In the past two weeks, Ford Motor Co. has recalled nearly 1 million vehicles — just as it launched a marketing campaign touting how it has moved its initial quality ranking to the top on one third-party survey.
Ford grabbed the No. 1 spot among mainstream brands June 25 when JD Power’s Initial Quality Survey was released. That win fueled an aggressive new ad campaign, which Ford launched on July 4 during Major League Baseball games with the tagline: “We put quality first. Now Ford is first in quality.” Ford plans for the messaging to appear broadly.
But just days after the win, the automaker recalled nearly 780,000 vehicles over two separate recalls. A week after that, Ford issued two separate new recalls totaling 110,626 vehicles.
Granted, recalls often impact older model vehicles while JD Power’s Initial Quality Study measures the number of problems a new vehicle experiences during the first 90 days of ownership. A top score on JD Power’s Initial Quality Study means the cars coming off the assembly line at Ford today are fairly free of flaws.
Still, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, year to date Ford has issued 56 recalls, far ahead of the automaker in second place, General Motors, at 19 recalls so far this year. An iSeeCars.com study analyzing vehicle recalls showed in the past 12 months Ford recalled 19.6 million vehicles, more vehicles than the rest of the auto industry combined.
Massive Pickup and SUV Recall
On June 30, it was reported that Ford is recalling approximately 780,000 vehicles over two separate recalls, according to NHTSA filings, including a large recall for several popular Ford and Lincoln models, which could roll away even when shifted into park.
The first recall, filed June 24, is for about 741,195 SUVs and pickups, including:
2018-21 Lincoln Navigators and Ford Expeditions
2020-21 Explorers
2020-21 Aviators
2021 Ford F-150s
Those vehicles, Ford said in a filing with NHTSA, may experience a transmission defect that could lead to a malfunction, preventing the vehicles from staying engaged in the park gear after the driver has shifted. Ford said that drivers should always engage their emergency brake when parking until their vehicles have been fixed. Drivers can bring their vehicles to Ford dealerships, which will replace damaged transmission parts free of charge, Ford said.
The other recall, also filed on June 24, is for 36,046 Ford Broncos from model years 2022-26.
According to the filing, fender flares on the off-roaders may detach. Drivers of those Broncos should be aware that rattling, clicking or flapping noises at high speeds may indicate that the fender may soon detach.
Mustang Recall
On July 7 it was reported that Ford is recalling over 100,626 vehicles related to two separate problems that could increase the risk of a crash, according to the recall notices.
Here are the vehicles impacted in the two recalls, according to the NHTSA:
2021 to 2023 Ford Mustang Mach E (42,784 vehicles)
2025 to 2026 Ford Mustang GTD (289 vehicles)
2024 to 2026 Ford Mustangs (67,553 vehicles)
The recall stated that on 2021 to 2023 Ford Mustang Mach E vehicles “the rear differential pinion shaft may fracture,” leading to the unintended movement or loss of drive power, or the vehicle may move while in park if the parking brake isn’t applied.
The 2025 to 2026 Ford Mustang GTD and 2024 to 2026 Ford Mustangs are being recalled due to malfunctioning windshield wipers and washing systems. The recalls state that at cold temperatures, the windshield wipers may only function at the high-speed setting and the washing system may not work at all.
What to Do if Your Car Is Recalled
Owners of recalled Ford vehicles can expect to receive a letter alerting them to their vehicle’s issue. They can take their vehicle to a Ford dealership for repair free of charge.
People who believe their cars might be involved in the recall can also search for their vehicle identification number (VIN), state and license plate number or their vehicle’s year, make and model, on NHTSA.gov to see whether their vehicles are included.
Owners also can call Ford’s customer service at 866-436-7332 with any questions they might have regarding the recall.
Detroit Free Press staff writer Liam Rappleye and USA TODAY staff reporter Julia Gomez contributed to this report.
