Ford Motor Company has expanded a significant safety recall affecting certain plug-in hybrid vehicles after discovering that additional high-voltage battery cells may be susceptible to failure. The recall impacts thousands of Ford Escape and Lincoln Corsair plug-in hybrid vehicles and raises concerns about sudden loss of power and potential fire risk.

The expanded recall is listed under NHTSA Campaign Number 26V-091 and covers approximately 24,690 vehicles nationwide.

What Vehicles Are Affected?

The recall applies to:

  • 2023–2025 Ford Escape Plug-In Hybrid (PHEV)
  • 2023–2026 Lincoln Corsair Plug-In Hybrid

These vehicles may contain high-voltage battery cells manufactured before updated supplier quality controls were implemented in October 2024.  This action expands earlier recalls addressing the same underlying battery defect.

What Is the Battery Problem?

According to Ford and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), certain high-voltage battery cells may develop an internal short circuit due to manufacturing variability.

Investigators determined that inconsistencies during battery production may create microscopic defects inside the battery cell. These defects can damage the separator layer between the cathode and anode — a critical safety component designed to prevent internal electrical contact.  If the separator becomes compromised, the battery cell may fail.

Safety Risks Associated With the Defect

A battery internal short circuit can lead to serious safety issues, including:

  • Sudden shutdown of the vehicle’s propulsion system
  • Display of a “Stop Safely Now” warning message
  • Loss of motive power while driving
  • Battery thermal venting
  • Increased risk of vehicle fire

Ford states that steering, braking, and lighting systems remain functional during a propulsion shutdown, but loss of power while driving significantly increases the risk of a crash or injury.

Why the Recall Was Expanded

Ford previously issued recalls (24V-954 and 25SC4/25V-789) covering vehicles with battery cells manufactured before April 1, 2023.

However, continued investigation revealed that the issue extended beyond the originally identified production window.

After reviewing field reports and conducting battery tear-downs and manufacturing analysis, Ford determined that battery cells produced until additional supplier quality controls were implemented on October 10, 2024 may also be vulnerable.

As of February 10, 2026:

  • Two battery venting incidents were reported in Europe outside the original recall population.
  • Ford reports no known U.S. incidents, accidents, or injuries related to the expanded population.

Warning Signs Drivers May Experience

Drivers experiencing a battery failure may notice:

  • A red “Stop Safely Now” message displayed on the instrument cluster
  • Sudden loss of propulsion power
  • Warning alerts related to the hybrid system

If this message appears, drivers should safely pull over as soon as possible.

What Owners Should Do Right Now

Because a permanent repair is still being developed, Ford has issued interim safety instructions.

Owners are advised to:

  • Use “Auto EV” mode only
  • Limit battery charging to 80% capacity
  • Follow instructions provided in owner notification letters

Ford expects interim notification letters to be mailed beginning March 6, 2026, with additional letters sent once a final repair becomes available.

Recall Information

  • Manufacturer Recall Number: 25SC4
  • NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V-091000
  • Expanded Recalls: 24V-954 and 25V-489
  • Vehicles Affected: Approximately 24,690

This recall expands on an earlier battery defect investigation affecting Ford plug-in hybrid vehicles. You can read our previous analysis here:

The Ford Transit is one of the most widely used vans in California, serving everyone from small business owners and contractors to delivery fleets and shuttle operators. While it is commonly viewed as a commercial vehicle, many Ford Transit owners are surprised to learn that California Lemon Law protections may still apply, especially when serious safety defects or recalls are involved.

Recent recalls affecting 2023–2024 Ford Transit models and certain 2026 Ford E-Transit vehicles raise important questions about owner rights and warranty protections under California law.

Recent Ford Transit Recalls

2023–2024 Ford Transit – Engine Cross-Member Recall

Ford Recall Number: 26S04
NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V-061

Ford has issued a safety recall affecting certain 2023–2024 Ford Transit vehicles related to the engine cross-member. According to the recall, a defect in the cross-member may compromise vehicle structural integrity. Depending on the severity, this type of defect can impact vehicle safety, drivability, and long-term reliability.

