FI showroom red and grey logo
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

Rhyme and Reason to Ford Recalls

Automaker says its emphasis on safety is behind industry-leading callbacks.

July 29, 2025
Rhyme and Reason to Ford Recalls

Ford recalled about 30,000 F-150 Lightning pickups in the spring due to a potential production error that could have caused steering loss. The recall was meant to address all units made before an improved tooling design was introduced.

Credit:

Ford

2 min to read


Ford trained a positive light on its frequent vehicle recalls in a statement promoting an emphasis on safety.

The statement by the automaker’s chief operating officer, Kumar Galhotra, said Ford has “significantly improved product quality,” and points out its three model awards in J.D. Power’s recent study of new-owner satisfaction.

Ad Loading...

Ford’s recalls have increased in frequency due to its “intensive strategy to quickly find and fix hardware and software issues and go the extra mile to help protect customers,” Galhotra said.

Through June, the automaker has issued the most U.S. recalls of any company at 84, according to Consumer Shield, citing National Highway Traffic Safety Administration data. The next highest is 21 by recreational vehicle manufacturer Forest River, followed by Volkswagen’s U.S. arm with 17.

Ford more than doubled the number of people on its safety team in the past two years and ramped up testing of systems such as power trains, steering and brakes, applying insights into vehicle production and flagging issues on older vehicles, he said. In addition, it’s improved its software validations to confirm the correct versions are used, and pushes over-the-air updates “to address potential warranty issues before they become customer issues.”

Ford also tests all of its new auto products in various customer scenarios, according to the statement.

“We will not compromise our responsibility to all our customers, not just those buying new vehicles, Galhotra said. “We believe this approach will lead to systemic and lasting positive change and help us reach world-class levels for quality, safety and customer satisfaction.”

Ad Loading...

More Industry

newspaper advertisement circled in pink, Turn Listings into Leads, F&I and Showroom
Digitalby Lauren LawrenceAugust 5, 2026

Structure Leads to Optimized Auto Listings

As the average car-buying journey has shifted to a blend of digital and retail, a dealership’s vehicle listings must be optimized to answer shoppers’ questions clearly and accurately.

Read More →
Photo of the exterior of a recently purchased Mazda car dealership with cars for sale parked in front
Industryby Hannah MitchellAugust 3, 2026

Texas Dealerships Rebranded After Sale

The Norm Reeves group of stores had owned the three rooftops in the greater Dallas-Fort Worth metro area that now operate under a homegrown group’s signature.

Read More →
Man climbing ladder in front of mountain landscape.
Auto Financeby Lauren LawrenceAugust 3, 2026

Positive Equity Reaches Record High

Mainstream vehicle owners who bought a car seven years ago are likely to have positive equity when trading in for a new vehicle, according to second-quarter Edmunds data.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
The words 'Team Work" written on a digital blackboard with writing implements and other office supplies around it
Industryby Hannah MitchellAugust 1, 2026

All on One Team

Since finance-and-insurance was added to the auto dealership, most stores’ F&I teams have been separated from sales like a car’s trunk is separated from the engine. It doesn’t have to – and shouldn’t – be that way.

Read More →
Photo of an land-line phone on a desk with various office supplies
Industryby Hannah MitchellJuly 29, 2026

Auto Dealers Have Some Phone Homework

A midyear study found that stores can do a better job of converting both inbound and outbound calls into customer appointments for increased sales.

Read More →
Photo of Ioniq 5 SUV moving on two-lane road next to treeline
Industryby Hannah MitchellJuly 27, 2026

Hyundai Ventures Aim for Deeper AI Dive

The automaker announced partnerships with several technology industry leaders to pursue an ambitious plan for integrating AI into its manufacturing and well beyond automotive.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
a line of people sitting down with paperwork in their hands
Industryby Lauren LawrenceJuly 27, 2026

Early Intervention Saves Retention

Sales and service departments have the highest annual dealership turnover rates, according to a new industry report, costing money and time that could be better spent elsewhere.

Read More →
Twilight of white hybrid car.
Showroomby Lauren LawrenceJuly 22, 2026

California Hybrids Reach State Record

The Golden State still leads the country in electric-vehicle registrations, but much like the rest of the U.S. its hybrid market share is up while full electrics stabilize after a dramatic first-quarter dip.

Read More →
desert road with cars driving away, Rebates Incoming with red star graphic, F&I and Showroom logo
Showroomby Lauren LawrenceJuly 15, 2026

California Launches EV Rebate Program

Participating automakers are matching the state's $13.5 million investment in new electric-vehicle rebates scheduled to take effect later this summer.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
interior view of car dashboard and steering column. gray interior
Industryby Lauren LawrenceJuly 13, 2026

UN Advances Fully Autonomous Vehicle Framework

While such cars aren’t on the public market yet, the United Nations established a safety-focused regulatory framework that's endorsed by the U.S.

Read More →