Why Is Ford Recalling Cars That Were Already Recalled?
If you’re scratching your head over Ford’s latest recalls, you’re not alone. Here’s the deal: Ford just announced two new recalls, but there’s a twist—they’re actually fixes for previous recalls that didn’t quite stick the landing. In other words, these are recalls of recalls. It’s the automotive equivalent of double-checking your homework after the teacher already handed it back.
This time, the numbers are tiny—just six vehicles in total. But the story behind them says a lot about the challenges automakers face with complex software and the ever-growing list of safety campaigns. And honestly, it’s a reminder that even the biggest names in the business sometimes have to go back and make things right.
What Went Wrong With the Ford GT Supercars?
Let’s start with the head-turners: two Ford GT supercars. These aren’t your average daily drivers. We’re talking about a model that’s as much a piece of art as it is a machine—a car that’s graced racetracks and collectors’ garages alike.
A few years back, Ford recalled 176 GTs because of a fire risk linked to the hydraulic lines for the rear wing. The fix? A software update to reduce pressure in those lines, plus new gaskets for good measure. After a fire incident in Europe, Ford realized the pressure could get high enough to cause a fluid leak—and if that fluid hit a hot surface, well, you can guess the rest.
Here’s where things get messy: two of those GTs didn’t get the intended software update during the original recall. Maybe it was a paperwork mix-up, maybe a technical glitch. Either way, Ford caught the oversight during a routine review in late 2024. No new fires, thankfully, but the company is now reaching out to those two owners to finally get the fix done right.
How Did F-150 Trucks Get Caught Up In This?
Now, let’s shift gears to something a bit more down-to-earth: the Ford F-150. Four trucks, to be exact, are being recalled because they received the wrong software update for their trailer brake controllers. This isn’t just a minor annoyance—if the software isn’t right, the trailer brakes might not work at all. Imagine hauling a heavy load and suddenly realizing your trailer isn’t stopping as it should. Not good.
Just like with the GTs, this issue traces back to a previous recall. The fix was supposed to be a simple software update, but somewhere along the line, the wrong version got installed. Ford’s solution? Bring the trucks back in, upload the correct software, and send the owners on their way with fully functioning brakes.
Are Ford’s Recall Numbers Really That High?
If it feels like you’re hearing about Ford recalls a lot lately, you’re not imagining things. By mid-year, Ford had already launched more recall campaigns than it did in all of 2024. That’s a staggering pace, even if the total number of vehicles affected is still lower than last year’s tally.
According to data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), Ford has consistently ranked near the top for recall volume in recent years. Industry analysts point to the increasing complexity of modern vehicles—especially with software-driven features—as a big part of the challenge. More tech means more things that can go wrong, and more ways for a fix to fall short if every step isn’t followed to the letter.
What’s the Real Impact for Owners?
For the handful of owners involved in these latest recalls, the fix is straightforward: a quick trip to the dealer for a software update. No out-of-pocket cost, no major hassle. But the bigger picture is about trust. Recalls—especially repeat ones—can shake consumer confidence, even when the company is being proactive.
On the flip side, catching these issues before they cause harm is a sign that Ford’s internal review processes are working. Automakers are under growing pressure from regulators and the public to act fast and transparently when safety is on the line. In fact, recent studies from J.D. Power and Consumer Reports show that how a company handles recalls can make a bigger difference in customer loyalty than the recall itself.
Could This Happen With Other Automakers?
Absolutely. Ford isn’t alone here. As vehicles become more reliant on software, the risk of incomplete or incorrect updates goes up for everyone. We’ve seen similar stories from other major brands in the past few years, with recalls sometimes needing their own follow-up recalls. It’s a new reality for the industry, and it’s forcing companies to rethink everything from technician training to digital record-keeping.
What Should You Do If Your Car Gets Recalled—Again?
If you get a recall notice—especially one that seems like déjà vu—don’t ignore it. Even if you think your car was already fixed, it’s worth double-checking with your dealer. Sometimes, as we’ve seen, the original repair might not have been completed as intended. And with so many fixes now involving software, a quick update can make all the difference.
The big takeaway? Automotive recalls aren’t about perfection—they’re about smarter adjustments. Start with one change this week, and you’ll likely spot the difference by month’s end.