Structural or frame-related defects are particularly serious because they can:

  • Affect vehicle stability
  • Increase the risk of component failure
  • Reduce the vehicle’s overall safety in everyday driving conditions

2026 Ford E-Transit – High-Voltage Battery Hardware Recall

Ford Recall Number: 26S05
NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V-062

Ford has also issued a recall impacting certain 2026 Ford E-Transit vehicles involving the high-voltage battery pack. The issue stems from missing washers on internal battery bolts, which may lead to:

  • High electrical resistance
  • Electrical arcing
  • Potential battery system malfunction

Defects involving high-voltage battery systems are especially concerning in electric vehicles, as they can affect vehicle performance, charging reliability, and overall safety.

Is the Ford Transit Considered a Commercial Vehicle Under California Lemon Law?

While the Ford Transit is often used for business purposes, commercial use alone does not automatically exclude a vehicle from California Lemon Law coverage.

Under the Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act, commercial vehicles may qualify for Lemon Law protection if specific criteria are met.

Key Factors That Determine Eligibility

A Ford Transit may be covered under California Lemon Law if:

  • The vehicle is new or used but still under the manufacturer’s warranty
  • The defect substantially affects use, value, or safety
  • The manufacturer or dealer is unable to repair the defect after a reasonable number of attempts
  • The vehicle is registered in California

For commercial vehicles, two additional factors are especially important:

1. Vehicle Weight

Many Ford Transit models fall under 10,000 pounds GVWR, which keeps them within the scope of Lemon Law protections for commercial vehicles.

2. Fleet Size

Small business owners are often covered if they own or lease no more than five commercial vehicles registered in California. Larger fleets may be subject to different rules.

Why Recalls Matter in Lemon Law Claims

A recall alone does not automatically qualify a vehicle as a lemon. However, recalls can be strong supporting evidence when:

  • The defect is safety-related
  • Repairs are unsuccessful or temporary
  • The vehicle spends excessive time out of service
  • The issue continues after recall repairs are completed

For owners of 2023–2024 Ford Transit vans or 2026 E-Transit vehicles, repeated issues related to the engine crossmember or high-voltage battery system may strengthen a Lemon Law claim if the problem cannot be permanently resolved.

What Ford Transit Owners Should Do

If your Ford Transit or E-Transit is experiencing ongoing problems related to a recall or warranty defect:

  • Keep copies of all repair orders and service records
  • Document how long the vehicle is out of service
  • Note whether the same issue continues after repairs
  • Confirm whether the vehicle is still under factory warranty

California Lemon Law may entitle eligible owners to a buyback, replacement vehicle, or cash compensation, depending on the circumstances.

Final Thoughts

The Ford Transit is not automatically excluded from California Lemon Law protections simply because it is commonly used as a commercial vehicle. Owners of affected 2023–2024 Ford Transit vans and 2026 E-Transit vehicles should be aware that recurring defects — especially those involving structural components or high-voltage battery systems — may give rise to legal remedies under California law.

If recall-related problems persist despite multiple repair attempts, it may be time to explore your rights under the California Lemon Law.

If you drive a 2025-2026 Ford Escape or Lincoln Corsair, it is time to check your mailbox and your rear seats. Ford has issued a safety recall affecting these popular SUVs due to a critical issue with the rear seat belt retractors.  While safety technology has evolved rapidly, the seat belt remains your primary line of defense in an accident. Here is everything you need to know about the problem and the warning signs.

The Problem: Loose Retractors

The core of the issue lies in the left and right rear passenger seat belt retractors. According to the defect report, the bolts securing these retractors may not have been properly tightened during assembly.  If the retractor isn’t securely fastened to the vehicle’s body (specifically the D-Pillar), it cannot do its job properly. In the event of a crash, a loose retractor may fail to adequately restrain the passenger, significantly increasing the risk of injury.

How Did This Happen?

Ford’s investigation traced the issue back to the Louisville Assembly Plant. It wasn’t a failure of the main assembly line, but rather an error that occurred at off-line repair stations.  Vehicles that were pulled aside for unrelated repairs may not have had their retractor bolts properly secured upon completion. This procedural lapse resulted in the potential for loose hardware in the final customer vehicles.

Warning Signs: What to Listen For

Unlike some mechanical issues that remain silent until they fail, this defect often gives an auditory warning. Owners should look out for:

  • Rattling Noises: You may hear a metallic rattle coming from the rear pillar area while driving.
  • Seat Belt Binding: The seat belt may feel like it is “sticking,” making it difficult to pull out or retract smoothly.

The Timeline

  • Nov 6, 2025: Team members at the assembly plant noticed 5 warranty claims related to noisy or binding rear seat belts on vehicles with low mileage.
  • Nov 12, 2025: Ford’s Critical Concern Review Group (CCRG) opened a formal investigation.
  • Dec 5, 2025: A field action (recall) was approved.

