The 5 worst Ford recalls of recent years (and how to tell if your car is affected)

Ford has issued some serious recalls in recent years for problems such as engine failure, unresponsive windshield wipers, fuel leaks that pose a fire hazard, power windows that trap occupants, and electrical malfunctions due to insufficient battery charge. But why are all of these defects occurring on a wide variety of models?

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The automotive industry has become increasingly complex over the years, thanks in part to advances in diagnostics, safety and driver assistance systems. Not only are vehicle models becoming more sophisticated, but automakers are also constantly trying to reduce production time. A more streamlined factory process, implementation of automation and standardized operating procedures are helping to reduce financial expenditure.

However, with more complex vehicles on a tighter production schedule, recalls are inevitable. According to Forbes, the average car is recalled an estimated 3.2 times over the course of three decades. Some recalls are more serious than others, as demonstrated by the horrifying examples of the worst car recalls in history. Fortunately, you can search for issues affecting your vehicle online at Ford.com/support/recalls/.

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Recently, a major problem was identified in six different models, namely the 2.7-liter and 3.0-liter engines in the Ford and Lincoln model range. A major recall was initiated for around 91,000 vehicles due to defective intake valves.

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Intake valves are important components that introduce a mixture of oxygen and fuel into the cylinder, enabling energy-producing combustion. Unfortunately, the automaker has identified possible irregularities in the intake valves on these select engines that could cause them to break apart and fall into the cylinder during operation.

If you own a 2021 or 2022 Ford F-150, Edge, Explorer, or Bronco with a 2.7-liter or 3.0-liter engine, you should immediately take your vehicle to the nearest dealer to have it inspected and tested. This issue also affects some Lincoln models, such as the Nautilus and Aviator, which have the same equipment under the hood.

Visibility is crucial when driving. The weather can be unpredictable and life doesn’t take a break when it rains or blizzards, so your windshield wipers are essential to getting you to your destination safely. Since your safety is at stake, you should replace your windshield wipers often, especially when you notice signs of wear.

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However, Ford has reported that certain front wiper motors may fail to engage, leaving you with no forward visibility under certain circumstances. With over 37,000 vehicles potentially affected, certain Ford models are at increased risk of crashing in inclement weather. Vehicles prone to this issue include the 2023 to 2024 Maverick, 2023 Ford Bronco Sport, and 2023 Mustang Mach-E. Fortunately, your local dealer can test the wiper motor if you own one of these Fords. If it is found to be a risk, they can replace it with a new part.

Gasoline can be dangerous. Vehicles are designed to carefully contain fuel in the system to avoid potential hazards, including dangerous fumes. However, Ford is recalling nearly 43,000 of its SUVs due to a fuel leak in the engine. The fuel injectors responsible for vaporizing and spraying fuel into the cylinder may be leaking on certain models. When fuel comes into contact with high-temperature engine components (that it really shouldn’t come into contact with), it can cause a fire.

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The automaker discovered the problem in its 1.5-liter engines, which are installed in 2022 and 2023 Escape and Bronco Sports models. Instead of repairing the leaks in the fuel injectors, Ford dealers will install a special hose in the affected area that is designed to direct leaked gasoline away from the hot engine components and toward the ground beneath the vehicle. Ford will also use a software update to detect this problem and take action by reducing engine power to control the high temperatures under the hood.

Power windows originally came out in 1940 as a premium upgrade and have since taken over the automotive industry. To automatically raise or lower your car window, these systems rely on several sensors to detect when the glass has reached its upper or lower limit, or when something, such as an arm, is blocking the window’s movement.

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If a power window system does not respond to objects in its path, it does not meet safety requirements under Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards. Ford may recall over 70,000 vehicles, including the 2024 Ranger and 2024 Lincoln Nautilus, because a power window system does not automatically retract when it encounters an obstruction. To prevent possible entrapment injuries, the modules in the front doors must be updated by the dealer via a software update.

Your vehicle’s battery not only provides the energy needed to start the ignition, but also protects against voltage spikes that negatively affect the PCM (Power Control Module). Ford has identified low battery charge in more than 450,000 of its vehicles, which can cause electrical system malfunctions and engine power losses. Safety is a factor, as this problem can disable hazard lights and suddenly reduce engine power during operation, leading to a possible accident.

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This issue affects 2021-2024 Bronco Sport models and 2022-2023 Maverick trucks. Luckily, if you own one of these vehicles, Ford has a solution. All the dealership service technicians need to do is adjust two modules that affect the body controls and the powertrain. If your Ford is not listed among the models affected by this issue, but your car battery keeps dying, there are several possible reasons and steps you can take to avoid further problems.