By Shawn Henry 
Ford is set to close out 2025 by establishing a new and unwelcome benchmark in the automotive industry, issuing more recalls in a single year than any manufacturer on record. The automaker released 152 recalls during the year, more than doubling the previous annual record set by General Motors in 2014.
That earlier mark of 77 recalls stood for more than a decade. Ford surpassed it by midyear, reaching 89 recalls by July, and continued issuing new actions through the second half of 2025. As the year draws to a close, the final total places Ford far beyond its closest historical comparison.
The recalls issued throughout 2025 covered a broad range of problems and vehicle lines. However, many were tied to models produced between the 2021 and 2024 model years, a period during which Ford faced ongoing challenges related to initial build quality. Those quality issues later translated into safety concerns, prompting repeated corrective actions.
Rearview camera failures accounted for a significant portion of the recall volume. Millions of vehicles were affected by issues where camera images failed to display, froze, or appeared blank, raising safety concerns during reversing maneuvers. Other recalls addressed mechanical and structural problems, including fuel pump failures, leaking suspension components, loose or missing fasteners, detached trim, malfunctioning exterior lights, brake issues, and fire risks.
A notable aspect of Ford’s 2025 recall activity was the number of follow-up recalls issued to correct earlier repairs. In many cases, previous recall fixes were found to be incomplete or improperly executed, requiring additional actions to fully resolve the underlying safety issues.
This heightened recall activity followed a consent order reached between Ford and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration in late 2024. As part of that agreement, Ford was required to conduct a comprehensive review of recalls issued over the previous three years to ensure they were properly scoped and effective. When deficiencies were identified, the automaker was obligated to issue new recalls.
While the record-setting total reflects an aggressive effort to identify and address safety concerns, it also underscores the scale of Ford’s quality challenges during recent production years. The long-term impact of the recalls will likely depend on how effectively the company restores consumer confidence and improves manufacturing consistency moving forward.
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