Ford’s Record Recall Year Gets Worse With New Serious Steering Defect

Ford is having a recall problem unlike anything the auto industry has seen in years. Data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) shows the automaker has issued 115 separate safety recalls so far in 2025, more than any other manufacturer so far and well ahead of rivals such as Chrysler and Volkswagen. In total, about 9.5 million Ford vehicles have been called back for repairs this year.

This wave of safety actions has become both a financial and reputational drag. Ford has already said a single campaign earlier in the year, covering nearly 700,000 vehicles, would cost roughly $570 million. Analysts and consumers alike have noticed the pattern, and it has fed into ongoing concerns about reliability. Consumer Reports ranks Ford 11th among mainstream automakers for predicted reliability, trailing brands like Subaru, Toyota, and Honda. RepairPal estimates owners spend an average of $788 a year on repairs (at the time of this writing), well above the industry’s $652 average, with a 15% chance of major repairs.

Latest Blow: Steering Column Recall for Super Duty Trucks

On top of this record-setting year, Ford has just announced another safety issue. The company is recalling 115,539 Super Duty trucks because the steering column upper shaft can detach, creating a risk of losing steering control. The recall covers certain 2020–2021 F-250, F-350, and F-450 models and is filed under NHTSA campaign number 25V626000.

Owners will begin receiving interim safety notices on October 6, 2025, with a permanent fix expected by December 2025. Dealers will inspect, repair, or replace the defective part at no charge. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) will be searchable on NHTSA.gov starting September 23, 2025. Ford says it has received some customer complaints and warranty claims about the problem, but no reports of crashes or injuries.

A Costly Pattern With Real-World Impact

This new recall comes just weeks after Ford launched a global campaign to fix 1.9 million vehicles with faulty rearview cameras, following more than 44,000 warranty claims and 18 reported accidents. No injuries were tied to that defect, but the repair costs added to the company’s already heavy recall spending.

For truck owners, especially those using Super Duty models to tow RVs or heavy loads, the recall adds another layer of frustration. These vehicles are prized for hauling power and long-distance reliability, but persistent defects and expensive fixes have made ownership more complicated. Anyone with a 2020 or 2021 F-250, F-350, or F-450 should check their VIN on the NHTSA recall site or contact a Ford dealer to confirm if their truck needs repairs.