2018-2022 Ford Safety Recall Affects Over 450,000 Vehicles for Sudden Power Loss Risk
DEARBORN, Michigan – December 15, 2025 – Ford Motor Company has announced a massive safety recall affecting 456,342 vehicles from the 2018 through 2022 model years due to a defect that can cause a sudden loss of power while driving.
The recall, officially filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), specifically targets certain Ford Explorer and Lincoln Aviator SUVs equipped with the 3.0-liter or 3.3-liter hybrid powertrains. According to NHTSA documents, a software error in the battery energy control module may incorrectly detect an internal fault, leading to an unexpected shutdown of the hybrid system. This can result in a loss of propulsion without warning, increasing the risk of a collision.
The affected models include the 2020 through 2022 Ford Explorer Hybrid and the 2020 through 2022 Lincoln Aviator Grand Touring. No injuries or crashes have been reported in connection with this issue as of the announcement. The issue was first identified through internal testing and customer complaints, prompting an engineering review.
Ford dealers will perform a complimentary software update to rectify the control module error. Notifications to owners are scheduled to begin on January 7, 2026. Owners are urged to contact Ford’s customer service at 1-866-436-7332 or visit the NHTSA website to verify if their vehicle is included in this 2018-2022 Ford safety recall.