Ford already set a recall record last year with 153 campaigns and may be headed for another high in 2026
Ford Motor Company led the industry in recalls last year, issuing more than any other automaker in history. It surpassed General Motors’ previous record by a wide margin, launching 153 recalls that impacted nearly 13 million vehicles.
While Ford is unlikely to match that total in 2026, early data suggests another heavy year. So far, the automaker has issued 18 recalls affecting 7,396,427 vehicles, along with an additional recall involving 2,633 engine block heaters.
The largest recall to date covers about 4.4 million trucks, including Ford’s best-selling F-Series pickup line. In that case, a software glitch can disable trailer brake and lighting functions when towing. The issue is being addressed through an over-the-air update.
Over the past several years, Ford’s recall volume has consistently drawn attention. The company led all automakers in recalls in both 2022 and 2023, with warranty-related costs reaching billions of dollars.
In late 2024, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) fined Ford for failing to meet federal recall reporting requirements. As part of a consent order, Ford agreed to procedural changes and regular quarterly reviews with the agency over a three-year period.
Less than a year later, Ford defended its recall strategy, saying the higher numbers reflect a more aggressive approach to identifying and fixing hardware and software issues earlier. The company also stated it has more than doubled its safety and engineering staff and increased testing across key systems such as powertrains.
Recalls remain a burden for customers, often requiring dealership visits or scheduled service pickups. They also impact financial performance, previously affecting Ford’s quarterly earnings results.
CEO Jim Farley has repeatedly emphasized quality as a central priority for the Dearborn-based automaker, tying improvements to Ford’s long-term goal of reaching an adjusted operating margin of 8% by 2029.