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Ford Recall Crisis: What Buyers Need to Know Before Buying

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Ford's Recall Record Shatters Industry Norms. Should You Still Buy One?

Ford has issued a staggering number of recalls, raising serious questions about quality control across its most popular models. Here’s what the data means for anyone considering a new or used Ford.

Video by CarEdge, a consumer advocacy channel focused on car buying and ownership.

4 key moments5 takeaways

Key Moments

Carvia Insight

A Record-Shattering Recall Year

Carvia InsightFord's recall numbers aren't just high; they've surpassed the worst single-year totals for any manufacturer in just six months. For buyers, this signals a potential systemic quality control problem, not just a few isolated issues, increasing the risk of future unscheduled dealer visits.

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The Fuel Pump Fiasco

Carvia InsightA massive recall for defective fuel pumps affects nearly a million popular SUVs like the Bronco, Explorer, Aviator, and Navigator. A failing fuel pump can cause the engine to stall while driving, posing a significant safety risk. If you're shopping for these models, verifying this specific recall has been fixed is non-negotiable.

Why Sales Don't Equal Quality

Carvia InsightDespite the recalls, Ford's sales remain strong, especially for the F-Series. Don't let a vehicle's popularity fool you into overlooking potential reliability issues. Brand loyalty and high sales figures are not a substitute for a clean vehicle history and a thorough pre-purchase inspection.

Dealerships Feel the Pain

Carvia InsightWidespread recalls can lead to 'stop-sale' orders, where dealers can't sell affected new or used cars until a fix is available. This can cause purchase delays and means you'll likely be spending more time with the service department than you'd planned.

Carvia Takeaways

Carvia Insight

**Ford's recall volume is a major red flag.** This isn't just a bad year; it's an industry-defining outlier that points to deep-rooted quality control challenges.

**Popularity is not a shield from problems.** The F-150, Explorer, and Bronco are top sellers, but they are also central to these recall campaigns. Don't assume a best-seller is trouble-free.

**Verify every recall is complete before you buy.** Use the VIN to check the NHTSA database and ask the seller for service records proving the fixes were performed by a certified dealer.

**Budget for potential downtime.** A higher frequency of recalls means a higher probability of your car spending time in the shop, not in your driveway.

**This impacts both new and used vehicles.** Whether you're buying a brand-new model or a two-year-old SUV, these issues are relevant and demand extra scrutiny during your shopping process.

Model-Year Watchouts

Carvia Insight

Ford Explorer / Lincoln Aviator (2021-2023)

Watchouts

A widespread fuel pump recall (NHTSA 23V-472) can cause engine stalling, a critical safety failure.
These model years fall within a period of intense production pressure and documented quality lapses for Ford.

History to Verify

Confirm completion of the fuel pump recall specifically.
Check for any other open recalls related to software, cameras, or powertrain components.

Pre-Purchase Checks

Have a mechanic inspect the fuel system for any signs of previous leaks or improper repair.
Request a full printout of the vehicle's warranty and recall service history from a Ford or Lincoln dealer.

How to Verify in a Carvia Report

Title brands and ownership history
Odometer readings over time
Accident chronology and damage reports
Service intervals and maintenance records

Check this VIN with a Carvia report

Ford Bronco / Expedition / Lincoln Navigator (2021-2023)

Watchouts

Also affected by the dangerous fuel pump recall that can lead to stalling.
Early Bronco models, in particular, faced numerous initial quality issues that resulted in recalls and service bulletins.

History to Verify

Ensure NHTSA recall 23V-472 for the fuel pump is marked as complete.
For Broncos, check for recalls related to hardtop fitment, steering, and safety systems.

Pre-Purchase Checks

Pay close attention to engine performance during the test drive, listening for any hesitation or rough idling.
A comprehensive pre-purchase inspection is crucial to catch any lingering issues from this turbulent production period.

How to Verify in a Carvia Report

More Guides

Not sure what to look for? Our report flags title issues, mileage anomalies, prior damage, and more—before you buy.

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Topics & Tags

Vehicle RecallsFord Quality IssuesCar Buying AdviceAutomotive NewsVehicle ReliabilityFordFord ExplorerFord BroncoFord ExpeditionLincoln AviatorLincoln NavigatorNHTSA

Carvia.ai has no formal relationship with the video creator and independently selected this content for its value to car shoppers. All analysis and insights are our own.

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Title brands and ownership history

Odometer readings over time

Accident chronology and damage reports

Service intervals and maintenance records

Check this VIN with a Carvia report