April 2026 Ford F-150 Safety Recalls: Lights, Brakes, Drivetrain

April 2026 saw a busy month for Ford's safety department, with 12 new recalls announced. The majority of these actions focused on the popular F-Series pickup, particularly the 2022 Ford F-150, addressing critical issues ranging from lighting malfunctions to braking system failures and powertrain anomalies. These Ford F-150 safety recalls highlight the importance of staying informed about potential vehicle defects.

Recalls

Ford's recall activity in April 2026 was extensive, with a strong focus on the F-150 model across several model years. The most prominent issues involved exterior lighting, braking systems, and various powertrain components.

Recurring Flickering Parking Lights on 2022 Ford F-150

A significant number of recalls targeted the 2022 Ford F-150 for issues with flickering parking lights. This problem, which can reduce visibility and increase the risk of a crash, appears to be a persistent concern, with some recalls even stemming from previous, inadequate repair attempts.

• 2022 Ford F-150 Flickering Parking Lights Recall (NHTSA ID: 25V515000) addresses flickering parking lights due to incorrect repairs from prior recalls. The remedy involves replacing the lighting control module.
• 2022 Ford F-150 Flickering Lights Recall 25V517000 (NHTSA ID: 25V517000) also targets flickering parking lights on the 2022 F-150, specifically noting it as a problem from an incorrect repair during a previous recall (22V686).
• 2022 Ford F-150 Parking Lights Flickering Recall 24V682000 (NHTSA ID: 24V682000) will remedy flickering parking lights when headlights are activated by replacing the LED Driver module.
• 2022 Ford F-150 Parking Light Recall (NHTSA ID: 23V802000) involves a free software update to the LED driver module to fix flickering parking lights.

Brake System Concerns

Braking performance was another area of concern, affecting not only the F-150 but also the Expedition and Navigator models.

• 2016-2018 Ford F-150, Expedition, Navigator Brake Recall (NHTSA ID: 22V150000) covers certain 2016-2018 F-150, 2016-2017 Expedition, and 2016-2017 Navigator vehicles with 3.5L Ecoboost engines. A leaking brake master cylinder can reduce front braking function and increase stopping distances.
• 2017-2018 Ford F-150 / Expedition Brake Master Cylinder Recall (NHTSA ID: 25V236000) addresses a similar issue for certain 2017-2018 F-150 and Expedition vehicles, where a leaking brake master cylinder could reduce braking effectiveness. Dealers will replace the master cylinder.

Powertrain and Drivetrain Issues

Several recalls focused on the powertrain, impacting transmission function and driveshaft integrity.

• 2021 Ford F-150 Unexpected Neutral Recall 25V-169 (NHTSA ID: 25V169000) affects certain 2021 F-150 vehicles due to a Powertrain Control Module (PCM) software issue that can cause the transmission to unexpectedly shift into neutral, leading to a loss of drive power.
• 2020 Ford F-150 Transmission Shift Cable Recall (NHTSA ID: 20V197000) addresses a potentially unseated transmission shift cable lock clip in certain 2020 F-150, Ranger, and Expedition vehicles, which could allow the vehicle to move unexpectedly even when in 'Park'.
• 2014 Ford F-150 Unexpected Downshift Recall (NHTSA ID: 24V444000) involves certain 2014 F-150 vehicles where a signal loss to the powertrain control module can cause an unexpected downshift into first gear, increasing crash risk. A free software update is the remedy.
• 2021-2022 Ford F-150 Driveshaft Fracture Recall (NHTSA ID: 22V623000) covers certain 2021-2022 F-150 vehicles where underbody insulators may loosen and contact the aluminum driveshaft, causing damage and increasing the risk of a crash.

Other Safety Recalls

Two additional recalls for the F-150 addressed distinct safety concerns.

• 2021 Ford F-150 Reverse Light Recall (NHTSA ID: 25V348000) for certain 2021 F-150 vehicles with the Onboard Scales feature, where an over-the-air software update may have inadvertently disabled both reverse lights.
• 2022 Ford F-150 Air Bag Recall 22V684000 (NHTSA ID: 22V684000) affects certain 2022 F-150 vehicles where an incorrectly manufactured right-side instrument panel cover could cause improper airbag deployment.

These numerous Ford F-150 safety recalls underscore the importance of prompt action from vehicle owners.

Owner complaints

No new owner complaints were filed for Ford in April 2026.

Investigations

No new NHTSA investigations were opened, upgraded, or closed for Ford in April 2026.

Service bulletins

No new service bulletins were issued for Ford in April 2026.

What Ford owners should do

If you own a Ford vehicle, especially an F-150 from the affected model years, it is crucial to take proactive steps to ensure your safety and the proper functioning of your vehicle.

• Check Your VIN: Use the NHTSA recall lookup tool or Ford's official recall page to enter your 17-digit Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). This will confirm if your specific vehicle is subject to any of these recalls.
• Contact Your Dealer: If your vehicle is affected, schedule an appointment with an authorized Ford dealership. Recall repairs are performed free of charge.
• Be Aware of Symptoms: Pay attention to any flickering lights, changes in braking performance, or unusual transmission behavior. These could be indicators of an active recall issue.
• Review Recall Letters: If you receive a recall notification from Ford, read it carefully and follow the instructions provided.