Lincoln « California Lemon Law blog

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:

Schedule a dealer visit or wait for the OTA update if applicable.
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.

A widespread Ford recall could impact your ability to safely back up your vehicle — and it might also qualify you for relief under California’s Lemon Law.

What’s going on?

Ford is recalling over 1 million vehicles due to a software glitch that affects the rearview camera. The image might freeze, lag, or not show up at all when you’re in reverse. That’s more than just an inconvenience — it’s a real safety issue, especially in tight parking lots or near pedestrians.

Which models are included?

Ford: 2021–2025 Bronco, Escape, Edge, Expedition, F-Series, Mustang, Mach-E, Ranger, Transit
Lincoln: Nautilus, Corsair, Navigator (2021–2025)

Ford plans to notify owners starting June 16, 2025, and repairs will be done either at the dealership or possibly via an over-the-air software update — depending on your vehicle.

Why California Lemon Law applies

If your rearview camera has failed repeatedly, or if the issue has made your vehicle unsafe to drive, California law may consider your car a “lemon.” Even if it’s just one issue, if it affects safety and the dealership can’t fix it in a reasonable amount of time, you might qualify for:

A replacement vehicle
A refund
Payment for out-of-pocket expenses

The law applies whether your car was new or used, as long as it’s still under the manufacturer’s warranty.

What to do if this affects you:

Check your records — has your camera failed before?
If so, document everything and keep copies of repair orders.
Don’t wait for the dealership to tell you what your options are. A Lemon Law attorney can evaluate your case for free, and most clients never pay out of pocket.

You deserve a vehicle that works the way it’s supposed to — especially when safety is involved.

If you’re concerned about your Ford or Lincoln defects or have questions about your rights under the California Lemon Law, Call Now for a FREE Case Review – 888-395-3666 or fill in the contact form at the top of the page. Our experienced team is here to help you navigate the process and ensure you receive the compensation you deserve. Don’t wait – take action today to protect your rights as a California consumer!

According to Ford’s records, certain 2020-2021 Aviator vehicles were recorded as having the repair successfully completed, but may still be at risk due to the incorrect software installation. If the correct software update remedy is not installed on the vehicle, the manufacturing defect can cause a lower capacity cell to develop an internal short circuit, leading to a battery power off and potentially resulting in a vehicle fire.

The issue was first brought to Ford’s attention in November 2024, when an audit revealed insufficient data to confirm correct software application across all field service actions (FSAs) using the FDRS service tool. A team was formed to investigate further and created templates to track software lineage part numbers. In December 2024, Ford informed the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) of the concern and discussed a plan to address the mismatched vehicles. After conducting an audit, it was found that 99.3% of the repairs conducted under recall 23S53 had the correct software installed. However, they identified specific vehicles that were recorded as receiving the remedy but still had software that did not address the safety risk.

To rectify the situation, Ford has approved a field action and will update the Battery Energy Control Module software for the affected vehicles. The company is not aware of any reports of accidents or injuries related to this condition. Dealers will correct the problem by updating the software with the correct version.

The recall number for this issue is 25S58, and the NHTSA campaign number is 25V-349. If you own a 2020-2021 Lincoln Aviator vehicle equipped with a 3.0L PHEV engine, and you receive a recall notice, contact your dealer for repairs to ensure your safety on the road.

A software error has been identified as the cause of rear view camera problems in certain Ford and Lincoln vehicles, prompting a field action to update the affected systems. The issue can cause the rear view camera image to delay, freeze, or not display when the vehicle is in reverse, potentially increasing the risk of accidents.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) first contacted Ford about the problem in January 2025, after receiving 37 vehicle owner questionnaires (VOQs) regarding rear-view camera complaints on 2021-2023 Model Year Ford F-150 vehicles. An investigation by Ford’s Automotive Safety Office revealed that 15 of these complaints alleged a frozen rear-view camera image while in reverse, with an additional 18 related to SYNC and/or APIM concerns.

Further review by Ford’s Critical Concern Review Group (CCRG) and the SYNC engineering team led to the identification of the causal factors as specific SYNC4 software variants between 1.7 and 1.9. A read-across analysis revealed that other vehicle lines also utilized the affected software versions, resulting in a total of 232 warranty claims in North America.

The affected vehicles include various Ford models, such as the Bronco, F-150, Edge, Escape, and Expedition, as well as Lincoln models like the Nautilus, Navigator, and Corsair. The issue is caused by a software error in the accessory protocol interface module (APIM), which will be updated by a dealer or through an over-the-air update.

According to Ford, one minor crash resulting in property damage has been reported, but no injuries have been linked to this concern. To address the issue, Ford will be conducting a field action, with interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk expected to be mailed on June 16, 2025. A second letter will be sent once the remedy is available, anticipated for the third quarter of 2025.

Vehicle owners can identify this recall by Ford’s number, 25S49, and the NHTSA campaign number, 25V-315. It is essential for affected vehicle owners to take note of this issue and follow the instructions provided by Ford to ensure their rear view camera system is updated and functioning correctly to minimize the risk of accidents.

