Ford Recall Lookup

Ford Logo: Ford Motor Company

A vehicle recall is implemented when a car manufacturer deems a specific model or make poses a safety-related hazard. Usually, the manufacturer will offer free repair services to rectify the issue that triggered the recall.

During the past decade, nearly 300 million recalls have been issued by different automakers worldwide. Your car may be included in at least one of these recalls, particularly if you own or lease a Ford.

According to a study, in 2022, Ford Motor Company (Ford) led the U.S. (United States) in both recall counts and total number of vehicles affected.

In such a case, you might ask yourself what to do if your Ford is part of a safety recall. What specific Ford models have been announced in a safety recall in past years?

This write-up will answer these questions and also provide valuable information about how Ford looks to remedy their issued safety recalls. Moreover, this article will discuss some recalls from other auto manufacturers, including Kia, Tesla, and Toyota.

For more information and legal assistance about vehicle recalls, visit and read through our website, LemonLawLawyers.org. Don’t let a lemon car sour your driving experience.

Is My Ford Vehicle Being Recalled?

If you want to know if your Ford vehicle is part of a previously announced recall, the best way is to check directly with your local dealership or visit Ford’s website.

Ford offers a comprehensive recall checker that lets you see if your vehicle requires servicing as a recall remedy.

Easy to use, simply input your VIN (vehicle identification number) in the space provided, and the recall checker will show if your Ford vehicle is part of a recall.

Why Should I Run a Ford Recall Check?

Running a Ford recall check is like giving your car its routine health checkup. It’s all about ensuring your ride is in its best possible shape.

Here’s the deal: recalls are often carried out if a potential issue is found with specific car components. These issues might range from something simple like a mislabeled tire to more drastic problems like performance glitches or a leaking valve.

By running a recall check, you’re staying proactive about your car’s status, ensuring any possible hiccups are resolved promptly – often at no cost.

Below are more reasons why running a Ford recall check of both new and used cars is crucial:

  1. To check if Ford complies with federal safety standards – Does your car meet the industry’s minimum safety standards? Are all vehicle components working satisfactorily and compatibly with the model’s general framework?

    These are important queries that must be addressed to ensure the personal safety of the vehicle’s occupants.

  2. To ensure buyer confidence – Addressing recalls before putting the vehicle on the market shows your proactive approach as a seller. It’s like saying you’ve already taken care of any manufacturer-identified concerns.

    This not only reassures the buyer but also streamlines the entire sales process.

  3. To resolve issues promptly – Although a recall is a reason to be cautious, it does not necessarily mean you are in danger. By running a Ford recall check, you can resolve any potential problems immediately, saving you lots of time and money.

How Will I Get Recall Information and Updates?

Ford will send car owners updates via FordPass (Ford’s smartphone app), physical mail, and email. Moreover, the Ford website is continually updated to reflect new information.

You can also subscribe to email alerts from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). On the subscription page, enter your registered email address and select the make, model, and year of the vehicle(s) you want to receive alerts for.

What Does a Recall Notice From Ford Include?

A typical Ford recall announcement must contain the following information:

  • NHTSA campaign number – is a unique identifier for specific recall cases
  • Summary – contains important recall details, such as the affected models, the issues or vehicle parts that may pose a safety concern, vehicle registration, and the manufacturing plants where the recalled vehicles are from
  • Consequences – refers to how the recall may negatively affect vehicle safety and operability
  • Remedy – refers to the proposed solution of the automaker to the problem

How Do I Check My Ford VIN for Recalls? Where’s My VIN?

Usually, Ford vehicles will have their VIN on a metal tag behind the steering wheel and above the instrument panel.

The VIN can also be found on vehicle registration or insurance policy documents. For some car models, the VIN can be found on a tag on the driver-side door.

Can I Search Recalls for a Ford Vehicle Using a License Plate Number?

A license plate number is a viable option for searching for vehicle recalls if you don’t know your car’s VIN or cannot retrieve it from existing records.

The National Safety Council (NSC) also launched the Check to Protect program to let owners find out if their vehicle has an open recall.

On the website’s search bar, input your car’s license plate or VIN and state to determine if a recall has been issued for a specific vehicle.

What Are the Latest Ford Recalls?

