Ford Tops Mainstream Brands in New Vehicle Quality Yet Leads Recalls; CEO Says Major Improvements Still Needed

Ford ranked first among mass-market brands in J.D. Power’s latest Initial Quality Study, yet it has initiated 56 recalls to date this year, affecting 12.1 million vehicles—the highest number of recalls in the industry. Ford CEO Jim Farley stated the company is proud of its quality achievements but emphasized it is far from satisfied and still has significant work ahead to achieve comprehensive leadership across all quality metrics. Since 2023, Ford has implemented multiple measures to enhance quality, including strengthening testing during the development phase, hiring more technical experts, and promoting cross-team collaboration. However, in 2024, the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) fined Ford for failing to initiate required recalls. Under a settlement agreement, Ford must pay a $65 million penalty, with an additional $55 million suspended and $45 million available to fund corrective actions. The agreement also requires Ford to re-examine all recalls from the past three years and issue additional recalls if necessary. Farley said the company remains committed to reducing both recall frequency and warranty costs. Although the number of recalls in 2024 may fall below the record set in 2023, the number of affected vehicles has risen significantly. Data shows Ford issued 153 recalls in 2023, impacting nearly 13 million vehicles. In 2024, Ford has conducted 67 recalls—second only to Stellantis’ 72—and led the industry in recall count for three consecutive years from 2021 through 2023. These frequent recalls have cost Ford billions in warranty expenses, with a record $4.8 billion spent in 2023, though costs have since declined.