Ford explains its unprecedented 2025 recall surge, showing how doubled safety teams and faster fixes aim to boost vehicle quality. Learn more now.
In 2025, Ford has eclipsed every previous U.S. recall benchmark, launching 153 recall campaigns that touch nearly 13 million vehicles. While the numbers are stark, the company says the surge reflects a commitment to transparency and faster problem‑solving—not a sudden dip in vehicle quality.
Record‑Breaking Numbers
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) logged 153 separate recall actions for Ford through December 23, far surpassing General Motors’ 77 recalls in 2014, which held the prior record. The tally could rise slightly as the agency finalises data for the remainder of the year.
Why the Surge Isn’t a Quality Decline
Ford’s Dearborn, Michigan‑based leadership stresses the spike is intentional. By choosing not to conceal issues, the automaker aims to identify and remedy defects before they evolve into safety incidents, costly lawsuits, or viral internet videos.
Doubling Down on Safety Oversight
To make the new approach work, Ford has doubled the size of its safety‑monitoring team, broadened testing programmes, and intensified software audits. The goal is simple: spot a flaw early, issue a fix quickly, and keep drivers safe.
Software Updates Play a Key Role
Out of the 153 recalls, about 40 were actually second‑round software updates. Ford admits it lacked a solid method to verify whether earlier patches had been installed correctly, prompting a revamp of its over‑the‑air update process.
Early Signs of Improvement
According to Ford’s COO Kumar Galhotra, the revamped strategy is already paying off. “Warranty costs are dropping,” he told The Detroit News, linking the trend to stronger original‑equipment quality and fewer post‑sale repairs.
Industry Rankings Show Progress
Consumer Reports has placed Ford in the upper half of its reliability rankings for the first time in years, and J.D. Power’s latest study notes a measurable uptick in quality, even though the brand still sits just below the industry average.
While the headline‑grabbing recall count may look daunting, Ford’s candid, data‑driven approach could set a new standard for automotive accountability. The company believes that long‑term consumer trust will grow as transparency replaces concealment.
Stay informed about Ford’s ongoing safety initiatives and how they affect your vehicle.