The vehicles affected include:

2021-2024 Ford Bronco
2021-2024 Ford F-150
2021-2024 Ford Edge
2023-2024 Ford Escape
2023-2024 Ford F-250 SD
2023-2024 Ford F-350 SD
2023-2024 Ford F-450 SD
2023-2024 Ford F-550 SD
2023-2024 Ford F-600 SD
2022-2024 Ford Expedition
2022-2025 Ford Transit
2021-2023 Ford Mach-E
2024 Ford Ranger
2024 Ford Mustang
2021-2023 Lincoln Nautilus
2022-2024 Lincoln Navigator
2023-2024 Lincoln Corsair

In summary, a software error has been identified as the cause of rear view camera problems in certain Ford and Lincoln vehicles, and a field action has been initiated to update the affected systems. Vehicle owners are advised to be aware of this issue and take necessary steps to ensure their safety on the road.

A critical issue affecting the transmission valve body of certain Ford Bronco, Explorer, F-150, Mustang, Ranger, and Lincoln Aviator vehicles can cause reverse gear failure or unexpected forward movement while in reverse or neutral gear. This problem could be a significant safety risk to drivers and passengers.

According to Ford, the issue is attributed to an incorrectly machined transmission valve body, specifically the Outer Valve Body (OVB) of the transmission main control. The machining tool used during production did not maintain proper specifications, resulting in out-of-specification dimensions that can prevent the vehicle from entering reverse gear when commanded by the gear shift module.

Symptoms of the problem include no reverse motion when the gear selector is in reverse, and in some cases, the vehicle may move forward with the gear selector in either reverse or neutral position. The Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL) and Wrench light will illuminate on the dashboard when this malfunction occurs.

The recall affects vehicles, including:

2024-2025 Ford Bronco
2025 Ford Explorer
2024-2025 Ford F-150
2025 Ford Mustang
2024 Ford Ranger
2025 Lincoln Aviator

Ford’s investigation into the matter began in February 2025, after a transmission failure was reported on a 2025 Mustang at the Flat Rock Assembly Plant. The company subsequently issued a Stop Ship order for affected models and launched an analysis of the suspect transmissions.

Using advanced data analytics, including Machine Integrated Learning and Optimization (MILO) modeling, Ford identified individual Outer Valve Body units that were likely to experience this condition. The company then conducted evaluations of vehicles equipped with suspect parts and confirmed the symptoms reported by customers.

As of February 21, 2025, Ford had received five warranty reports related to this issue. On March 7, 2025, the company’s Field Review Committee approved a field action, which includes replacing the transmission main control valve body.

Ford has notified owners of affected vehicles and has begun repairing the transmissions. The recall is identified as Ford’s number 25S19 and NHTSA Campaign Number 25V-164.

This recall highlights the importance of rigorous quality control measures in the automotive manufacturing process. The issue serves as a reminder that even minor defects can have significant consequences on vehicle safety and performance.

Low Oil Pressure Warning Ford Motor Company have identified a critical issue in certain 2024-2025 F-150, 2024 Expedition, and 2024 Lincoln Navigator vehicles equipped with the 3.5L GTDI engine. A misaligned engine cup plug has been found to potentially result in a rapid oil leak, posing serious safety risks.

The Problem: Misaligned Engine Cup Plug

The defect stems from a misalignment of the hydraulic press used to insert engine cup plugs into the cylinder head bore during assembly. This misalignment, approximately 1.5 mm off center, distorts the cup plug, reducing its retention within the bore. This defect may result in:

Rapid Oil Leak: A misaligned plug can cause sudden, large-volume oil loss.
Increased Fire Risk: Oil leaks in the presence of hot engine or exhaust components may lead to a fire.
Loss of Motive Power: A sudden loss of oil can result in reduced engine performance or a complete loss of motive power, increasing the risk of a crash.

Warning Signs for Customers

Drivers of affected vehicles may notice several warning signs, including:

Low Oil Pressure Warning: A warning light on the instrument cluster.
Burning Smell or Smoke: White smoke or a burning odor from the engine compartment.
Oil Leak or Engine Noise: Visible oil leakage or unusual noises from the engine.

Discovery and Investigation

The issue first came to Ford’s attention in October 2024 during a vehicle evaluation at the Kansas City Assembly Plant. A 2024 F-150 equipped with the 3.5L GTDI engine experienced a significant oil leak caused by the expulsion of a 13mm engine cup plug on the exhaust side.

Ford’s Critical Concern Review Group (CCRG) conducted an investigation and tear down analysis. They found no damage to the cylinder head bore but discovered that the cup plug was off center. The misalignment was traced back to maintenance work on the cylinder head assembly line at the Cleveland Engine Plant between September 9, 2024, and September 16, 2024. Other stations were confirmed to have proper alignment.

Field Action and Customer Notification

As of October 30, 2024, Ford has not received any warranty claims or field reports from customers regarding this issue. However, the company is taking measures to ensure customer safety:

Field Action Approval: Ford’s Field Review Committee approved the recall on November 1, 2024.
Dealer Inspections and Repairs: Dealers will inspect the cup plug alignment and replace any misaligned plugs.
Customer Notifications: Owner notification letters are scheduled to be mailed by December 2, 2024.

