By Ramon Castro
The alarms went off loudly inside ford in this 2026. It is not for less. The number of vehicles that had to return to the workshop due to factory defects grew at a rate that surprises even the most experienced in the sector.
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In just the first four months of the year, The brand launched 27 review campaigns that reach more than 7,400,000 units. It is a volume that is difficult to ignore and makes it clear that something is going wrong in the production chain or in quality controls.
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The comparison with last year helps to understand the dimension of the problem. ANDIn all of 2025, 153 recalls were recorded involving 12,900,000 vehicles. If the current pace is maintained, 2026 could close with even higher numbers.
Recent issues on key models
One of the most recent episodes once again puts the focus on very popular models. A new campaign affects about 180,000 units of Ford Bronco and Ford Ranger manufactured between 2024 and 2026.
The origin of the problem is in a component of the front seat. A screw in the system can loosen with use, which in the event of an accident increases the risk for the occupants. It is a specific failure, but with important security implications.
An unexpected detail appears behind this problem. A change in the adhesive used by a supplier prevented that piece from being properly attached. The solution will come in two stages, first with a notification to the owners and then with a final repair scheduled for July.
More controls, more exposure
The increase in recalls is not explained only by new failures. There is also a more demanding regulatory context. At the end of 2024Ford was sanctioned for deficiencies in previous campaign management and placed under federal supervision for three years.
This stricter monitoring forces us to review processes and act more quickly in the event of any possible defect. As a result, more cases come to light that could previously have gone unnoticed or been resolved in another way.
The company defends this position. CEO Jim Farley maintains that the growth in recalls reflects a more transparent policy and a strengthening of security teams. However, not everyone sees it the same, especially when the problems appear in very recent vehicles.
A contrast that does not go unnoticed
While Ford faces this scenario, other automotive groups managed to significantly reduce their recall numbers. That leaves the brand in an uncomfortable position compared to its direct competitors.
Some recent studies reinforce this perception. Several models of the group appear among those most likely to suffer review campaigns throughout their useful life, which adds pressure to the brand’s image.
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