Ford recalls 227K MORE vehicles in record-breaking year

Ford Motor Co. is recalling about 227,000 vehicles in the United States over multiple safety defects — its latest such action in a record-shattering year that has seen the automaker issue more than 120 recalls.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said the new recall covers 163,256 Bronco Sport SUVs for front seats that may have loose bolts, 56,841 Lincoln and Explorer models for windshields with visible air bubbles, and 6,909 Econoline vans with inoperative defrosting or defogging systems.

Dealers will replace or repair the affected parts at no cost to owners, according to NHTSA.

The announcement came just a day after Ford recalled nearly 175,000 vehicles for moonroof wind deflectors that could detach while driving, creating a road hazard.

That recall included Ford Expedition and Lincoln Navigator SUVs, along with certain F-series pickup trucks, according to filings with NHTSA.

Together, the recalls continue a streak of safety issues that have made Ford the most frequently recalled automaker in the US this year, according to federal data and company filings.

Earlier this month, Ford recalled more than 1.4 million vehicles across multiple model years — including Explorer, Taurus, C-Max, Escape, Flex, Fusion, Fiesta, Mustang, Lincoln MKZ and MKT — to replace faulty rearview cameras that may display distorted, intermittent or blank images.

NHTSA warned that the glitch increased the risk of a crash by limiting visibility when backing up.

Ford said at the time that dealers would inspect and replace the rearview cameras free of charge. The recall followed a separate September notice covering 1.9 million vehicles worldwide for a similar camera issue linked to at least 18 accidents, though no injuries were reported.

The company attributed that defect to an unauthorized change by a supplier to the printed circuit board that reduced contact force and led to corrosion — ultimately causing the backup cameras to fail.

Auto analysts say the unprecedented volume underscores Ford’s struggle to manage increasingly complex vehicles laden with software and electronic components.

Brian Moody, executive editor at Autotrader, told Fox Business that while most modern recalls are voluntary, the sheer number from Ford is “cause for concern.”

“As increasingly complex vehicles become increasingly normal, Ford has stumbled with regard to quality,” Moody said.

The Post has sought comment from Ford.

The latest incidents add to a long list of safety problems that have dogged Ford throughout 2025. On Oct. 17, the company recalled nearly 625,000 vehicles for faulty seatbelt anchor cables and camera display issues affecting 2015–2017 Mustang models and 2020–2022 Super Duty trucks.

In August, Ford pulled back 312,000 trucks and SUVs for an electronic brake booster defect that could cause partial loss of brake assist. Affected models included the 2025 Ford F-150, Expedition, Bronco, Ranger and Lincoln Navigator.

Ford has repeatedly defended its approach, saying the volume of recalls reflects a more aggressive internal safety strategy rather than declining quality.

“The number of vehicles recalled reflects our intensive strategy to quickly find and fix hardware and software issues and go the extra mile to help protect customers,” the company told Fox Business in an earlier statement.

Ford said it has more than doubled its team of safety and technical experts in the past two years, describing the overhaul as part of a long-term quality improvement plan.

“We can and do find issues that exist on earlier model years, including ones that have not even been reported,” the company said. “We will not compromise our responsibility to all our customers, not just those buying new vehicles.”

NHTSA fined Ford $165 million last year for failing to issue timely recalls related to defective rearview cameras — the second-largest civil penalty in the agency’s history.