Ford’s Latest Recall Hits Hundreds of Thousands: What Drivers Need to Know
It’s not every day you hear that one of America’s biggest automakers is yanking over 148,000 vehicles off the road for major repairs. Yet here we are—Ford’s latest recall is raising eyebrows and a lot of safety questions among owners of its most popular models. Both old favorites and brand new rides are caught up in what’s starting to look like a rough season for the blue oval brand.
The first recall zeroes in on 123,611 vehicles built between 2017 and 2018. If you drive a Ford F-150, Ford Expedition, or Lincoln Navigator from those model years, you might want to pay close attention. The problem? Brake fluid could be leaking from the master cylinder. That might not sound terrifying at first, but it results in weak brakes, longer stopping distances, and a much higher risk if you need to stop short. Picture a loaded F-150 bearing down on a busy intersection and the brake pedal feels spongy—that’s not a scenario anyone wants. Ford says the fix is to replace faulty master cylinders or brake boosters depending on what the mechanic finds. Good news: all of this is happening at no cost to the driver. The recall is listed under NHTSA Campaign Number 24V266000, so owners can look that up or just ask at their local dealer.
Meanwhile, Ford’s troubles aren’t just stuck in the past—the second recall is all about the future, specifically the 2025 Ford Explorer. More than 24,000 of these fresh-off-the-line SUVs are getting called back, not for hardware, but for a glitchy software bug hiding inside the Powertrain Control Module—also known as the PCM, the brain behind the engine and drivetrain. Here’s where things get dicey: a bug in the PCM might lead to the SUV stalling when you least expect it, or the parking system just refusing to work. Imagine that frustration on your way to work. Ford dealers are stepping in to update the software for free, making sure Explorers drive and park like they’re supposed to.
Despite millions of miles and years of rigorous engineering, even industry giants like Ford can’t completely escape mechanical and software gremlins. With over 148,000 affected vehicles, this recall underlines just how wide-reaching even a single design flaw can be in today’s cars. Owners can quickly see if their ride is affected using the NHTSA VIN lookup tool or the SaferCar app—no need to wait around for snail mail notifications.
What to Do if Your Ford is Affected
If you spot your vehicle among the models listed for recall, don’t shrug it off. Weak brakes and sudden engine stalls aren’t just minor hiccups—they’re serious safety risks. Ford’s move to offer free repairs shows the company is reacting quickly, but it still means many drivers will need to carve out time for a dealership visit. If you’re stuck waiting on parts or scheduling, it’s smart to avoid long road trips until everything checks out.
This isn’t Ford’s first brush with large-scale recalls, and it probably won’t be its last. As our cars get smarter, packed with more tech and complex hydraulics, glitches can crop up in unexpected ways. The recall shows why regular checks and VIN lookups can save you from a nasty surprise—whether you’re driving a trusty old F-150 or a brand new Explorer.
So, if you’re behind the wheel of a Ford and worried about your brakes or that sudden dashboard warning light, you’re definitely not alone. Safety might be built in, but recalls are a reminder that no car is perfect—and acting fast is the best way to keep your ride, and everyone around you, safe.