Ford Motor Company has recalled many of its vehicles in the past years. However, the ones listed below stand out for the sheer number of affected vehicles:

Affected VehiclesIssueImpactRemedy
2015 to 2018 Ford F-150 Regular Cab

2015 to 2018 Ford F-150 Supercrew Cab
Around 2 million F-150s carry faulty seatbelt pre-tensioners that are potential fire hazardsThe seatbelt pre-tensioners could generate sparks, which may ignite the gas the system releases.Ford dealers removed wiring harnesses and insulation material behind the front windows.

Heat-resistant tape was applied to the carpet and its surroundings.

The entire repair process was free of charge.
2013 to 2017 Ford F-150 pickupsA leak in the master cylinderThe cylinder design causes brake fluid to penetrate the booster, making the front-wheel brakes less responsive.Ford dealers replaced the defective components for free.
2011 to 2014 Ford Fiesta

2013 to 2014 Ford Fusion

2015 Ford Mustang

2013 to 2015 Ford Escape and Ford C-Max

2012 to 2015 Ford Focus

2014 to 2015 Ford Transit Connect
Over 2 million Ford vehicles have defective door latches.Door latches may fail to secure when closed, causing the door to open inadvertently.                 Ford informed the owners of the affected vehicles on how to resolve the issue.
2012 to 2014 Ford Focus and Ford Focus Electric

2010 to 2014 Ford Fusion, Ford Fusion Hybrid, and Ford Fusion Energi

2008 to 2012 Ford Fusion Escape

2011 to 2013 Ford Taurus
1.83 million Ford vehicles were recalled because their EPAs (electronic power assist) were shutting down unexpectedly.EPA faults can translate to loss of power steering capability. Owners may be unable to adjust on the fly, potentially increasing the crash risk.Ford offered free repairs for all affected vehicles.

Ford Mustang Mach-E Recall

On October 30, 2023, Ford Motor Company dispatched owner notification letters regarding the safety recall of more than 30,000 units of its 2021 to 2022 Mustang Mach-E electric SUV (sport utility vehicle).

According to the NHTSA, the affected Mach-E’s battery contactors may overheat, resulting in drive power loss and increasing the risks of an accident. 

As a remedy, Ford dealers replaced the battery junction box at no cost to the owners.

Ford’s reference number for this recall is 23S56. In addition, vehicles included in this recall that were previously remedied under recall number 22V-412 will need to undergo a new repair procedure.

Ford Lightning Pickup Recall

Recently, Ford announced a recall for 931 units of its 2023 F-150 Lightning pickup trucks due to an issue with the electronic cabin coolant heater module.

A solder joint is potentially missing from the module, leading to intermittent or no cabin heat. Having no sufficient heat in the cabin module can result in the malfunction of the windshield defogging and defrosting system.

To rectify the issue, authorized Ford dealers replaced the affected cabin coolant heater for free. Owner notification letters for this recall were dispatched on November 2023. The reference number for this recall is 23C32.

Ford Explorer Recall to Fix Rear View Camera Issue

As of October 2023, Ford recalled more than 2,800 of its 2023 Explorer SUVs. The recall was due to an error in the wire harness, causing the rearview camera to display a blue image on the vehicle’s SYNC screen (Ford’s touch-operated connectivity system).

Dealers repaired any loose splices found in the rearview camera for free. Owner notification letters were sent out starting November 2023. The recall number for this is 23C31.

Ford Recall History

Among the Ford vehicles that have been part of a safety recall in the past years are the Ford F-150, Edge, Explorer, Fusion, Escape, and Mustang.

Since the Ford F-series pickups have had a significant market share for decades, their chances of being recalled are relatively high.

As stated, approximately 2 million Ford F-150 Regular and SuperCrew pickups were recalled due to their seatbelt pre-tensioners that can ignite a fire.

Ford recalled about 350,000 F-150, Expedition, and F-750 vehicles due to an unseated gear shift cable clip that may not completely secure the gear shift.

A similar issue caused the recall of approximately 550,000 Ford Fusion and Escape vehicles, where a bushing issue may cause the car to move even though the transmission indicates it is in park mode.

In 2016, specific Ford truck models were also recalled because of a faulty diesel fuel system. The protective shield on the truck’s fuel module can dislodge and cause a leak.