As of December 8, 2025, Ford is not aware of any accidents or injuries related to this condition. The recall is proactive to ensure it stays that way.

What Should Owners Do?

If you receive a notice for your 2025-2026 Lincoln Corsair or Ford Escape, do not ignore this recall.

The Fix:
Dealers will inspect the seat belt retractor bolts. If they are loose, they will be properly secured. If the bolts or assembly are damaged, the dealer will replace the seat belt retractor entirely. 

Important Details:

  • Owner Notification Date: Ford expects to mail letters to affected owners starting December 19, 2025.
  • Ford Recall Number: 25C68
  • NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V-862

Ford has decided that a safety defect exists involving the high-voltage battery packs inside certain plug-in hybrid vehicles—specifically the 2020–2024 Ford Escape PHEV and 2021–2024 Lincoln Corsair PHEV.  At the center of the issue is a manufacturing defect inside one or more battery cells, which can lead to an internal short circuit and, in the worst cases, battery thermal venting or vehicle shutdown.

This problem originally surfaced years ago, was addressed by a previous recall, and now—based on new field data—Ford has determined that the prior fix may not have been enough.

What’s Causing the Problem?

Inside the high-voltage battery pack, each cell has a separator layer that keeps the cathode and anode apart. If this thin separator layer becomes damaged, the cell can short internally.  Ford, its engineering teams, and the battery cell supplier have all pointed to variability in the supplier’s production process as the likely cause. This inconsistency may lead to small imperfections or weaknesses in the separator layer.

When the separator is compromised, the result can be:

  • Internal short circuits
  • Loss of propulsion power
  • Battery overheating
  • Thermal venting
  • Potential vehicle fire

Ford has not yet identified the complete root cause. Tear down investigations are still ongoing.

Safety Risks: What Can Happen

If a battery cell shorts internally:

1. Loss of Motive Power While Driving

The vehicle may suddenly shut down its propulsion system.
A red “Stop Safely Now” warning appears on the instrument cluster.

Although steering, braking, and lights still work, a sudden loss of acceleration dramatically increases crash and injury risk.

2. Battery Thermal Venting / Fire Risk

A shorted cell can overheat and vent hot gas, which can ignite surrounding components.
This is a significant safety hazard, particularly if venting occurs during or after charging.

To date, Ford reports no injuries or accidents connected to this defect.

A Look Back: The 24V-954 / 24S79 Recall

Ford already attempted to fix this issue once.

In December 2024, Ford approved recall 24V-954 (Ford) / 24S79 (Lincoln), which rolled out the following remedy:

  • Updated Battery Energy Control Module (BECM) software
  • Added enhanced detection of battery cell anomalies
  • Stopped battery charging automatically if anomalies were detected
  • Alerted owners through messages in the instrument cluster

This fix was intended to catch separator-layer damage before it caused a short circuit.  However, new field reports show this strategy was not always effective.

The Turning Point: New Thermal Venting Cases in 2025

July–August 2025

Three European Ford Kuga PHEV vehicles (the Kuga is the European variant of the Escape PHEV) experienced battery thermal venting even AFTER receiving the recall software update.

September 2025

Two more cases surfaced.

August–October 2025 Investigation

Ford’s Critical Concern Review Group (CCRG) opened a formal investigation on August 27, 2025.
Recovered battery packs and control modules showed:

  • No detectable anomalies before venting
  • Significant thermal damage making root-cause confirmation difficult
  • The updated software did NOT trigger any warnings prior to failure

Meanwhile, tear down analysis from other replaced battery packs (those that were flagged by the software and did not vent) has not yet identified a definitive cause.

As of November 5, 2025

Ford reports:

  • 7 total venting incidents, all from European Kuga PHEV vehicles
  • All had already received the 24V-954 software update
  • No injuries or accidents

November 7, 2025

Ford approved a new field action—leading to today’s recall.

The New Recall: 25SC4 (Ford) / 25V-789 (NHTSA)

Because of the new cases, Ford has issued a new recall to replace the old one.

Affected Vehicles:

  • 2020–2024 Ford Escape Plug-In Hybrid
  • 2021–2024 Lincoln Corsair Plug-In Hybrid
    (These vehicles were previously included in recall 24V-954.)

