Ford Issues 90 Recalls This Year Affecting 5 Million Vehicles

Ford Motor Company has issued 90 recalls this year, affecting over 5 million vehicles, surpassing any other carmaker's record for recalls in a single year. This milestone was reached by the end of July, highlighting the significant safety challenges the automaker is currently facing. The latest recall involves 694,271 Bronco Sport and Escape SUVs due to a faulty fuel injector that could leak and potentially cause engine fires. This recall affects vehicles from model years 2021 to 2024 for Bronco Sport and 2020 to 2022 for Escape, all equipped with 1.5L engines.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) issued a recall notice stating that a fuel injector may crack and leak fuel inside the engine compartment. Ford has not yet developed a permanent fix for this issue but will update the engine control software of affected vehicles as an interim solution. This software update will help detect a cracked fuel injector and implement safety measures to reduce the risk of ignition. Owners will be notified by mail on August 18, and Ford customer service can be reached at 1-866-436-7332 for further assistance.

This recall expands and replaces several previous recalls from the NHTSA, including those from November 2022, March 2023, and March 2024. Ford's proactive approach to addressing these safety issues is part of a broader industry trend towards prioritizing safety and quality. The company has stated that it has made significant improvements in product quality in recent years and expects the number of recalls to decrease in the future due to internal changes.

Ford's Chief Operating Officer, Kumar Galhotra, has acknowledged the increase in recalls as part of the company's commitment to safety and quality. The automaker has been proactive in identifying and addressing potential issues, even if it means issuing more recalls than in previous years. This approach is aimed at preventing more serious incidents and maintaining customer trust. The financial impact of these recalls is substantial, with Ford taking a $570 million charge in its second-quarter earnings to cover the costs associated with these safety measures.

The frequency of recalls has raised concerns about the reliability of Ford's vehicles, but the company maintains that these actions are necessary to ensure the safety of its customers. The next closest manufacturer in terms of recalls this year has issued 21, significantly fewer than Ford's 88 recalls by the end of June. This disparity underscores the extent to which Ford is prioritizing safety over other considerations. The recall of nearly 700,000 vehicles over fuel injector faults and the potential for engine fires is a stark reminder of the risks involved in vehicle manufacturing and the importance of rigorous safety standards.