Ford has been dealing with a quality crisis that has affected nearly its entire vehicle lineup over the past six years. Between 2020 and 2026, Ford recalled nearly every model in its lineup except the GT, a two-seat supercar the company stopped producing after 2022. The automaker nearly doubled the previous industry record with over 150 recalls in 2025 alone.
The recalls have impacted sixteen models spanning SUVs, crossovers, trucks, and other vehicle categories. Problems have ranged from faulty windshields and suspension issues to malfunctioning rearview cameras. Ford accounts for nearly one third of recall actions so far this year, with more than 7 million vehicles already recalled since January 1.
While the wave of recalls has swept through compact crossovers to heavy-duty trucks, the mid-engine Ford GT remains the sole exception. The sports car, inspired by the GT40 that dominated Le Mans in the 1960s, avoided the mechanical and software problems that plagued the rest of Ford’s lineup during this period.
Why Nearly Every Ford Model Since 2020 Was Recalled
Ford Motor Co has issued over 100 recalls affecting virtually its entire vehicle lineup from 2020 to 2026, with only the GT supercar avoiding widespread quality problems. The recalls stem from various safety defects ranging from brake failures to fuel leaks, prompting increased scrutiny from federal regulators.
Overview of Ford’s Recall Strategy Since 2020
Between 2020 and 2026, Ford recalls hit nearly every model in its lineup except the GT, a two-seat supercar that stopped production after 2022. The affected vehicles span sixteen models including SUVs, crossovers, and trucks.
Ford’s recall approach has focused on addressing defects as they’re identified rather than implementing preventive measures. Safety and technical experts at the company have worked to fix issues ranging from instrument panels that fail to illuminate to high-voltage battery cells that can short circuit. The recalls have affected popular models like the F-Series trucks, Expedition, Maverick, and Mustang Mach-E.
Some vehicles have been recalled multiple times for different issues. The Maverick pickup alone faced three separate recalls in early 2025, including problems with instrument panels, brake lights, and power train control module software.
Record-Breaking Number of Recalls in 2025
Ford Motor Co has issued more than 100 recalls this year, the most by any automaker. Recent major actions included recalling 355,000 trucks for instrument panel issues and nearly 500,000 SUVs over defective brake hoses.
Ford ended 2024 by announcing recalls impacting nearly 400,000 vehicles, including issues with fuel pumps and other critical components. The company then continued this trend into 2025 with eight new Ford recalls issued in just a few days, affecting thousands of additional vehicles including the F-Series, Expedition, and Maverick.
The sheer volume of recalls has raised questions about Ford’s quality control processes and manufacturing standards across its production facilities.
Expanded Safety Protocols and Expert Teams
Ford Motor Co has deployed safety and technical experts to investigate and resolve the mounting recall issues. These teams work to identify root causes and develop repair procedures that dealers can implement quickly.
Many recalls have resulted from improper repairs during previous recall campaigns. For example, 933 Maverick pickups required a second recall because they received incorrect software updates during an earlier fix. Similarly, 243 Mustang Mach-E vehicles needed additional repairs after receiving insufficient fixes to high-voltage battery connections.
The company’s technical teams have addressed diverse problems including faulty brake systems, fuel injector cracks that can leak fuel, and integrated trailer brake controller modules that fail to activate trailer brakes properly.
Role of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has monitored Ford’s recall activities closely, issuing safety alerts and ensuring compliance with federal safety standards. The agency maintains detailed records of Ford recalls affecting model years 2020 through 2026.
Vehicle owners can check for recalls affecting their specific models through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration website at nhtsa.gov. Ford also provides a dedicated recall lookup tool where customers can search using their VIN or contact the Customer Relationship Center at (800) 392-3673.
The agency’s oversight has been critical as Ford recalls nearly 700,000 cars for fire risk involving 2021 to 2024 Bronco Sport and 2020 to 2022 Escape vehicles with fuel injectors that may crack and leak.
Specific Issues Behind the Recalls and the Lone Exception
Ford’s recall wave has been driven by a range of mechanical and electronic failures affecting millions of vehicles, from fuel system defects to malfunctioning safety features. The only vehicle to escape unscathed is the Ford GT, a limited-production supercar that stopped rolling off the line in 2022.
Common Defects Across Ford Vehicles
The recalls have targeted multiple critical systems across Ford’s lineup. Cracked fuel injectors emerged as one of the most serious problems, potentially causing fuel leaks and fire risks in numerous models. Electronic door latch failure has plagued several vehicles, creating scenarios where doors could unexpectedly open while driving or fail to open in emergencies.
Rearview camera malfunctions affected nearly 1.74 million Ford and Lincoln vehicles with model years 2020 through 2026, according to Ford’s recall notices. Airbag problems have also surfaced across multiple models, raising concerns about passenger safety during collisions.
Additional defects include driveshaft issues that could cause loss of vehicle control and hydraulic problems affecting steering and braking systems. Ford recalled more than 850,000 vehicles due to low-pressure fuel pump defects that could increase collision risk.
Ford GT: The Exception to the Rule
The Ford GT stands as the only model built since 2020 that avoided recalls during this period. This two-seat supercar represented Ford’s flagship performance vehicle before production ended in 2022.
The GT’s clean record is particularly noteworthy given that sixteen other models spanning SUVs, crossovers, and trucks all faced recalls. Unlike its mass-market siblings, the GT was built in extremely limited numbers with meticulous attention to detail. Each unit underwent extensive quality checks before delivery to customers who paid premium prices for the exclusive supercar.
How Model Rarity and Design Influenced Recall Patterns
The GT’s immunity to recalls appears directly connected to its limited production volume and specialized manufacturing process. Ford produced only a small number of GTs annually, allowing for closer quality oversight compared to high-volume models like the F-150 or Explorer.
Mass-produced vehicles share common components across multiple models and production facilities, making widespread defects more likely to occur. When a single supplier provides parts for thousands of vehicles daily, quality control issues can quickly multiply across the entire fleet.
The GT’s bespoke design also meant it didn’t share the problematic fuel injectors, electronic door latches, or other components that triggered recalls in mainstream Ford vehicles. Its unique engineering and hand-built assembly process created a buffer against the systematic quality issues affecting the rest of the lineup.