Ford faces massive recall over dangerous fuel leak risk

In July 2025, Ford Motor Company announced a significant recall of approximately 700,000 vehicles in the United States. The recall was initiated due to a fault in fuel injectors in specific Bronco and Escape models, which posed a risk of cracking and leaking fuel into the engine compartment, potentially leading to fires. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) confirmed the issue, with Ford providing interim software updates at no cost while a permanent fix is developed. This recall adds to a troubling record for Ford, which saw more safety recalls this year than any other automaker in a calendar year. A notable aspect of Ford's predicament is that a significant portion of its recalls stemmed from ongoing audits aimed at uncovering and rectifying issues in its vehicles. The company's proactive approach includes quickly addressing problems through software fixes, and as a result, around one-third of its recent recalls were linked to these audits. Ford's commitment to improving safety is underscored by its decision to double its team of safety experts to enhance vehicle quality continuously. The recall scrutiny comes in the wake of Ford's continued challenges in the automotive industry, especially in the electric vehicle (EV) sector. CEO Jim Farley has acknowledged the company's struggles to keep pace with Chinese competitors who currently dominate various EV markets. Additionally, Ford has estimated a financial impact of around $750 million in its second financial quarter as a direct consequence of the ongoing recalls. The company's performance has seen an overall decline alongside a lack of consumer trust stemming from these quality control issues. Despite these setbacks, Ford reported a year-over-year sales increase of 14.2% in the United States during the second quarter, reaching 612,095 units sold. Demand for pickups, particularly the F-Series, Ranger, and Maverick, has been strong, suggesting a potential recovery avenue for the automaker. Nevertheless, the escalating costs related to recalls, repair logistics, and warranty claims remain pressing concerns that could compromise Ford's profitability moving forward, especially as it projects a significant loss in its electric vehicle division this year.