Ford Motor Company has issued recalls affecting more than 800,000 vehicles across its Ford and Lincoln brands due to safety issues linked to brakes, tail lights, and airbags. The company announced the recalls in three separate filings with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) on August 22.
Ford emphasized that no crashes or injuries have been reported so far, but the problems increase the risk of accidents if not addressed.
Major Recall: Ford Edge and Lincoln MKX Brake Hose Defect
The largest recall impacts 499,129 vehicles from the Ford Edge and Lincoln MKX lineup built between 2014 and 2017. The affected models include:
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2015–2018 Ford Edge (414,717 vehicles)
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2016–2018 Lincoln MKX (84,412 vehicles)
According to Ford, the rear brake hoses in these vehicles may rupture, causing brake fluid leaks. A loss of fluid can extend stopping distance, heightening crash risks.
Ford admitted it does not yet know the root cause of the defect but noted that fewer repairs have been necessary since switching to a different hose material in late 2017.
Owners will be notified by mail between September 8 and September 12, while a permanent fix is expected to be available between April 1 and April 3, 2026. Repairs will be carried out free of charge at Ford and Lincoln dealerships.
Tail Light Failure in Ford Explorer and Lincoln Aviator
The second recall affects 213,121 vehicles, including the:
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2025 Ford Explorer (189,879 vehicles)
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2025 Lincoln Aviator (23,242 vehicles)
These vehicles, manufactured between November 2023 and June 2025, have faulty body control modules that may prevent tail lights from working when towing a trailer. Without proper tail light illumination, other drivers may not notice the vehicle, particularly at night or in poor visibility, leading to a higher risk of collisions.
Ford will address the issue in two ways:
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Vehicles with under 9,000 miles will receive a replacement body control module.
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Vehicles with over 9,000 miles will undergo a system check, and faulty modules will be replaced if needed.
Notification letters are scheduled to be mailed by October 13, with a more permanent fix expected in April 2026.
Air Bag Concerns and Smaller Recalls
While the bulk of the recalls relate to brake hoses and tail lights, Ford also flagged issues linked to airbags in a smaller group of vehicles. The details of these repairs are still being finalized, but the automaker confirmed that dealers and owners will be informed as remedies are ready.
What Owners Should Do
Ford has already alerted dealerships about the issues and is preparing to notify affected customers. All repairs will be completed at no cost to vehicle owners.
Drivers concerned about whether their vehicle is included can check their Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) on the NHTSA recall website or contact their local Ford or Lincoln dealer.
The Bigger Picture
Automotive recalls have become increasingly common as carmakers push more advanced technology into vehicles. While the issues in this case range from leaking brake hoses to malfunctioning electronics, Ford’s swift reporting and free repair program are meant to reassure customers.
For now, Ford stresses that there are no confirmed accidents or injuries linked to these defects, but it is urging all owners of affected vehicles to take action once notified.
