The alarms went louder inside Ford in this 2026. It's nothing less. The number of vehicles that had to return to the workshop due to factory failures grew at a rate that surprises even the most experienced in the sector.

Read also: Mustang Dark Horse SC outperforms Shelby GT500 in power

In just the first four months of the year, the brand launched 27 review campaigns that reach more than 7,400,000 units. umen difficult to ignore and that makes evident that something is misaligned in the production chain or in quality controls.

You can read: They couldn't hold it: Ford showed the cheapest electric in its history

The comparison with last year helps to understand the dimension of the problem. In 2025 153 recalls were recorded q ue involved 12,900,000 vehicles. If the current rate is maintained, 2026 could close with even higher figures.

Recent issues in key models

One of the recent episodes returns the focus on very popular models. A new campaign affects about 180,000 units of Ford Bronco and Ford Ranger manufactured between 2024 and 2026.

The origin of the inconvenience is in a component of the front seat. A screw of the system can loosen with use, which in the case of accident increases the risk for the occupants. It is a specific failure, but with important safety implications.

An unexpected detail appears behind this problem. A change in the adhesive used by a supplier prevented that piece from fitting correctly fixed. The solution will come in two stages, first with a notification to the owners and then with a definitive repair scheduled for July.

More controls, more exposure

The increase in recalls cannot be explained by new failures. There is also a more demanding regulatory context. At the end of 2024, Ford was sanctioned for deficiencies in the management of previous campaigns and was under federal supervision for three years.

This stricter monitoring obliges to review processes and to act more quickly in the face of any possible defect. Consequently, more cases that could go unnoticed or be resolved in another way come to light.

The company defends this stance. CEO Jim Farley maintains that the growth in calls for review reflects a more transparent policy te and a reinforcement in the safety equipment. However, not everyone sees it the same, especially when the problems appear in very recent vehicles.

A contrast that does not go unnoticed

While Ford faces this scenario, other automotive groups managed to significantly reduce their recall figures. That leaves the brand in an uncomfortable position versus its direct competitors.

Some recent studies reinforce this perception. Several models from the group appear among those that have a higher probability of suffering revision campaigns throughout their useful life, which adds pressure on the brand's image.