Ford Motor Company is facing a wave of recalls and a high-profile lawsuit in North America as concerns mount over the safety and accuracy of the automaker’s recent vehicle releases. In a year already marked by sweeping recalls, the company’s handling of both mechanical defects and consumer trust is under the microscope, with government agencies and courts taking action.
On December 1, 2025, Transport Canada announced a significant recall affecting 20,521 Ford Escape SUVs across Canada. The issue? Hinge covers on the liftgate may not have been properly attached, creating a risk that these covers could loosen and detach while the vehicle is in motion. According to Transport Canada, “Parts that detach from the vehicle could create a hazard for others and increase the risk of a crash.” The recall spans model years 2020, 2021, 2022, and 2025, and Ford has committed to notifying owners by mail, instructing them to visit dealerships for inspection and—if necessary—free repair or replacement of the hinge covers.
This is not an isolated event. As reported by Driving.ca, the same recall impacts 102,350 Ford Escape models in the United States, particularly those equipped with an optional panoramic sunroof. The U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) highlighted that improper installation of the covers on 2020–2022 models, and a supplier quality issue for the 2025 model, led to the defect. Owners might even notice wind noise or rattling as an early sign of trouble.
Ford’s recall woes don’t stop with the Escape. The Canadian government also issued recall 2025-664 for 501 Lincoln MKT vehicles from model years 2016 through 2019. The problem here is exterior B-pillar trim that might not have been properly attached and could fly off, creating a safety risk for both the driver and others on the road. In the U.S., 11,862 Lincoln MKT models are affected by this issue, which NHTSA attributes to inconsistent use of hand rollers and faulty foam block adhesion during assembly. Owners of these vehicles may notice the trim separating from the top of the front doors, or hear a telltale wind noise or rattling.
Another recall, 2025-666, targets 123 units of the 2025 Lincoln Navigator in Canada for a cracked rear light bar. If the light bar is compromised, water can enter, causing the backup lights to flicker or fail entirely. In the U.S., 1,195 Navigators are subject to the same recall, which Ford traced to damaged packaging during shipping. The supplier, reportedly experiencing financial difficulties and under bankruptcy protection, used cheaper cardboard packaging instead of the required hard returnable boxes, leading to damage in transit.
For all these recalls, Ford and Lincoln dealerships will inspect and repair affected vehicles at no cost to owners. Both Transport Canada and Ford urge consumers to check their vehicle’s recall status online using their Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), which can be found on the dashboard, driver’s side door, or vehicle registration. Owners who receive a recall notice are encouraged to promptly contact their dealer to schedule an appointment.
But the safety saga continues. On December 10, 2025, Ford announced a global recall of 679 vehicles from its 2025 lineup due to a potentially dangerous fault in the electronic brake booster (EBB) system. This defect, affecting the 2025 Lincoln Navigator (5 units), Ford Ranger (79 units), Ford Bronco (102 units), Ford Expedition (17 units), and Ford F-150 (476 units), can cause an unexpected loss of power brake assist—especially hazardous when relying on Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS). The culprit is a manufacturing deviation in the EBB integrated circuit, which can trigger the module to enter a fail-safe mode, effectively disabling the power assist function. When this occurs, drivers are left with increased pedal travel, a firmer brake feel, and illuminated warning lights for ABS, ESC, and the brake system. The electric park brakes kick in to help, but stopping distances increase, raising the risk of a crash.
Ford’s investigation began after its Tier-1 supplier, Robert Bosch LLC, identified the issue in a returned warranty part from an F-150. The company’s Critical Concern Review Group traced the problem to a mismatch in gain resistors within the EBB pump motor’s integrated circuit. While the company has received three warranty claims related to the defect, no accidents or injuries have been reported as of November 13, 2025. Ford will notify affected owners by mail, with interim letters expected by December 19, 2025, and follow-up communications once replacement parts are available. Repairs, again, will be free of charge.
While Ford scrambles to address these mechanical and manufacturing issues, it also faces legal troubles over alleged consumer deception. On November 25, 2025, a class action lawsuit was filed in California federal court against Ford Motor Co., centering on the 2024 Ford F-150 Lightning trucks. Plaintiff Ibrahim Lunawadawala alleges that Ford misrepresented the trucks as being equipped with a Forward Sensing System (FSS)—a safety feature that alerts drivers to obstacles at low speeds—on vehicle window stickers and advertising. However, the trucks were delivered without this system. Ford’s response was to offer a $100 refund to affected consumers, a sum Lunawadawala claims is woefully inadequate compared to the actual cost of installing the FSS. The lawsuit accuses Ford of breach of express warranty, fraudulent misrepresentation, and unjust enrichment, seeking class certification, damages, fees, costs, and a jury trial.
According to the complaint, “the misrepresentation of the FSS as a standard feature not only deceived consumers but also put their safety at risk because without FSS, drivers are not alerted to nearby hazards, increasing the likelihood of front-end collisions.” The case, Lunawadawala v. Ford Motor Company, is now pending in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of California. Ford has yet to publicly comment on the lawsuit, but the case has already drawn attention to the importance of accurate feature disclosure in automotive sales, especially as vehicles become more technologically complex.
These recent developments highlight the challenges Ford faces in maintaining both mechanical reliability and consumer trust in an increasingly competitive and regulated industry. Whether it’s a loose trim, a failing electronic brake booster, or a missing safety feature, the company’s response to these issues will be closely watched by regulators, customers, and industry rivals alike. For now, affected owners are urged to check their VINs, read their mail, and—perhaps most importantly—keep a close eye on what’s happening with the vehicles they rely on every day.