Recall Details

Ford Recall Number: 24S70
NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V-851

Next Steps for Vehicle Owners

Ford advises owners of the affected 2024-2025 F-150, 2024 Expedition, and 2024 Lincoln Navigator vehicles to monitor for any signs of the defect and to schedule an inspection with their dealer once notified. This precautionary recall aims to address the issue and ensure vehicle safety and reliability.

The secondary steering torque sensor may not be properly calibrated on certain 2018-2023 Ford Mustang, 2018-2020 Ford F-150, 2018-2021 Ford Expedition, and 2018-2021 Lincoln Navigator vehicles. These vehicles are equipped with electronic power assist steering (EPAS) gears, which were installed as replacement service parts and are now found to have potential calibration issues.

This issue came to light when Ford’s Critical Concern Review Group (CCRG) was alerted by the supplier about an assembly problem affecting certain steering gears. To thoroughly understand the extent of this problem, Ford’s CCRG conducted a detailed review that included examining supplier maintenance records, warranty reports, and vehicle testing data. The findings prompted Ford’s Field Review Committee to decide on issuing a recall to address the defect.

The defect report indicates that the electronic Power Assist Steering (EPAS) gears, which were sold as service parts, may have an incorrectly calibrated secondary digital torque sensor in the steering gear. Specifically, the polarity of this sensor may be inverted. If the primary steering torque sensor fails or develops a fault, and the secondary digital torque sensor’s polarity is inverted, the steering wheel could start oscillating without warning. This means the steering wheel might alternate between clockwise and counterclockwise movements when the driver attempts to steer, leading to unintended steering assist from the electronic power steering gear.

This oscillation poses a significant safety risk as it can make steering unpredictable and difficult to control, potentially leading to accidents. Recognizing the severity of this issue, Ford has taken measures to address it.

Ford dealers will update the Power Steering Control Module (PSCM) software in the affected vehicles to correct the calibration issue. This update is intended to ensure the proper functioning of the secondary torque sensor, thereby preventing the unintended steering oscillation.

Owner notification letters were mailed on August 5, 2024, to inform vehicle owners about the recall and the necessary steps to have their vehicles repaired. Ford has assigned this recall the number 24S45, and it is also registered under the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) campaign number 24E-055.

Ford Escape Gearshift Ford has discovered a problem affecting specific hybrid vehicles, including the 2022-2024 Maverick, 2020-2022 Escape, and 2021-2022 Lincoln Corsair models. These vehicles may contain software that could cause the vehicle to shift into neutral unexpectedly.

Investigation and Findings

In March 2024, Ford’s Critical Concern Review Group (CCRG) initiated an investigation following field reports indicating that some vehicles were shifting to neutral after receiving a Hybrid Powertrain Control Module (HPCM) software update at dealerships. The powertrain controls and calibration team discovered that the new Hybrid Transmission Internal Park Module (HTIPM) software, which had been released for service in January 2024, was incorrectly detecting noise in the Park Motor Position Sensor. This led to the generation of erroneous Park Motor Position Sensor Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) U1010 and U1011.

Field Action Approval

On May 3, 2024, Ford’s Field Review Committee examined the issue and approved a field action to address the problem. According to the defect report, the affected vehicles received HPCM software that could force the vehicle into a neutral state while driving. As the vehicle coasts to a stop, the transmission will automatically shift to “Park”. Despite this issue, drivers retain functionality for power braking and power steering. Once the driver shifts back to drive, the vehicle enters a limp home mode, which provides limited torque at low speeds up to 30 mph.

Reported Incidents and Warranty Claims

Ford has reported 315 warranty claims in North America and 125 Vehicle Owner Questionnaires (VOQs) that may be related to this software issue. These incidents highlight the importance of addressing the defect to ensure driver safety and vehicle reliability.

Recall Details and Owner Notification

To rectify the problem, dealers will update the HPCM software free of charge. Ford plans to mail owner notification letters starting on May 23, 2024. For reference, Ford’s recall number for this issue is 24S33, and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) campaign number is 24V-330.

Owners of the affected vehicles are encouraged to contact their dealers promptly to schedule the necessary software update. Ensuring that your vehicle receives this update is crucial for maintaining optimal performance and safety.

Summary

Affected Vehicles: 2022-2024 Ford Maverick, 2020-2022 Ford Escape, and 2021-2022 Lincoln Corsair hybrid models.
Issue: Software may cause unexpected shifts into neutral.
Investigation Start: March 2024 by Ford’s CCRG.
Findings: Noise in Park Motor Position Sensor detected by HTIPM software, causing erroneous DTCs U1010 and U1011.
Action Approved: May 3, 2024, by Ford’s Field Review Committee.
Incidents Reported: 315 warranty claims and 125 VOQs in North America.
Solution: HPCM software update by dealers.
Owner Notification: Letters to be mailed starting May 23, 2024.
Recall Numbers: Ford 24S33, NHTSA 24V-330.

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Category Archives: Lincoln

2025 Ford and Lincoln Brake Assist Issue Could Increase Crash Risk