Finally, specific 2016 to 2017 models of Ford Edge vehicles were recalled due to their airbags not working as intended. As of 2018, this recall’s completion rate was 81.4%.

Is My Ford Affected by the Takata Airbag Recall?

Ford Motor Company is one of the 19 major auto manufacturers affected by the Takata airbag issue.

As of 2023, the Takata airbag issue caused the largest automotive recall in U.S. (United States) history, involving more than 10 million vehicles.

The issue stemmed from the airbags’ prolonged exposure to humidity and heat, potentially causing them to explode when deployed.

Here are the Ford vehicles that are affected by the Takata airbag recall:

  • 2005 to 2006 Ford GT
  • 2007 to 2010 Ford Edge
  • 2006 to 2012 Ford Fusion
  • 2007 to 2011 Ford Ranger
  • 2009 to 2013 Ford Mustang

Where Can I Find Additional Information About the Takata Airbag Recall?

Ford has a specific website that addresses questions about Takata airbag inflator recalls. Alternatively, you can enter your VIN on the website to determine if a vehicle has been recalled. 

What Do I Do After I Receive a Recall Notice?

Upon receiving a recall notice, you should verify if it is real. Unfortunately, some people will try to scam customers into bringing their cars for unnecessary repair services. The best way to confirm that the notice is genuine is by looking up the recall status of a vehicle on NHTSA’s website.

Once you have confirmed the legitimacy of the notice, you should then take your vehicle for recall service. Choose a dealer that is registered with your vehicle’s manufacturer.

Remember that some recall-related repairs may take time since car components, especially the rarer ones, may not be available immediately.

How Do I Fix a Ford Recall?

Usually, Ford Motor Company fixes their vehicle recalls through a software update, a replacement component, or a combination of both. Any unnecessary repair procedures performed will be of no cost to the car owners.

Ford’s owner notice will include information regarding the repair of the vehicle. If owners are unsure if their car or a particular model is part of a recall, they can contact their local Ford dealership or check the Ford website for further information.

How Should I Contact Ford About an Open Recall?

If you have any queries or concerns about recalls, contact Ford’s recall hotline at (800) 392-3673. You can also call the National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration Auto Safety Hotline at 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).

Where Do I Get Recall Repairs Done?

You can take your Ford vehicle to your local dealership for repairs. Additionally, some dealers offer the Ford Mobile Service and can perform repairs at your home, work, or any nearby location.

Are Recall Repairs Free?

Spare parts and repair services for vehicle safety recalls are free through your local Ford dealer.

Do Ford Recalls Have to Be Done at a Dealership?

Your vehicle’s recall-related repairs do not necessarily have to be done at a dealership.

However, suppose you wish to get free services and include your vehicle in the recall campaign. In that case, the recall-related repair must be done at a dealership registered with your car’s manufacturer.

How Long Can the Dealership Hold Your Car for a Recall?

A local dealer can hold your vehicle for up to 30 days. If recall-related repairs take more than 30 calendar days to accomplish, your vehicle may be deemed a lemon. Under state law, if your car is a lemon, you would be entitled to either a replacement car, compensation, or a refund.

Tesla and Kia Among 120,000 Vehicles Recalled

The NHTSA announced multiple recalls for more than 120,000 vehicles, including specific Tesla Model X and Kia Borrego SUVs. The following sections will discuss the recalls in detail.

Tesla Recall: Model X SUVs

Tesla recalled more than 54,000 of its 2021 to 2023 Model X vehicles due to a vehicle controller that may fail to detect low brake fluid levels. The inability to correctly indicate brake fluid status may negatively affect braking performance and increase the likelihood of an accident.

As a remedy, Tesla released an over-the-air (OTA) update that owners can install free of charge. Tesla’s reference number for this recall is SB-23-00-005.

Kia Recall: Borrego SUVs for Interior Trim Issue

In November 2023, Kia sent notification letters about the recall status of approximately 22,000 Kia Borrego SUVs. The interior trim panels of the affected vehicles may not be properly secured, which can lead to them detaching and striking an occupant when a side curtain airbag is deployed.

As a remedy, authorized dealers secured headliner plates for free. Kia’s reference number for this safety recall is SC286.

