NEW YORK — Ford has announced a recall of more than 355,000 pickup trucks across the U.S. after discovering an issue with the instrument panel display that may prevent critical information, such as vehicle speed and warning lights, from appearing on the dashboard.
According to documents released by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the recall affects select 2025 Ford F-150 models as well as several “Super Duty” trucks, including the 2025-2026 F-550 SD, F-450 SD, F-350 SD, and F-250 SD. The NHTSA report, dated August 22, states that the instrument panel cluster (IPC) can fail during startup, leaving drivers with a blank display.
The agency warned that a malfunctioning display could prevent drivers from accessing important “safety-related telltales and gauges,” which may increase the risk of accidents. While Ford has not reported any crashes or injuries linked to the issue, the company has received 95 warranty claims as of June 26.
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Free Software Update to Resolve Display Issue
Ford is addressing the problem by offering a complimentary IPC software update to affected owners. The update can be installed at authorized dealerships or delivered via an “over-the-air” update. According to Ford, this wireless update is “more convenient for customers compared to an in-person dealer visit.” The automaker also confirmed that notification letters will be sent to owners soon, providing detailed instructions about the remedy.
In total, 355,656 vehicles are included in the recall. Documents indicate that the IPC software causing the problem was used in production from June 2024 until July 2025. Ford emphasizes that the recall is a proactive measure to ensure customer safety and prevent potential hazards.
Ford’s Track Record of Recalls in 2025
This recall adds to a growing list of vehicle safety actions by Ford this year. Earlier in 2025, the company recalled 694,000 Bronco Sport and Escape vehicles due to a fuel injector defect. Another recall involved over 850,000 cars because of potential fuel pump failures. These recalls reflect Ford’s proactive approach to addressing both hardware and software issues before they lead to serious incidents.
Kumar Galhotra, Ford’s Chief Operating Officer, addressed the rise in recalls in a company blog post, stating that the increase “reflects our intensive strategy to quickly find and fix hardware and software issues and go the extra mile to help protect customers.” The company has also intensified its safety testing to identify potential risks more quickly and mitigate them before vehicles reach the road.
What Owners Should Do
Ford owners affected by the recall are encouraged to check if their vehicle is included in the list provided by NHTSA or contact their local dealership. For owners who prefer convenience, the over-the-air update allows them to resolve the issue without visiting a service center. If the display issue persists after the update, Ford recommends reaching out to a dealer for additional support.
Safety experts advise drivers to remain cautious when operating vehicles with malfunctioning dashboards. Missing speed readings, fuel levels, or warning lights can create dangerous driving conditions. Until the software update is installed, drivers should be particularly attentive to road conditions and follow basic safety precautions.
Implications for Ford and the Automotive Industry
The dashboard display failure highlights the increasing complexity of modern vehicles, where digital interfaces play a central role in safety and vehicle operation. Automakers like Ford now rely on software updates, both over-the-air and in-person, to fix issues that historically would have required hardware replacements. While this approach improves convenience, it also underscores the importance of rigorous pre-production testing.
The recall also demonstrates Ford’s commitment to transparency and customer safety. By promptly issuing a recall and providing a free fix, the company mitigates potential risks and reinforces trust with its consumer base. Industry analysts note that while recalls can be costly, proactive action often protects a brand’s reputation and reduces the likelihood of litigation stemming from safety incidents.
Ford’s Strategy Moving Forward
As vehicles become more digitally integrated, Ford continues to invest in both hardware quality and software reliability. The company has launched enhanced testing protocols to identify defects earlier in the production process. Galhotra emphasized that the company’s strategy focuses on “rapid detection, quick resolution, and customer safety.”
In addition to recalls, Ford is expanding its over-the-air software capabilities across multiple models. This feature allows the automaker to deploy updates remotely, improving efficiency and minimizing the inconvenience for vehicle owners. Over-the-air updates are increasingly standard in the automotive industry, providing a way to maintain vehicle safety and performance without requiring frequent dealer visits.
Frequently Asked Questions:
What is the reason for the Ford recall?
Ford is recalling over 355,000 pickup trucks because the instrument panel display may fail, causing critical information like speed, warning lights, and gauges to not appear on the dashboard.
Which Ford models are affected?
The recall covers select 2025 Ford F-150 trucks and 2025–2026 Super Duty models, including the F-550 SD, F-450 SD, F-350 SD, and F-250 SD.
How many vehicles are affected?
A total of 355,656 vehicles in the United States are included in this recall.
Has this defect caused any accidents?
Ford has not reported any crashes or injuries linked to this issue, although 95 warranty claims were filed as of June 26.
How will Ford fix the dashboard issue?
Ford is providing a free IPC software update. The update can be installed at authorized dealerships or delivered via an over-the-air update for convenience.
When was the faulty software used in production?
The defective instrument panel cluster software was used from June 2024 to July 2025.
How will owners be notified?
Ford will send owner notification letters with instructions for the software update and further guidance on the recall process.
Conclusion
The recall of 355,000 Ford pickup trucks due to faulty dashboard displays highlights the critical role of software in modern vehicle safety. By offering a free over-the-air or dealer-installed software update, Ford is taking swift action to protect drivers and prevent potential hazards. While no accidents have been reported, affected owners are urged to promptly install the update and follow Ford’s guidance. This recall underscores the importance of proactive safety measures and reflects Ford’s commitment to customer protection and transparency in addressing vehicle defects.
