Ford’s Troubling Recall Trend Continues
By mid-2025, Ford had already broken records for the highest number of recalls in a single year. With 94 recalls issued before July, more than 6.3 million vehicles were affected, surpassing the record previously held by General Motors. While some recalls have been small, others—like the massive backup camera issue that impacted more than 1 million vehicles—have shaken customer confidence in Ford’s quality control. Now, another 355,656 trucks are being recalled, adding to Ford’s already heavy recall burden.Which Vehicles Are Affected?
The recall includes:- 2025 and 2026 Ford Super Duty trucks
- 2025 Ford F-150 pickups
The Problem With the Instrument Panel
The recall centers around a flaw in the trucks’ instrument panel cluster. This is the digital display that sits between the speedometer and tachometer and provides essential driving information like speed, warning lights, and system alerts. According to Ford, the instrument panel may fail to wake up properly after the truck is started. When this happens, the screen could remain blank, leaving the driver unable to see critical details such as speed, engine status, ABS warnings, or other system messages. The issue occurs when the cluster receives a CAN bus signal to power on during a very narrow time window while the system is entering its sleep mode. If the timing overlaps, the panel may fail to boot back up, essentially going dark even though the truck is running.Why This Is Dangerous
A blank instrument cluster is more than just an inconvenience—it’s a safety risk. Without speed readings, drivers may unintentionally exceed limits or misjudge braking distances. Even more concerning is the inability to see warning lights for issues like low oil pressure, brake problems, or check engine alerts. Because of the potential danger, Ford has ordered affected vehicles to remain off the road until repairs are completed.How the Fix Works
The good news for truck owners is that the fix itself is relatively simple. Ford has developed a software update that corrects the timing issue in the cluster.- Some trucks can receive this update over-the-air (OTA), meaning owners won’t need to visit a dealership.
- For vehicles without OTA capability, owners will need to schedule service at a Ford dealer.
- In cases where dealer or mobile repair isn’t an option, Ford has instructed that the trucks should be towed in for service at no cost to the customer.
What Owners Should Do
If you own a 2025 or 2026 Ford Super Duty or a 2025 Ford F-150, here’s what you should know:- Check for recall notices: Ford will notify affected customers directly. You can also check your VIN on Ford’s official website or the NHTSA recall database.
- Don’t drive the truck if affected: If your instrument panel is blank or unreliable, arrange for a tow through your Ford dealer.
- No cost for repair: The recall service, towing, and any related fixes should be free of charge.
- Reimbursement available: If you previously paid for repairs related to this issue, Ford will reimburse you.
Another Blow to Ford’s Reputation
This recall is yet another setback for Ford in 2025. While the company continues to lead in sales of full-size pickups, the growing list of recalls has raised concerns about quality assurance in its production and testing processes. Industry analysts warn that while recalls are common in the auto industry, the frequency and scale of Ford’s issues this year are unusual. For customers, it has become a frustrating cycle of receiving notices, waiting for fixes, and dealing with unexpected downtime for their vehicles.The Road Ahead
Despite the setbacks, Ford has pledged to improve its quality control and resolve issues more quickly. Still, with nearly 100 recalls already on the books this year and millions of vehicles impacted, regaining customer trust won’t be easy. For now, Ford F-Series owners are advised to take this latest recall seriously, inspect their vehicles, and arrange for repairs as soon as possible. With the F-150 and Super Duty being such essential vehicles for both work and daily life, ensuring their safety on the road remains a top priority.FAQs
Is the 2025 Ford F-150 part of a recall?
Yes. The 2025 Ford F-150 is included in Ford’s latest recall. The issue is with the instrument panel, which may stay blank when the truck is started, leaving drivers unable to see their speed or warning lights.
Which Ford Super Duty trucks are recalled in 2025?
The recall covers 2025 and 2026 Ford Super Duty models. The problem is with the digital cluster display, which can fail to turn on, creating safety risks. Ford has issued a stop-sale order until repairs are made.
Why is Ford recalling 355,000 F-Series trucks?
Ford is recalling 355,656 trucks because the digital instrument panel may remain blank after starting. This means drivers cannot see speed, check engine lights, or other alerts, which can lead to dangerous driving conditions.
How do I fix the Ford instrument panel recall?
The repair is a free software update from Ford. Some trucks can get the fix through over-the-air updates. Others must go to a dealer or use mobile service. If driving is unsafe, Ford will tow the truck to the dealer at no cost.
Can I drive my Ford truck with a blank instrument panel?
No. Driving with a blank instrument panel is unsafe because you cannot see your speed or warning lights. Ford advises owners not to drive affected trucks until the recall fix is complete. Contact your dealer for towing.
Does the Ford F-150 recall repair cost money?
No. The recall service, towing, and repair are free. If you already paid for repairs related to the blank display issue, Ford will reimburse you. Owners should never be charged for this recall fix or related service.
How do I check if my Ford F-Series is recalled?
You can check your VIN on Ford’s official recall page or the NHTSA website. Ford will also contact owners directly. If your truck is affected, you’ll be notified and given instructions on how to get the recall repair done.
What years of Ford F-150 and Super Duty are recalled?
This recall affects 2025 Ford F-150 trucks as well as 2025 and 2026 Ford Super Duty models. Older model years are not part of this specific recall, though other recalls may still apply to them.
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