Ford Recalls Over 125,000 Vehicles Because Previous Repairs Weren't Done Correctly

If you own a Ford F-150, Escape, Focus, or Fusion, you might want to sit down for this one. Ford has issued four new recalls affecting more than 125,000 vehicles, and here's the kicker – these are vehicles that were supposedly already fixed. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has posted recall numbers 26V373000, 26V374000, 26V375000, and 26V376000 for issues ranging from headlight malfunctions to transmission problems that could potentially cause a fire.

Ford Recalls Over 125,000 Vehicles Because Previous Repairs Weren't Done Correctly

I know what you're thinking – didn't I already get this fixed? That seems to be the heart of the problem. These recalls cover vehicles that were previously repaired under older recall campaigns, but the fixes didn't stick or weren't done correctly in the first place.

Let's break down what's going on, which models are affected, and what you need to do if your truck or car is on the list.

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Which Ford Models Are Included in the Recalls?

Here's the breakdown of vehicles affected by these four recall campaigns :

• 2018-2020 Ford F-150 – 91,198 vehicles
• 2017 Ford Escape – 18,124 vehicles
• 2018 Ford F-150 – 10,742 vehicles
• 2015-2018 Ford Focus – 3,763 vehicles
• 2013-2016 Ford Fusion – 1,489 vehicles

Altogether, we're looking at over 125,000 Ford vehicles that need attention. The recalls are split across four separate issues, each with its own NHTSA number.

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The 2018-2020 F-150 Daytime Running Light Problem

This is the big one, affecting 91,198 trucks built between January 2017 and September 2019 . The issue involves the daytime running lights (DRLs) not dimming properly when you switch from "Autolamps" to "Headlamps On." Instead of dimming to parking lamp brightness as they should, the DRLs stay fully bright, which can affect other drivers' visibility and increase crash risk .

This was originally addressed under recall 20V097, but the fix wasn't done correctly . Ford will be updating the body control module software at dealerships free of charge.

The 2018 F-150 Gear Shifting Issue

This one affects 10,742 trucks from the 2018 model year . The problem happens when you quickly move the shift lever from Park to Drive. The instrument cluster might momentarily lose gear indication and could briefly select an unintended gear like Reverse or Neutral .

That's obviously concerning – nobody wants their truck to go the wrong way when they're trying to pull out of a parking spot. This was previously fixed under recall 17V669, but the repair didn't take . Dealers will update the powertrain control module software to sort this out.

The 2017 Escape Power Window Recall

This recall covers 18,124 Escapes from 2017 . The power-operated windows might close with too much force before automatically reversing when they encounter an object . Basically, the pinch protection isn't working as it should, which increases injury risk.

The issue was addressed before under recall 16V617, but something went wrong with the repair . A software update for the power window operating system should fix things up.

The Focus and Fusion Transmission Clutch Recall

This one covers 3,763 Focus models from 2015-2018 and 1,489 Fusion models from 2013-2016 . The clutch can fracture, potentially damaging the transmission assembly and causing a transmission fluid leak. If that fluid hits a hot engine or other ignition source, you could be looking at a fire risk .

This is definitely the most serious of the bunch. The problem was supposedly handled under recalls 18V169 and 18V845, but the repairs were either incomplete or didn't work . Ford will be updating software at dealerships, though the recall notice doesn't specify whether the clutch or transmission will be replaced.

Why Is This Happening?

You might be wondering how a bunch of recalled vehicles ended up not actually being fixed. It turns out Ford launched an audit in late 2024 and discovered that some vehicles marked as repaired might not have received the required updates . The company's records showed the work as complete, but the actual fixes couldn't be verified .

This is more than just an administrative headache. These are safety issues we're talking about – lights that could blind other drivers, windows that could pinch fingers, transmissions that might accidentally shift into reverse, and clutches that could start fires. When you take your car in for a recall repair, you expect it to be done right.

What Ford Owners Should Do

If you think your vehicle might be affected, here's what you need to know:

Check your VIN. The easiest way to find out if your vehicle is included is to visit NHTSA.gov and enter your vehicle identification number (VIN) or your state and license plate number .

Wait for the letter. Ford is mailing notification letters to owners of affected vehicles by July 6 . These letters will explain the specific issue with your vehicle and what you need to do next.

Schedule the repair. Once you get the letter, contact your local Ford dealership to have the necessary software updates performed. The repairs are free of charge – that's the law with safety recalls.

Call if you have questions. Ford's customer service line is 1-866-436-7332 if you want to talk to someone directly about your vehicle .

A Quick Note on Quality Control

This situation raises some fair questions about how Ford ensures repairs are done correctly at dealerships. While it's good that the company is proactively identifying these issues through audits, having to recall more than 125,000 vehicles for problems that were supposed to be fixed already isn't a great look .

That said, it's worth noting that this also demonstrates Ford taking safety seriously. The fact that they're going back to re-fix problems shows they're willing to do the right thing, even if it means admitting something went wrong the first time around .

If you own one of these Ford models, don't put this off. Check your VIN, watch your mailbox for that letter, and get your vehicle to the dealership. It's a hassle, sure, but peace of mind when it comes to safety is worth the trip.