Over the past two weeks, Ford Motor Co. has recalled nearly 1 million vehicles — just as it launched a marketing campaign highlighting how it has topped its initial quality ranking in a third-party survey.
Ford ranked No. 1 among mainstream brands when J.D. Power’s preliminary quality survey was released on June 25. That win prompted an aggressive new advertising campaign, which Ford launched during Major League Baseball games on July 4 with the tagline: “We put quality first. Now Ford is first in quality.” Ford plans to disseminate the messaging widely.
But just days after the win, the automaker recalled about 780,000 vehicles in two separate recalls. A week after that, Ford issued two separate new recalls totaling 110,626 vehicles.
Recalls are believed to most often affect older model vehicles while J.D. Power’s Initial Quality Study measures the number of problems a new vehicle experiences during the first 90 days of ownership. Top scores on J.D. Power’s preliminary quality study mean that cars coming off Ford’s assembly line today are largely free of flaws.
Still, Ford has issued 56 recalls year to date, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, far ahead of second-place automaker General Motors with 19 recalls so far this year. An iSeeCars.com study analyzing vehicle recalls revealed that Ford has recalled 19.6 million vehicles over the past 12 months, more than the rest of the auto industry.
Giant Pickup and SUV Recall
On June 30, it was reported that Ford is recalling approximately 780,000 vehicles in two separate recalls, according to NHTSA filings, including a larger recall for several popular Ford and Lincoln models that may roll over even when shifted into park.
The first recall, filed on June 24, is for approximately 741,195 SUVs and pickups, including:
- 2018-21 Lincoln Navigator and Ford Expedition
- 2020-21 explorers
- 2020–21 aviators
- 2021 Ford F-150s
Those vehicles may have experienced a transmission defect that could lead to a malfunction that could prevent the vehicles from engaging in park gear after the driver shifts, Ford said in a filing with NHTSA. Ford said drivers should always apply the emergency brake when parking until their vehicle is fixed. Drivers can bring their vehicles to a Ford dealership, which will replace the damaged transmission parts free of charge, Ford said.
The other recall, filed June 24, is for 36,046 Ford Broncos from model years 2022-26.
According to the filing, the fender flares on the off-roaders may be different. Drivers of those Broncos should be aware that rattling, clicking or flapping noises at high speed may indicate that the fender may soon separate.
mustang recall
On July 7, it was reported that Ford was recalling more than 100,626 vehicles related to two separate problems that could increase the risk of crashes, according to the recall notice.
According to NHTSA, here are the vehicles affected in the two recalls:
- 2021 to 2023 Ford Mustang Mach E (42,784 vehicles)
- 2025 to 2026 Ford Mustang GTD (289 vehicles)
- 2024 to 2026 Ford Mustang (67,553 vehicles)
The recall states that “the rear differential pinion shaft may fracture” on 2021 to 2023 Ford Mustang Mach E vehicles, causing unexpected acceleration or loss of drive power, or the vehicle may shake in park if the parking brake is not applied.
The 2025 to 2026 Ford Mustang GTD and 2024 to 2026 Ford Mustang are being recalled due to a defect in the windshield wiper and washing system. The recall states that in cold temperatures, the windshield wipers may only operate on the high-speed setting and the washing system may not operate at all.
What to do if your car is recalled?
Owners of the recalled Ford vehicles can expect to receive a letter alerting them to the problem with their vehicle. They can take their vehicle to a Ford dealership for repair free of charge.
People who believe their cars may be included in the recall can search their vehicle identification number (VIN), state and license plate number, or their vehicle’s year, make and model on NHTSA.gov to see if their vehicles are included.
Owners can call Ford’s customer service at 866-436-7332 with any questions regarding the recall.
Detroit Free Press staff writer Liam Rappleye and USA TODAY staff reporter Julia Gomez contributed to this report.