Ford Breaks Annual Safety Recall Record with 88 Cases, 850K Vehicles Affected

Ford Motor Company has set a new industry record by issuing 88 safety recalls through the first six months of 2025, surpassing the total annual recalls of any other automaker. The surge in recalls, which includes a major recall of over 850,000 vehicles due to a critical fuel pump defect affecting models like the F-150, Mustang, and Lincoln Aviator, stems largely from a company-wide audit of previous fixes, especially software-related issues. Despite the record number of recalls, Ford maintains that this aggressive recall strategy is aimed at resolving safety and quality issues early to improve long-term product quality and customer confidence. However, these recalls have increased warranty costs, which soared 22% to nearly $6 billion in 2024, and have posed challenges for dealers, including service bay congestion and delays caused by parts shortages. Analysts have responded with a cautious stance on Ford's stock, issuing a consensus "Hold" rating and forecasting a potential moderate downside in share price. Ford links executive compensation to quality outcomes and supports dealers with service resources to manage the recall volume, aiming to rebuild trust and reinforce brand loyalty over time.