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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.
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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.”
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