Ford Motor Company recently announced the recall of over 355,000 trucks in the United States because of an instrument panel display defect that could compromise driver safety. The recall includes popular Ford truck models from 2025 and 2026, such as F-150 and Super Duty series – specifically the F-550 SD, F-450 SD, F-350 SD, F-250 SD, and 2025 F-150.
A driver’s instrument cluster is important because it shows speed, fuel level, warnings, and navigation data. The U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) states that the display in question may sometimes be blank after startup by the vehicle, increasing crash risk.
Models and years affected
Recall specifically involves:
- 2025 Ford F-150 Pickup Trucks
- 2025 and 2026 Ford Super Duty Trucks, including:
- F-550 SD
- F-450 SD
- F-350 SD
- F-250 SD
These particular model vehicles have digital instrument clusters capable of software malfunction exhibiting a complete blackout or failure in showing important vehicle information.
Nature of the defect
At best, the instrument cluster hardware may fail to initialize upon start into software. While the dashboard may remain dark, it is impossible to illuminate critical warning lights, speedometer readings, fuel gauge information, and navigational data. Without indicators, the driver may not be alerted to urgent problems with the vehicle or changes in driving conditions, which could increase the risk of accidents.
As of June 2023, Ford has received 95 warranty claims associated with this issue in relation to the affected vehicles; however, it has recorded no injuries or crashes that are directly connected to the defect.
Recall procedures and solutions
Ford will update the instrument cluster software on the affected motor vehicles as corrective action. Repair will be free of charge to all owners and may be performed either:
- At a Ford or Lincoln dealership, where trained technicians will update the software, or
- Over-the-air (OTA) through remote vehicle updates for models equipped with this capability, minimizing inconvenience for owners.
Starting 2 September 2025, owners of affected trucks will start receiving notification letters informing them about the recall and the necessary steps on how they can have their vehicles repaired.
More recalls from Ford and future endeavors
This latest recall only adds to Ford’s continued struggles within 2025 involving safety and reliability issues affecting vehicles. Meanwhile, Ford is conducting an extensive recall affecting around 850,000 vehicles due to a possibly low-pressure fuel pump malfunction that could possibly cause engine stalling. Among the ones recalled within this specific notice are the Lincoln Aviator, F-150, and Mustang models.
In addition, Ford has had to push back the release date of its highly anticipated Project T3 electric pickup and next-generation electric van from 2025 to 2028 to allow for the development of more affordable electric vehicles, such as a mid-size pickup truck expected in 2027.
What truck owners need to fo
Affected Ford truck owners should:
- Wait for their official recall from Ford by way of mail or electronic communication.
- Call their local Ford or Lincoln dealer to book a software appointment whenever notified.
- Use the over-the-air (OTA) capability to obtain software updates in their vehicle, and follow the instructions set out by Ford if this option is available.
- Confirm that the instrument panel is in good working condition at vehicle startup. Immediately report dashboard malfunctions or failure of warning lights to Ford or to a dealership.
Safety implications
The instrument cluster, like the engine itself, is a major communication channel between the vehicle and the user. It is through this medium that the user can learn certain vital facts about the vehicle’s functioning, like the ways of knowing if the engine has malfunctions, the fuel is running out, or the driving speed is unethical or unsafe.
Thus far, however, there have not been any reported accidents or injuries connected to this defect. However, the recall symbolizes Ford’s proactive approach toward managing safety risk and upholding customer goodwill on this issue.
Truck owners need to stay alert and react to recall notices because they often require strong action, as well as following best practices to ensure that their instrument panels are problem-free. Meanwhile, Ford continues to juggle pressures of traditional truck production with its electric vehicle ambitions amid ongoing safety recalls in 2025.
