Ford’s recall story is not just coming to an end. This year, the automaker has issued several sizable recalls, including the recall of 694,000 Bronco Sport and Escape vehicles over a fuel injector issue last month, as well as a recall covering over 103,000 F-150 pickup trucks due to a problem with the axle bolts.
Now, Ford is once again in the spotlight with another massive recall, involving more than 355,000 of its pickup trucks across the U.S. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the reason behind the recall is instrument panel display failure that resulted in critical information, like warning lights and vehicle speed, not showing up on the dashboard.
This malfunction isn’t just a minor glitch; if you’re missing the vital information on your vehicle while driving, it can significantly increase the risk of accidents. Continue reading the article to reveal the complete story of Ford’s latest recall.
How Many Ford Vehicles are Affected in the Recall?
According to the documents published by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), a total of 355,656 vehicles are covered by the recall.
These vehicles include certain Ford F-150s manufactured in 2025, as well as other Ford “Super Duty” trucks, including 2025-2026 F-550 SD, F-450 SD, F-350 SD, and F-250 SDs.
It is not the first time the Michigan-based automaker has issued a recall of this size. Last month, over 694,000 Ford Bronco Sport and Escape vehicles were recalled over a fuel injector issue.
In early August, Ford recalled over 103,000 F-150 pickup trucks due to the Axle bolt issue.
What is the Reason Behind the Recall?
According to the recall report, the affected vehicles are experiencing instrument panel display failure, resulting in drivers being unable to read critical safety-related information, such as warning lights and vehicle speed.
How Dangerous Could It Be Not Being Able to Read Dashboard Warning Lights?
Not being able to read dashboard warning lights can be extremely dangerous, leading to catastrophic and expensive engine or component failures. It will also put your safety at risk by compromising critical systems, such as brakes or airbags.
Let’s discuss some of the most common dashboard warning lights to understand better how dangerous it can be to ignore them.
1. Check Engine Light
The check engine light, a silhouetted engine shape blinking on the car’s dashboard, is the scariest warning light, as it is related to your car’s motor and emission system. The potential issue could be as minor as a loose wire or an ill-fitted gas cap.
Or it could be something far more serious in the engine itself. If you’re driving and the check engine light starts blinking, you don’t have to panic, but you also can’t ignore it. Take your vehicle to the mechanic as soon as possible to run a diagnostic test and source the problem.
Sourcing a problem is easier with an OBD scan, a computer that monitors emissions levels and other vital engine components.
Suppose the check engine light turns on and your vehicle starts operating erratically or making unusual noises. In that case, it indicates a more serious problem, such as a misfire that could potentially damage the car’s engine permanently.
2. Battery Warning Light
A battery warning light with “whir whir whir” sound will indicate your car’s battery is running low. There could also be a long-term issue with the battery, or potential problems with the vehicle’s wiring, or other electrical components.
3. Coolant Temperature
This warning light will resemble a thermometer dipping into the ocean. It will let you know your car is running too hot. The potential reasons behind this warning are a broken water pump, low coolant levels in the radiator, or a leaking or burst coolant hose.
Ignoring a coolant temperature warning light can be highly hazardous, as it may lead to severe engine damage.
4. Transmission Temperature
The transmission temperature warning light will indicate that the internal pieces of your car’s gearbox are reaching a critical point. Some of the most common reasons are low transmission fluid levels or, more seriously, excessive wear on the transmission’s inner workings.
Ignoring this warning light could lead to complete transmission failure.
5. Oil Pressure Warning Light
An illuminated oil can with a drop of oil coming out of it could indicate that your car is warning you of a potential leak in the engine, or worn parts such as a blown piston ring or a broken oil pump. If the oil levels are low and adding oil turns off the warning light, you’re on the safer side.
However, if it doesn’t work, you should take your vehicle to the mechanic immediately. Driving a car with an illuminated oil pressure warning light for an extended period could lead to significant repair bills.
6. Tire Pressure Monitoring
A tire pressure monitoring warning light turns on when you’re driving a car with severely under- or overinflated tires. In modern vehicles, tire pressure monitors are typically located in the driver’s gauges or within a menu accessible through the infotainment system.
These monitors will display the exact tire pressure at each wheel. If one of your car’s tires shows less air pressure, immediately stop the car and refill the tire. Now, start the vehicle and check whether the warning light turns off.
If it doesn’t, there could be severe damage to the tire.
7. Brake System Warning
We often discuss how quickly a car can accelerate from zero to 60 miles per hour. However, things become serious when the vehicle fails to come to a quick and controlled stop when the brakes are engaged.
It mainly occurs when you pull away while the parking brakes are engaged, causing this warning light to turn on. The most common reasons are worn brake pads, low brake fluid levels, or a problem with the anti-lock braking system (ABS).
There is also a possibility of an issue with the wheel speed sensor or a problem with connections and wiring that could prevent the anti-lock braking system from activating. It is safe to drive with this warning light, but you should still address the problem immediately.
8. Stability Control
When a symbol of a car driving down a curvy road appears on the dashboard, it clearly indicates that your vehicle is slipping and sliding all over the road. Remember that this warning light will turn on if it is raining or snowing excessively outside.
However, if it activates when you’re driving on a dry surface, it suggests a potential issue with the system, such as the wheel speed sensor.
9. Airbag Warning
When it comes to driving on a highway, safety must be the priority. Suppose you met with an accident, airbags are the only components that will protect you from getting severely injured. If these airbags are not functioning correctly, the airbag warning light will illuminate.
Ignoring this warning light won’t get you stuck on the side of the road, but it could be dangerous in the event of an accident.
10. Lamp Out
Lamp out is the least serious warning light on this list. It activates when one of your car’s headlamps or taillights is not functioning correctly. If you ignore this, you may risk an accident or a costly ticket.
Has Ford Reported Any Accidents or Injuries due to this Issue?
Getting back to the topic, Ford Motor Company isn’t aware of any accidents or injuries related to the instrument panel display failure. But Ford had received 95 warranty claims as of June 26.
How Will Ford Fix the Instrument Panel Display Failure?
To address the instrument panel cluster failure, Ford is offering a complimentary IPC software update to affected owners. According to the NHTSA notes, the fix will be available at authorized dealers or through an “over-the-air” update.
During a statement to The Associated Press, a Ford spokesperson revealed that the over-the-air software update is more convenient for customers compared to an in-person dealer visit.
The owner notification letter, containing more information and instructions about the remedy, will be sent out soon.
Wrapping Up
While Ford is addressing the instrument display failure, this latest recall adds yet another chapter to its ongoing recall saga. The recall covers a total of 355,656 vehicles.
If your car is on this list, you shouldn’t ignore the recall; instead, take prompt action to prevent accidents and ensure you’re driving safely on the road.
Sources: ABC7, Car and Driver
