealership for your brand — it does not have to be the dealership where you bought the car. Call ahead to confirm they have the parts in stock, since high-volume recalls can create backlogs.
If a dealer tries to charge you for a recall repair, that's illegal. Refuse, report it to NHTSA, and contact the manufacturer's customer relations line.
Don't Wait on Safety Recalls
Some recalls are low-urgency software updates. Others are immediate safety risks. The rollaway and fire-related recalls Ford issued this year fall into the second category. You cannot look at a recall notice and assume it can wait.
If NHTSA or the manufacturer recommends you stop driving the vehicle until the repair is done, take that seriously. It's rare, but it happens. And when it does, the recommendation is there for a reason.
Check your VIN. Schedule the appointment. It costs you nothing.
Know your full recall rights. Read: What Every Car Owner Should Know About Vehicle Recall Rights