Rhyme and Reason to Ford Recalls
Automaker says its emphasis on safety is behind industry-leading callbacks.

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.
Ford
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.
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.”
More Industry

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 →
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 →
Another Carmaker Embraces Robots
Mitsubishi and a Japan-based startup plan to make humanoids at a home-country factory to use in auto manufacturing and to sell to others.
Read More →
Auto Workforce Impacted by Skills Gaps
The transition to electric vehicles has impacted the automotive workforce in many ways, including the need for education and skills training on emerging technologies.
Read More →
Auto Group Transitions to Employee Ownership
An Ohio-based automotive group transitioned to 100% employee ownership, or an Employee Stock Ownership Plan, with the stated intent of supporting its legacy and growth.
Read More →
Amplify 2026 Billed as Turning Innovation Into Results
Reynolds and Reynolds says its annual retail summit will connect dealers with practical strategies, peer insight, and technology-driven ideas.
Read More →
Early Service Introductions
In this video, Josh Krach explains how early service introductions can help each department in the dealership.
Read More →
Automakers Develop Car Sanitizer
Hyundai and Kia say the particular ultraviolet light used in the technology has been demonstrated to kill the vast majority of a potentially harmful bacterium inside a vehicle.
Read More →
European EV Market Hits Record
Seven out of the top 10 electric vehicles sold so far in 2026 in Europe are by European brands, and automakers are seeing the power train fill up their order books.
Read More →
Used EVs Outpace New
While North American electric-vehicle sales remain down year-over-year, May sales saw a 3% increase from April’s numbers as used EVs led the market.
Read More →