Ford Recalls Over 110,000 Mustang Models Over Safety Defects

Ford is recalling more than 110,000 Mustang vehicles in the United States across two separate safety campaigns, after federal regulators identified defects involving windshield wipers and a rear drivetrain component that could increase crash risks. The recalls affect a combined 110,626 vehicles spanning the 2021 through 2026 model years, including the gas-powered Mustang, the high-performance Mustang GTD, and the all-electric Mustang Mach-E.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the larger of the two recalls covers 67,842 vehicles — specifically 67,553 units of the 2024-2026 Ford Mustang and 289 units of the 2025-2026 Mustang GTD. The defect involves the windshield wiper and washer system, which may malfunction under cold-weather conditions. NHTSA noted that “the windshield wipers may operate only at the high-speed setting, while the windshield washer system may not function properly,” reducing visibility and increasing the likelihood of a crash.

The Mach-E Recall

In a separate action, Ford is recalling 42,784 Mustang Mach-E vehicles from model years 2021 to 2023 equipped with rear-wheel drive. According to NHTSA, the rear differential pinion shaft may fracture, which could result in a loss of drive power or unintended vehicle movement if the SUV is parked without the parking brake applied. Electrek reported that Ford’s Development Team first identified a failed rear differential shaft in a 2023 Mustang Mach-E in Europe back in March 2026. As of June 11, Ford was aware of 62 warranty claims, 14 global quality indicator reports, and 4 customer reports related to the issue. The company stated it is not aware of any accidents, injuries, or fires caused by the defect, and the root cause remains under investigation.

Notification and Remedy Timeline

Ford has outlined a staggered notification schedule for affected owners. For the Mustang and Mustang GTD recall, initial notification letters are expected to be mailed by July 8, 2026, with remedy letters following in March 2027. For the Mustang Mach-E recall, owners will receive initial letters by July 13, 2026, with remedy instructions expected in late December 2026. In both cases, dealers will repair or replace the affected components free of charge. Owners can also contact Ford’s customer service at 1-866-436-7332 or check their vehicle identification number (VIN) on NHTSA.gov to determine if their vehicle is affected.

Broader Context: Ford’s Recall Crisis

This latest recall is part of a much larger pattern of quality and safety challenges at Ford. As USA Today noted, the company has faced an unprecedented wave of recalls in recent years. In 2025, Ford set a record for the most recalls issued by a single automaker in a single year, issuing more than 150 — nearly double the previous record of 77 set by General Motors in 2014. A Fox Business investigation found that nearly every Ford model produced between 2020 and 2026 has been affected by recalls, including SUVs (Escape, Bronco, Explorer, Expedition), trucks (F-150, Maverick, Ranger, Super Duty), and commercial vans. The only model to escape widespread issues was the discontinued Ford GT.

Ford has attributed the surge in recalls to an “intensive strategy to quickly find and fix hardware and software issues and go the extra mile to help protect customers.” The company has more than doubled its team of safety and technical experts over the past two years and significantly increased testing on critical systems. However, the cumulative scale of the recalls — tens of millions of vehicles across all models — raises questions about quality control and the long-term impact on consumer trust.

Market Reaction

Ford’s stock (F) was trading at $13.56 on July 7, down 1.95% on the day, though the stock remains up more than 5% year to date. The muted market reaction suggests that investors have largely priced in recalls as a recurring cost of doing business for the automaker.

What’s Next

Affected owners face an extended wait for permanent repairs, with some remedies not expected until early 2027. The long timeline highlights the complexity of sourcing and validating replacement components at scale. For Ford, the challenge extends beyond fixing individual vehicles — the company must address the systemic quality issues that have led to repeated recalls across its entire lineup. Whether the automaker can restore confidence in the iconic Mustang nameplate and its broader EV strategy remains an open question.