Recall Roundup: Ford and Autocar recall thousands of vehicles over steering, fire, and safety risks
Key takeaways
- NHTSA recalls impact thousands of Ford and Autocar vehicles, signaling ongoing safety and compliance challenges for fleets.
- Affected models face issues from steering control to electrical fires, emphasizing the need for proactive fleet maintenance.
- Fleet owners should verify VINs and contact dealers promptly to ensure timely repairs and avoid operational risks.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) recently issued recall notices for commercial vehicles, including brands from Ford and Autocar.
Owners of the affected vehicles should be contacted via U.S. mail over the next two months, but fleet and independent owners of these vehicles can contact the NHTSA Safety Hotline at 888-327-4236 or visit nhtsa.gov for more details. More information on each recall can be found below.
Autocar models’ loss of steering control
Autocar is recalling certain 2024-2026 ACX (Xpeditor) and DC (Legend) vehicles. The tie rod clamp may have been improperly secured. The tie rod clamp can separate from the vehicle, resulting in a loss of steering control and increasing the risk of a crash.
This recall potentially affects 2,848 vehicles. Autocar will inspect and secure or repair the tie rod clamp as necessary. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed December 5. Owners may contact Autocar customer service at 888-218-3611. Autocar's numbers for this recall are ACX-2505 and DC-2507.
Ford models’ engine block heater may short-circuit and cause fires
Ford Motor Company is recalling certain 2016-2019 Lincoln MKC; 2016-2023 Explorer; 2019-2020 Fusion; 2019-2024 Ranger; 2020-2022 Lincoln Corsair, Escape; 2021-2024 Bronco, Bronco Sport; and 2022-2024 Maverick vehicles. The engine block heater may crack and develop a coolant leak, causing it to short-circuit when the block heater is plugged in. An electrical short circuit can increase the risk of a fire.
This recall potentially affects 59,006 vehicles. Owners are advised not to plug in their block heater until the vehicle is remedied. Dealers will replace the block heater. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, are expected to be mailed October 24. Additional letters will be sent once the final remedy is available, anticipated February 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25SA4.
Ford models’ rearview camera image may not display properly
Ford is recalling certain 2020-2022 F-250 SD, F-350 SD, and F-450 SD vehicles. The 360-degree view camera system may not display a rearview image properly in certain lighting conditions. A rearview camera image that does not display properly can reduce the driver’s view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
This recall potentially affects 291,901 vehicles. Dealers will update the image processing module software. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were expected to be mailed October 20. Additional letters will be sent once the final remedy is available, anticipated March 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25SA8.
Ford models’ inadequate windshield bonding
Ford is recalling certain 2025 Bronco and Ranger vehicles. During manufacturing, the windshield may not have been properly bonded to the vehicle, allowing it to detach in a crash. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 212, "Windshield Mounting." In the event of a crash, windshield detachment can increase the risk of injury.
This recall potentially affects nine vehicles. Dealers will remove and replace the windshield. Owner notification letters were expected to be mailed October 20. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25C52.
Ford Ranger models’ passenger airbag may deploy improperly
Ford is recalling certain 2025 Ranger vehicles. The instrument panel top cover may prevent the passenger air bag from deploying as intended. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection." An airbag that does not deploy as intended increases the risk of injury in a crash.
This recall potentially affects 405 vehicles. Dealers will replace the instrument panel assembly. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, are expected to be mailed October 24. Additional letters will be sent once the final remedy is available. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25C54.
About the Author
Jenna Hume
Digital Editor
Digital Editor Jenna Hume joined FleetOwner in November of 2023 and previously worked as a writer in the gaming industry. She has a bachelor of fine arts degree in creative writing from Truman State University and a master of fine arts degree in writing from Lindenwood University. She is currently based in Missouri.