2018-2022 Ford Safety Recall Issued for Nearly 1.3 Million Vehicles Over Sudden Power Loss Hazard
DETROIT, MI – August 26, 2025 – Ford Motor Company has announced a major recall affecting approximately 1.3 million vehicles from model years 2018 through 2022. The recall, which has garnered urgent national attention, addresses a critical safety defect that can cause a sudden loss of engine power while driving.
What is the issue? The affected vehicles are equipped with a faulty transmission control module. A software anomaly may cause the module to improperly detect a transmission failure, triggering an automatic downshift into first gear. This action can unexpectedly lock the drive wheels and result in a complete loss of motive power, increasing the risk of a collision. Specifically, the recall spans the 2019-2022 Ford Ranger; 2021-2022 Ford F-150; 2020-2022 Ford Transit; 2020-2022 Ford Bronco; and certain 2018-2020 Ford Focus models.
Who is affected? Owners of the specified 2018-2022 Ford vehicles in the United States. Ford estimates that less than one percent of the recalled population may actually experience the defect, but the company is taking proactive action for all units.
When did this occur? The recall was formally announced on August 25, 2025, following a federal investigation by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). This action comes after several years of consumer complaints and preliminary defect reports.
Where are the repairs? Ford dealerships nationwide will provide the remedy free of charge. Affected owners will be notified by first-class mail starting September 10, 2025. Dealers will reprogram the transmission control module software with an updated calibration.
Why is this recall significant? The defect poses a sudden and unpredictable safety hazard, with the potential for highway-speed incidents. The expansive scope, covering over a million vehicles, underscores a