Ford’s New Instructions to Owners

Until the final fix is ready, Ford advises:

  • Only use Auto EV mode
  • Limit the maximum charge of the high-voltage battery
  • Wait for mailed instructions and further updates

Interim owner letters are scheduled to go out December 1, 2025, detailing the safety risks and how to limit battery charging.  A second letter will follow once a permanent remedy is available.

The Final Remedy Is Still Under Development

Ford has not yet determined what the permanent fix will look like—likely because the underlying defect is still not fully understood.

Conclusion

Ford’s latest recall highlights an unresolved and potentially serious defect in the high-voltage battery cells used in its Escape and Corsair plug-in hybrid models. The original software-based solution from 2024 was not enough to catch every instance of cell separator damage, and new thermal-venting cases have forced Ford to develop a more comprehensive fix.  Until that final remedy is completed, owners must limit charging, follow Ford’s interim instructions, and watch for important recall notices.

Ford Bronco Blank Display

Ford has announced a safety recall for certain 2025–2026 Ford Bronco and Bronco Sport models after discovering a software defect that can cause the instrument panel cluster (IPC) to fail at startup. While the failure rate appears low so far, the issue can disable the display of critical safety information—and that creates a significant risk for drivers.

The Problem:  A Startup Timing Error That Can Blank the Instrument Panel

The Instrument Panel Cluster (IPC) is responsible for displaying essential vehicle information, including speed, engine warnings, braking system alerts, and other important safety telltales.

In the affected vehicles, the IPC can fail to initialize at startup. When that happens, the screen stays completely blank.

The Root Cause

Ford traced the issue to a timing-related software fault:

  • During the IPC’s sleep-entry sequence, there is a narrow window where a CAN wake-up interrupt can occur.
  • If this interrupt happens at the wrong moment, it triggers a memory protection fault in the cluster’s control unit.
  • The result: the IPC fails to boot, leaving the driver with a blank screen.

A blank cluster means no speedometer, no warning lights, and no safety indicators, which can significantly increase the risk of a crash if the vehicle is driven in that condition.

Why This Matters for Drivers

If the IPC is blank when the vehicle starts:

  • The driver cannot see speed, engine warnings, brake indicators, turn signals, or safety alerts.
  • Important telltales required under federal safety regulations may not display.
  • The driver loses critical information needed for safe operation.

Although the vehicle can still move, driving without a functioning instrument panel is dangerous—especially in traffic, at night, or in poor weather conditions.

Ford reports no accidents or injuries linked to this defect as of November 2025, but the potential safety impact is clear.

Ford’s Internal Investigation Timeline

The issue first surfaced on September 18, 2025, when reports of blank screens in 2025–2026 Broncos and Bronco Sports were escalated to Ford’s Critical Concern Review Group (CCRG). Over the next several weeks, the CCRG analyzed failure reports, warranty data, and comparisons to a similar prior recall (25S88 / 25V-540).

What they found was significant:

  • Warranty claims were low so far, but
  • 68% of connected vehicles had ignition cycles falling within the window of susceptibility to this startup timing failure—almost identical to the earlier recall population.
  • No clear factor suggested the newer vehicles were at lower risk than the previously recalled models.

The first warranty claim was logged on May 15, 2025, and by November 7, 2025, Ford had documented 12 potentially related claims.

On that same date—November 7—the Field Review Committee approved a formal field action, confirming the need for a recall.

Which Vehicles Are Affected?

Ford has issued a recall for certain:

  • 2025 Ford Bronco
  • 2025 Ford Bronco Sport
  • 2026 Ford Bronco
  • 2026 Ford Bronco Sport

These vehicles are equipped with the susceptible SX2 Instrument Panel Cluster.

Ford’s recall number is 25SC3, and the corresponding NHTSA campaign number is 25V-788.

How the Problem Will Be Fixed

Ford will correct the IPC issue through an instrument panel cluster software update, available:

  • At Ford dealerships, or
  • Through an over-the-air (OTA) update (for vehicles equipped to receive OTA updates)
  • Ford plans to begin mailing recall notices on December 8, 2025.

What Bronco and Bronco Sport Owners Should Do

If your instrument panel cluster ever boots up blank:

  1. Do not drive the vehicle until the IPC initializes correctly.
  2. If your Ford Bronco is affected, contact your Ford dealer to schedule a repair.
  3. Check for OTA update availability.
  4. Monitor for recall notifications and verify your VIN’s status on Ford’s recall lookup page.

Even if you haven’t experienced the issue yet, your vehicle may still be at risk due to the timing-related nature of the fault.

