2025 seems like a year of recalls for Ford. So far, the automaker is leading the industry in recalls this year and to make matters worse, it has just added another 102,000 vehicles to its ever-expanding list of recalled vehicles. The latest defect involves door trim pieces on its Taurus sedans that may fall off during normal driving. This defect raises safety concerns adding to a series of defects that have highlighted what has become a record-setting year for quality control failures.
Door Trim Falling Off on the Road
Nearly 102,000 Ford Taurus sedans produced between 2016 and 2019 are affected by this defect. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the B-pillar trim on both driver and passenger doors may detach while driving. If this occurs, the trim could fall onto the roadway and create a risk for other road users.
“Applique detachment may result from incomplete adhesion of the part to the door sheet metal during installation at the vehicle assembly plant on vehicles built after a process change that stopped the use of hand rollers that aided operators in ensuring complete adhesion of the par.” stated NHTSA, in the recall notice.
This statement indicates that Ford changed its assembly process and eliminated a key quality-control step. This mishap resulted in poorly attached trim pieces that can loosen over time and fall off. Some owners have reported wind noise and rattling before the parts finally fall off.
Important Details for Affected Owners
According to Ford, no accidents or injuries related to the defect have been reported so far. Owners should know that dealers will inspect and repair the vehicles for free. However, they will have to wait until replacement parts are available.
Before the inspections and repairs start, owners of the affected models should be aware that the B-pillar of their car could fall off while driving. The reference recall number is 25S91 and owners can call Ford at 866-436-7332. They can also check their vehicle identification number (VIN) on the NHTSA website to confirm if their car is part of the recall.
The Latest Recall Adds to Ford’s Growing Safety Problems
The latest recall is part of a streak of recalls this year that have led Ford to have the most recalls in the industry. By July, Ford had already issued 90 separate recalls involving over four million vehicles. No automaker has ever recorded such a number within a full calendar year.
The most serious recall this year involved more than 850,000 vehicles worldwide that had defective fuel pumps. The models affected were the Bronco, Explorer, Mustang, F-150 and Lincoln Aviator. There have been other recalls involving failing brakes in over 123,000 vehicles and malfunctioning rearview cameras in multiple models.
Why Vehicle Recalls Are Surging Across the Auto Industry
Although Ford has the highest number of recalls, it is not the only automaker struggling with recalls. General Motors has also struggled with recalls involving its GMC trucks and Chevrolet. Stellantis is also facing ongoing recalls with its Jeep, Chrysler, and Ram vehicles. Tesla on the other hand is addressing concerns involving autopilot and charging systems. Toyota has also recalled multiple models across several production years.
Experts say that the rising number of recalls is mainly because of the increasing complexity of modern vehicles. Modern vehicles have sophisticated software and advanced systems that require regular updates and checkups.
However, Ford’s recalls have gained unwarranted attention because they have exposed many defects, from brakes to fuel pumps and now to loose door trims. These defects make Ford’s ironic marketing slogan “Built Ford Tough” sound more ironic.
The Road Ahead for Ford After a Year of Recalls
The recent Ford recall pile up has put pressure ahead of its third-quarter earnings report due in late October. The report will give a clear picture of the financial cost of these warranties and repairs. Drivers have been urged to stay informed about the recalls for their safety.
The recent recall involving door trim pieces in Taurus sedans indicates that even defects that seem minor can create serious risks, especially on highways. Considering that Ford is leading the pack in recalls this year, all Ford owners should check their VIN regularly. This is because there are chances that their vehicle could be next.