Ford Is Recalling Cars More Quickly Than It Can Repair Them

Ford has issued 75 recalls so far in 2026, building on a record 153 in 2025. Despite facing a $165 million NHTSA fine in 2024 and implementing stricter oversight, the company continues to struggle with slow repair timelines and repeat defects.

Efficiency appears to be a significant challenge for Ford. According to Hearn data covering 2021 to 2025, Ford averages 174 days to resolve a recall, whereas Nissan and Stellantis (Fiat Chrysler Automotive) face longer averages of 299 and 225 days, respectively. However, it is important to note that Nissan has issued only 13 recalls this year, meaning its lengthy resolution times impact a significantly smaller customer base. While not all recalls involve extended wait times—notably, 16 Ford recalls were resolved via over-the-air software updates between January 2025 and June 2026—certain cases are severely delayed. For instance, the recall involving nearly half a million Ford Explorers due to detached door trim was announced in June 2025, yet a remedy is not expected until November 2026, representing a wait time of 514 days.

Ford disputes the Hearn report, claiming the 174-day average only reflects complex, time-consuming repairs rather than minor fixes. Yet, these delays affect consumers significantly, with 27% of 2025 recalls involving repeat defects and failed software updates. To address these issues—which intensified alongside AI-driven quality checks—Ford has rehired 300 veteran engineers.

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