Full Breakdown
Ford Recalls Over 125,000 Vehicles After Prior Repairs Deemed Faulty
6/18/2026, 12:35:42 AM
Massive Recall Unveiled: Over 125,000 Ford Vehicles Affected
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) announced four new campaigns—26V373000, 26V374000, 26V375000 and 26V376000—covering more than 125,000 Ford trucks, SUVs and cars. The recalls target 2018-2020 F-150 pickups, 2017 Escape crossovers, 2015-2018 Focus sedans and 2013-2016 Fusion models. Dealers will reprogram vehicle software at no charge, and owners are slated to receive notification letters by July 6.
Prior Recall History and Incorrect Repairs
Each of the four campaigns corrects a defect that NHTSA says was previously addressed under earlier recall numbers (e.g., 20V097 for F-150 Daytime Running Lamps, 16V617 for Escape power windows, 17V669 for F-150 gear-shift logic, and 18V169/18V845 for transmission-clutch issues). NHTSA determined that the original repairs were “repaired incorrectly,” prompting the new corrective actions.
Scope of Affected Models and Numbers
- Ford F-150 – 91,198 units (2018-2020) for Daytime Running Lamp dimming; 10,742 units (2018) for unintended gear-shift.
- Ford Escape – 18,124 units (2017) for power-window force.
- Ford Focus – 3,763 units (2015-2018) for transmission-clutch fracture risk.
- Ford Fusion – 1,489 units (2013-2016) for the same clutch issue.
Combined, the campaigns total 125,? vehicles, making this Ford’s largest single-model recall effort in 2026.
Safety Risks Highlighted
The defects span three safety categories: reduced visibility from non-dimming lamps, potential window-pinch injuries, unintended gear selection that could cause loss of vehicle control, and transmission-clutch fractures that may leak fluid and ignite. NHTSA’s notices stress that any of these conditions could increase crash or fire risk.
Official Response from NHTSA and Ford
NHTSA’s statements describe the technical fixes: reprogramming the body-control module for lamp dimming, updating power-window control software, and flashing the powertrain-control module for gear-shift logic. Ford has classified the campaigns under internal numbers 26C28, 26C29, 26S42 and 26S43. The agency advises owners to schedule service promptly and provides a VIN-lookup tool for verification.
Criticism Over Ford’s Communication
USA TODAY reported that its inquiries to Ford regarding the “numerous incorrect repairs” have not been answered. The lack of a direct comment from Ford is noted as a gap in the manufacturer’s public communication about the recall’s root cause and remediation details.
Gaps and Uncertainties in the Remedy
The recall notices do not specify which software modules will be updated for the transmission-clutch campaign, nor whether any physical component (e.g., clutch assembly) will be replaced. NHTSA also does not clarify if the corrective action differs from the earlier fixes that were deemed faulty.
Verbatim Quotes from Recall Notices
- “The power-operated windows may exert excessive force when encountering an object, before they automatically reverse.” — NHTSA recall notice, 26V374000
- “When the headlight switch is turned from ‘Autolamps’ to ‘Headlamps On,’ the Daytime Running Lamps (DRLs) may remain fully bright instead of dimming to parking lamps as intended.” — NHTSA recall notice, 26V373000
- “Quickly moving the shift lever from Park to Drive may cause a loss of gear indication on the instrument cluster display and a momentary selection of an unintended gear, such as Reverse or Neutral.” — NHTSA recall notice, 26V375000
- “The clutch may fracture, resulting in damage to the transmission assembly and possibly a transmission fluid leak.” — NHTSA recall notice, 26V376000
Next Steps for Owners
Owners should locate their 17-character VIN, enter it on NHTSA’s recall portal, and schedule a free service appointment at any authorized Ford dealer. Notification letters are expected by July 6, and the dealer will perform the required software updates or part replacements without charge. For questions, Ford’s customer-service line is 1-866-436-7332.