If You Continue to Experience IPC Problems

If the problem persists after the recall repair—or if Ford is unable to fix the defect—owners may be eligible for repurchase, replacement, or compensation, according to California Lemon Laws.

Ford Motor Company has issued a recall for certain 2025 Ford Ranger trucks due to a potential problem with the passenger airbag system. According to the automaker, a manufacturing error could prevent the airbag from deploying properly in the event of a collision, creating an increased risk of injury for passengers.

While the issue affects only a limited number of vehicles, Ford is taking immediate action to ensure compliance with federal safety standards and to protect customer safety.

The Issue: Faulty Instrument Panel Scoring

The concern originates from the instrument panel (IP) assembly—specifically the laser scoring process used on the underside of the IP topper. The scoring defines the precise way the airbag deploys through the dashboard surface.

Ford discovered that the supplier, Yanfeng (YF), had unintentionally altered the laser scoring parameters during production. This seemingly small change resulted in a deviation from the approved design, affecting the scoring pattern in certain 2025 Ford Ranger vehicles.

This flaw may cause the passenger airbag to deploy more slowly or not fully deploy at all, especially during cold-temperature conditions or low-output deployments. During internal safety testing, Ford observed that in some cases, the airbag cushion failed to completely exit the panel surface, creating a potential hazard and violating Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) 208, which govern occupant crash protection performance.

Timeline of Events

The airbag concern was identified and escalated through Ford’s quality and safety review process over the course of several weeks:

  • September 10, 2025: Supplier Yanfeng notifies Ford of an unintended change to the laser scoring process.
  • September 18, 2025: Ford’s Critical Concern Review Group (CCRG) launches a detailed investigation into the issue.
  • September 9, 2025: The supplier revises the laser scoring process to match the original specifications and validates the fix.
  • October 3, 2025: Ford’s Field Review Committee reviews the findings, confirms non-compliance with FMVSS 208, and authorizes a field action.

Although Ford is not aware of any crashes, injuries, or customer complaints linked to the problem, the company has decided to act out of caution and replace affected components.

What Ford Owners Need to Know

Owners of affected 2025 Ford Ranger trucks will be contacted directly by Ford. Here’s what you should know about the recall:

  • Recall Number: 25C54
  • NHTSA Campaign ID: 25V-678
  • Remedy: Ford dealers will replace the instrument panel assembly.
  • Notification Schedule:
    • Interim owner letters were mailed on October 24, 2025, to inform customers of the issue.
    • Final remedy letters will be mailed once replacement parts are available and the repair process begins.
steering Ford SD

If you drive a 2020 or 2021 Ford Super Duty F-250, F-350, or F-450, there’s a new recall you should know about. Ford has confirmed a steering defect that could cause you to suddenly lose control of your truck while driving.

And here’s the bigger issue: these trucks already have a long history of recalls. If your Super Duty keeps going back to the dealership for repairs, it may be more than just bad luck — your truck could be a lemon.

What’s the Problem?

The recall centers on the steering column upper shaft. In certain trucks, the part doesn’t meet Ford’s own strength requirements. That means it can actually separate while driving, causing you to lose the ability to steer.

  • Safety Risk: Loss of steering control makes a crash much more likely.
  • No Warning Signs: There are no dashboard messages or alerts — the failure can happen without warning.
  • Affected Trucks: Ford believes the defect affects trucks built at the Kentucky Truck Plant before October 1, 2020.

How Ford is Handling the Recall

Ford has issued recall number 25S94 (NHTSA 25V-626). Here’s what they’re telling owners:

  • Notices in the Mail: Letters started going out in October 2025 to warn owners.
  • Dealer Inspections: Dealers will check your steering column.
    • If it fails inspection → the part will be replaced.
    • If it passes → it will be modified to improve durability.
  • Final Fix: A long-term repair solution is expected by December 2025.

Ford Super Duty: Too Many Recalls?

Unfortunately, this isn’t the first time Super Duty owners have faced recalls. The 2020–2021 lineup has been hit with recalls for:

  • Driveshaft separations
  • Brake system problems
  • Electrical issues

When you add the steering shaft defect to the list, it paints a troubling picture. For owners, these repeated issues can mean frustration, downtime, and serious safety worries.

Could Your Truck Be a Lemon?

Here’s the bottom line: If you’ve had to bring your F-250, F-350, or F-450 back to the dealer again and again for serious repairs, you may not just have a bad truck — you may have a lemon.