Chrysler Recalled Dodge Hornet and Alsa Romeo Tonale SUVs for Pedestrian Alert Issues

Recently, Chrysler issued a recall for more than 4,000 units of its 2023 to 2024 Dodge Hornet and Alfa Romeo Tonale vehicles.

The pedestrian alert sirens of the affected vehicles may be disconnected or missing, resulting in the lack of alert signals when the vehicle is in reverse. Failure to alert pedestrians during a car’s reverse motion poses a heightened risk of injury.

Dealers inspected and replaced the affected siren connection for free as a remedy. Chrysler’s reference number for this recall is B5A.

General Motors Recalled GMC Acadia, Cadillac XT5, and XT6 SUVs for Potential Windshield Issue

General Motors (GM) recalled 42 units of its 2023 GMC Acadia and 2024 Cadilac XT5 and XT6 due to a windshield problem.

The windshields were possibly assembled without proper urethane sealant, which may cause them to break and detach, increasing the risk of injury during an accident.

To resolve the issue, authorized dealers inspected the windshields and applied sealant and primer if necessary. These repairs are free of charge to the owners.

Toyota 4RUNNER Recall

Southeast Toyota Distributors recently recalled 13 Toyota 4Runners because of an incorrect load-carrying capacity modification label.

Errors in the load-carrying capacity labels can translate to overloading, increasing the risk of an accident.

Southeast Toyota Distributors mailed owners a modified label for free as a recourse. Notification letters were dispatched for this safety recall on December 2023. The reference number is SET23A.

GM Recalled Cadillac LYRIQ Electric SUVs for Pedestrian Warning Sound Issue

General Motors (GM) announced a safety recall for specific 2023 Cadillac LYRIQ SUVs due to a software error. The affected vehicles’ body control module may have been updated with faulty software, which can lead to failure to create warning sounds for pedestrians.

Authorized dealers inspected and reprogrammed the body control module for free as a recourse. General Motors’ reference number for this recall is N232422960.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

  1. How do I know if my Ford Maverick has a recall?

Ford’s website offers a free Ford recall checker for owners to see if their vehicle requires recall-related services.

  1. What’s the difference between a recall and a TSB?

Car manufacturers use recalls and TSBs (technical service bulletins) to convey information to owners when a problem with a particular vehicle make or model is discovered.

Usually, a TSB is sent from manufacturers to dealerships and service providers. TSBs generally explain a specific vehicle problem and inform service centers on how to rectify the issue. These repairs are not mandatory.

On the other hand, if a car’s issues are severe enough, the auto manufacturer may skip issuing a TSB and directly announce a recall. Recall notices are given to Ford owners via mail or their local dealer.

  1. Am I entitled to a refund for a repair recall?

You may be eligible for a refund if you paid to resolve an issue that was later tied to a safety recall. Talk with your dealer to find out more.

  1. Do recalls expire?

Emission, compliance, and safety recalls don’t have an expiry date. However, other customer satisfaction programs have mileage limitations and expiry dates.

  1. Do you provide a rental car for recalls?

Ford will do its best to offer a comparable loaner vehicle as necessary. Check with your local dealer for more details and availability status.

  1. Who can I call with additional questions?

Contact Ford at 1-866-436-7332 and speak with a Ford Service team member regarding your queries and concerns.

  1. What if I receive recall notices for a vehicle I no longer own?

Visit the Ford support webpage to forward recall information to the right owner.

References

  1. Ford Recalls
    https://www.ford.com/support/recalls/
  2. NHTSA safety recall results
    https://www.cars.com/research/ford/recalls/
  3. Check to Protect
    https://www.checktoprotect.org/#/
  4. VIN check info Ford
    https://vincheck.info/vin-recall-check/ford-recalls#:~:text=Check%20for%20Ford%20compliance%20to%20federal%20safety%20standards
  5. How to make sure you get recall notices for your used car
    https://www.consumerreports.org/car-recalls-defects/how-to-get-recall-notices-for-a-used-car/#:~:text=Subscribe%20to%20Email,and%20model%20year
  6. Ford Bronco Recalls
    https://www.cars.com/research/ford-bronco/recalls/
  7. 2023 Ford Bronco Recalls
    https://www.cars.com/research/ford-bronco-2023/recalls/

Images sourced from Ford Media Center.

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