August 2, 2025
As the next-generation Ford Ranger rolls into driveways across America, it’s also making headlines for the wrong reasons. The 2024 and 2025 model years have already been hit with multiple safety recalls ranging from minor software glitches to potentially serious brake and steering issues. Here’s a complete breakdown of the recalls you need to know about.
2024 Ford Ranger Recalls
The 2024 Ford Ranger has been subject to five official recalls issued by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA):
- Power Closing Windows May Pinch
Automated “global close” feature may not reverse upon object detection, risking injury.
Fix: Software update to the door modules.
Recall Number: 24C24 / 24V-597 - Unexpected Vehicle Movement
Transmission valve body defects may cause movement when in neutral or reverse.
Fix: Transmission service; affected multiple Ford models.
Recall Number: 25S19 - Fuel Vapor Leak Risk
A loose bracket may cause the vapor line to rub against the fuel line, increasing fire risk.
Fix: Dealers will inspect and secure bracket.
Recall Number: 24S71 - Front Upper Control Arm Fastener Issue
Missing or loose fasteners on the front control arm could lead to steering failure.
Fix: Inspection and tightening/replacement of hardware.
Recall Number: 24S64 - Duplicate Window Pinch Recall
An overlapping recall again addresses the pinch hazard with the global window closing system.
Fix: Same as #1, affecting 70,000+ vehicles.
2025 Ford Ranger Recalls
The 2025 Ranger has already seen three known recalls as of August 2025:
- Driver’s Seat Frame Bolts May Be Missing or Loose
Bolts connecting the driver’s seat to the frame may not be tightened properly, violating federal safety standards.
Fix: Dealers will inspect and tighten or replace seat bolts.
Recall Number: 25C16 - Faulty Instrument Cluster Configuration
Some trucks built between March 17–20, 2025 may have blank or misconfigured displays, omitting warnings like collision alerts or traction control.
Fix: Dealer or over-the-air configuration update.
Vehicles Affected: Approximately 45 units. - Brake Booster Software Failure
Part of a wider recall affecting over 312,000 Ford vehicles, including the Ranger. Brake assist may fail, reducing braking effectiveness and ADAS features.
Fix: Software update—either OTA or dealer-installed.
Date Announced: August 1, 2025
Summary Table
| Model Year | Number of Recalls | Key Issues |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 5 | Window pinch risk, unintended movement, fuel vapor line, control arm fasteners, software updates |
| 2025 | 3 (so far) | Missing seat bolts, instrument cluster warnings, brake booster failure |
✅ What Should Ranger Owners Do?
- Check your VIN using NHTSA’s recall lookup tool or Ford’s official recall checker.
- All recall-related repairs are performed at no cost at Ford dealerships.
- Address recalls promptly, especially those related to brakes, steering, or driver visibility.
Sources: NHTSA, Ford Authority, Reuters, Kelley Blue Book, AutoSafety.org, CarComplaints.com
Ford Faces Major Challenges in 2025: Recalls, Losses, and Tariff Troubles
As 2025 progresses, Ford Motor Company finds itself grappling with a series of significant challenges. From leading the industry in recalls to reporting unexpected financial losses and blaming tariffs for rising costs, Ford’s recent troubles paint a complicated picture of quality control struggles and economic headwinds.
Ford’s Record-Breaking Recalls in 2025
Ford has issued 94 recall campaigns so far in 2025—more than any other automaker. These recalls have impacted over 4 million vehicles in total. One of the largest recalls involved more than 1 million vehicles due to a rear-view camera software issue.
- 312,120 vehicles were recalled due to a possible power brake booster failure.
- Other major recalls involved cracked fuel injectors and recurring software glitches.
By mid-year, Ford had more recalls than the next five automakers combined, according to industry tracking. It’s a trend that has alarmed analysts and damaged consumer trust.
Financial Losses Despite Record Revenue
Ford posted a net loss of $36 million in Q2 2025 (April–June), a stark contrast to its $1.8 billion profit during the same quarter in 2024. This came despite record-setting quarterly revenue of $50.2 billion.
The losses were attributed to:
- $570 million in recall-related costs
- EV program restructuring and cancellations
- Soaring logistics and parts costs due to tariffs
Executives acknowledged that the cost of quality control lapses has become a serious drag on profitability.
Tariffs Take a Toll
Ford also cited increasing costs from tariffs, reporting approximately $800 million in tariff-related expenses in Q2 alone. The company now expects to absorb as much as $3 billion in tariff impacts by year’s end—up from earlier projections of $2.2 billion.
While Ford is a U.S.-based manufacturer, many of its suppliers import raw materials and parts—especially steel, aluminum, electronics, and braking components—from countries impacted by recent tariff changes. Unlike some competitors, Ford hasn’t benefited as much from new trade agreements with Europe and Asia.
Executives argue that these tariffs are hitting Ford “harder than expected,” even as the company tries to mitigate the damage by reshuffling supply lines and trimming internal costs.
Are Cheap Imported Parts to Blame?
Some industry observers have questioned whether Ford’s quality problems stem from cost-cutting or the use of low-cost imported parts. However, there is no direct evidence suggesting that the recalls are caused by cheap components.
Instead, the root causes appear to be:
- Software validation issues and patch failures
- Internal quality control and manufacturing oversights
- Recurring issues in parts already recalled and “fixed”
In short, Ford’s 2025 recalls seem more tied to systemic process breakdowns than sourcing cheap materials overseas.
Quick Summary
| Issue | Details |
|---|---|
| Total Recalls | 94 campaigns affecting 4+ million vehicles |
| Q2 Loss | $36 million net loss (vs. $1.8B profit in Q2 2024) |
| Top Recall Costs | $570M (fuel injector defect) |
| Tariff Impact | $800M in Q2, projected $3B for full year |
| Cause of Recalls? | Mostly internal engineering and quality failures |
Final Thoughts
Ford’s position in 2025 is increasingly precarious. Mounting recalls are not only eroding consumer trust but also driving up warranty and legal costs. Combined with tariffs and restructuring expenses, these pressures have put a dent in Ford’s bottom line—despite strong sales and revenue numbers.
Whether Ford can steer its quality issues under control and adapt its global supply strategy will be key to turning things around in the latter half of the year.
Sources: Financial Times, Reuters, Barron’s, Houston Chronicle, CarEdge, Pickup Truck Talk, Ford Authority
Jim Oaks is the founder of TheRangerStation.com, the longest-running Ford Ranger resource online since 1999. With over 25 years of hands-on experience building and modifying Ford Rangers — including magazine-featured builds like Project Transformer — Jim has become one of the most trusted authorities in the Ford Ranger off-road and enthusiast space. In 2019, he was loaned a Ranger FX4 by Ford Motor Company to test and document across the TransAmerica Trail. Jim continues to inspire and guide Ranger owners around the world.