  • Lemon Law Basics: If a defect affects your truck’s safety, value, or reliability, and the manufacturer can’t fix it after a reasonable number of tries, you may qualify for a buyback, replacement, or cash settlement.
  • Why Steering Defects Matter: Because steering is critical to safe driving, repeated failures or incomplete fixes could make your case even stronger.

What Should You Do Now?

  1. Keep Records: Save every repair order, recall notice, and warranty claim. Documentation is key if you ever need to pursue a claim.
  2. Pay Attention to Repeat Repairs: If you’ve had the same issue fixed more than once, or your truck keeps going back to the dealer, you may have lemon law rights.
  3. Get Help if Needed: Don’t wait until you’re out of patience (or warranty). Talk to a lemon law professional if you suspect your Super Duty qualifies.

FAQ: Ford Super Duty Steering Recall & Lemon Law

Q: Is it safe to drive my truck before the repair?
A: Because there are no warning signs before the steering defect happens, it’s risky to keep driving an affected truck. Schedule a dealer inspection as soon as possible.

Q: What if the dealer already repaired my steering issue once, but the problem came back?
A: If the same issue keeps happening after repairs, that’s a red flag. Repeated failures may qualify your truck as a lemon under state or federal law.

Q: How many repairs does it take before my Ford is considered a lemon?
A: It depends on your state. In many states, two or more failed repair attempts for a serious safety issue (like steering) may be enough. In others, it may take three or four attempts.

Q: Can I get a buyback or replacement if my truck is a lemon?
A: Yes. Lemon laws can entitle you to a buyback of your vehicle or a replacement truck, if the manufacturer can’t fix the defect after a reasonable number of tries.

Q: Do I need a lawyer to file a lemon law claim?
A: While not required, most lemon law cases are easier with legal help. Many lemon law attorneys work on a no-cost-to-you basis, since the law requires the manufacturer to pay legal fees if you win.


Final Thoughts

The 2020–2021 Ford Super Duty trucks are built to tackle tough jobs, but repeated recalls and a dangerous steering defect have many owners concerned. If your F-250, F-350, or F-450 is spending more time in the shop than on the road, don’t ignore it.  Your truck may qualify as a lemon, and knowing your rights could help you get the compensation or replacement you deserve.


Ford Motor Company has announced a safety defect affecting several 2025 Ford and Lincoln models due to a potential braking issue. Certain vehicles may experience a loss of power brake assist, which could extend stopping distances and increase the risk of a crash—particularly when Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) features are in use.

Which Ford And Lincoln Vehicles Are Affected?

The recall involves specific 2025 models, including:

  • Ford F-150
  • Ford Expedition
  • Ford Bronco
  • Ford Ranger
  • Lincoln Navigator

Ford’s investigation found that the Electronic Brake Booster (EBB) module may malfunction while driving or when ADAS features are active.

What’s the Problem?

The issue was first detected on May 14, 2025, when the Expedition/Navigator Rapid Response Team identified a Ford Management Lease Vehicle with a loss of brake boost. The malfunction triggered a Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC), prompting Ford to review connected vehicle data, driver reports, and incident logs.

Customers reported a sudden loss of brake boost, along with extended brake pedal travel and longer stopping distances. While Ford confirmed that affected vehicles still meet Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS 135, 105, and 126), the unexpected nature of the issue poses a safety risk.

Incident Reports

  • Between March 13 and June 26, 2025, Ford received 37 warranty claims related to this problem.
  • As of July 14, 2025, there has been one alleged low-speed crash potentially linked to the defect.
  • No injuries or fires have been reported.

The Recall Process

On July 18, 2025, Ford’s Field Review Committee approved a field action.

  • The fix involves an Electronic Brake Booster software update, which can be delivered over-the-air (OTA) or performed at a dealership.
  • Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed on August 25, 2025.
  • Ford recall number: 25S77
  • NHTSA campaign number: 25V-488

What Owners Should Do If Their Ford Or Lincoln Is Affected

If you own one of the affected vehicles:

  1. Schedule a dealer visit or wait for the OTA update if applicable.
  2. Monitor your braking performance, especially when using ADAS features such as adaptive cruise control or automatic emergency braking. If you experience unusual brake feel or extended stopping distances, seek service immediately.

Safety Reminder

Even with this issue, Ford states the braking systems remain functional, but stopping distances may be longer without power brake assist. Extra caution is advised until the repair is complete.