Ford Recalls More Than 227,000 Vehicles Over Safety Risks
Ford announced a recall affecting approximately 227,006 vehicles in the U.S., citing safety-critical defects. The issues include air bubbles forming in some windshields, front seats that may loosen over time, and defrost or defog systems that can fail in certain vans. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is supervising the recall.
The specific vehicles involved are as follows:
163,256 units of the Bronco (front seats may have loose bolts)
56,841 units of Explorer and Lincoln models (windshield glass may contain visible air bubbles)
6,909 units of Econoline vans (defrost/defog systems may fail)
The recall stems from three separate defect categories. The first concerns windshields showing air bubbles; such bubbles can reduce optical clarity, compromise bonding to the frame, or indicate manufacturing/laminate issues. The second defect involves front seat-frame fasteners that may not meet the required torque or may loosen over time. That can degrade crash safety or occupant restraint performance. The third issue affects the HVAC defrost/defog function in vans, which is critical for driver visibility and safety in cold or humid conditions. Ford says dealers will replace the affected components at no cost to owners.
Owners of affected vehicles will receive notification by mail. Dealers will perform free repairs or replacements of the faulty parts. Ford’s website allows owners to enter their Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) to check whether their vehicle is subject to an open recall.
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The Pattern of Recent Recalls
This is not an isolated incident for Ford. Before this recall, Ford announced another recall affecting nearly 175,000 vehicles for a defective moonroof wind deflector that could detach while driving. Earlier in 2025, Ford recalled over one million vehicles due to a software glitch in rear-view cameras that could cause them to fail or freeze when reversing. Also, in July 2025, Ford recalled over 850,000 vehicles amid a fuel-pump defect that could cause engine stalls. All of these disclosures point to a broader trend of multiple large-scale safety campaigns from Ford in 2025.
What Should Affected Owners Do?
Owners of the affected vehicles are advised to check their status through Ford’s recall lookup tool by entering their VIN, then contact a Ford or Lincoln dealer to schedule a free repair if their vehicle is included. It is important to review any mailed instructions and complete the repair quickly to maintain full safety protection. Until the work is finished, drivers should watch for signs of the defects, such as visible air bubbles in the windshield, loose seat movement, or weak defrost performance, and limit vehicle use if visibility or seat stability becomes a concern.
Large-scale recalls affect tens or hundreds of thousands of drivers and may involve safety systems that most vehicle owners assume are fit for purpose. Since these defects directly touch visibility (windshield/defrost) or occupant restraint (seat mounting), they raise legitimate safety concerns. The fact that Ford is issuing multiple recalls within months may prompt questions about its quality control or supplier oversight. For owners and potential buyers alike, staying on top of recall notices is an essential part of vehicle care and safety. For more industry updates, visit our automotive news section.