Ford Recalls 850,000+ Vehicles Over Fuel‑Pump Failures: What You Need to Know
In July 2025, Ford Motor Company announced a massive recall of 850,318 vehicles due to a potential defect in the low-pressure fuel pump, which could lead to engine stalling and increased crash risks. This recall, affecting popular models like the Ford Mustang, Bronco, Explorer, F-Series trucks, and select Lincoln models (including the Aviator and Navigator), has raised concerns among vehicle owners about safety and reliability. If you’re one of the affected owners, you may be wondering how this recall intersects with lemon law protections and what your rights are. This blog explores the recall, its implications, and how lemon laws could apply if your vehicle is impacted.
The Ford Fuel Pump Recall: What You Need to Know
According to documents filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) on July 7, 2025 (NHTSA recall number 25V-455; Ford recall number 25S75), Ford is recalling 850,318 vehicles in the U.S. due to a low-pressure fuel pump issue. The problem stems from potential internal contamination of the jet pump, which can cause the fuel pump to fail, particularly in low-fuel conditions or hot weather. A faulty fuel pump may reduce fuel flow to the engine, leading to symptoms like poor engine performance, misfiring, rough running, reduced power, or an illuminated check engine light. In severe cases, the engine may stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash. Ford estimates that approximately 10% of the recalled vehicles may experience this issue.
The recall affects a range of 2021–2023 model-year vehicles, including:
Ford Bronco
Ford Explorer
Ford Mustang
Ford F-150, F-250, F-350, F-450, F-550 Super Duty
Ford Expedition (2022)
Lincoln Aviator
Lincoln Navigator (2021–2022)
Ford began investigating this issue in September 2022 after noticing an increase in warranty claims for fuel delivery modules. Although the company initially closed its investigation in July 2023 after supplier improvements, the NHTSA opened a preliminary evaluation in July 2024 following six consumer complaints about power loss in Ford Broncos. By June 2025, Ford reported 1,860 warranty claims, 28 field reports, and 57 customer service reports related to the issue, prompting the recall on June 30. No accidents or injuries have been reported as of the recall announcement.
Currently, Ford has not finalized a remedy for the defect. The company began sending interim notices to owners between July 14 and 18, 2025, to alert them of the issue, with a second notification planned once a fix is available. Owners can check Ford’s recall website, the NHTSA website, or contact Ford’s customer service at 1-866-436-7332 for more information.
How Lemon Laws Apply to Recalls
Lemon laws are state-specific consumer protection statutes designed to provide remedies for buyers of defective vehicles that cannot be repaired after a reasonable number of attempts. While a recall alone does not automatically qualify a vehicle as a “lemon,” the issues caused by a recalled defect—like the fuel pump failure in this case—could potentially trigger lemon law protections if they significantly impair the vehicle’s use, value, or safety and persist despite repair attempts.Here’s how the Ford recall might intersect with lemon law:
Defect Must Substantially Impair the Vehicle: The fuel pump issue, which can cause engine stalling or power loss, clearly affects the vehicle’s safety and usability. If your vehicle exhibits symptoms like misfiring, rough running, or stalling, and these issues persist after repairs, you may have a lemon law claim.
Reasonable Number of Repair Attempts: Most state lemon laws require that the manufacturer or dealer be given a reasonable opportunity to fix the defect. Typically, this means 3–4 repair attempts for the same issue or a cumulative period (e.g., 30 days) during which the vehicle is out of service for repairs. Since Ford has not yet developed a fix for the fuel pump issue, owners may face delays, which could strengthen a lemon law case if the vehicle remains unreliable.
Warranty Period: Lemon laws generally apply to vehicles under the manufacturer’s warranty. The affected Ford and Lincoln models are from 2021–2023, meaning many are still within Ford’s standard 3-year/36,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty or 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty. If your vehicle is still under warranty and the fuel pump issue persists, you may qualify for lemon law relief.
State-Specific Variations: Lemon law requirements vary by state. For example, California’s Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act is one of the most consumer-friendly, allowing claims for defects that substantially impair the vehicle’s use, value, or safety. Other states may have stricter criteria, such as requiring the defect to pose a serious safety hazard. Check your state’s lemon law statute or consult an attorney to understand your rights.
What to Do If Your Ford or Lincoln Vehicle Is Affected
If you own one of the recalled vehicles, here are steps to protect your rights under lemon law and address the recall:
Monitor Your Vehicle for Symptoms: Be vigilant for signs of fuel pump failure, such as misfiring, rough running, reduced power, or a check engine light. These issues are more likely in low-fuel conditions or hot weather. Document any problems, including dates, symptoms, and repair attempts.
Respond to Recall Notices: Ford began sending interim notices between July 14 and 18, 2025, to inform owners of the safety risk. Once a remedy is available, Ford will send a second notice with instructions for free repairs at authorized dealerships. Keep records of all communications with Ford and your dealer.
Attempt Repairs: When Ford announces a fix, schedule repairs promptly at a Ford or Lincoln dealership. Keep detailed records of all repair visits, including invoices, work orders, and correspondence. If the issue persists after multiple repair attempts, you may have grounds for a lemon law claim.
Contact Ford: For questions about the recall, call Ford’s customer service at 1-866-436-7332 or visit Ford’s recall website. You can also check the NHTSA website using your vehicle’s VIN to confirm if it’s affected.
Understand Your Lemon Law Rights: If the fuel pump issue continues to impair your vehicle after repairs, consult your state’s lemon law guidelines. You may be entitled to a refund, replacement vehicle, or cash settlement, depending on your state’s laws and the severity of the defect.
Seek Legal Advice: Lemon law cases can be complex, especially when a recall remedy is delayed or ineffective. A qualified lemon law attorney can evaluate your case, guide you through the process, and help you pursue compensation. Many attorneys offer free consultations and work on a contingency basis, meaning you pay only if you win.
Broader Implications: Ford’s Recall HistoryThis recall is Ford’s second-largest of 2025, with the company issuing 89 recalls so far this year—an unprecedented number for a single automaker in a six-month period. While Ford has reported strong sales, particularly for its F-Series trucks, the high volume of recalls raises questions about quality control and reliability. For owners, repeated issues with a vehicle could strengthen a lemon law case, especially if multiple defects compound the vehicle’s problems.
Final Thoughts
The Ford fuel pump recall affects a significant number of vehicles and poses serious safety concerns due to the risk of engine stalling. While Ford is working on a fix, owners should stay proactive by monitoring their vehicles, documenting issues, and responding to recall notices. If the defect persists after repair attempts, lemon laws may provide a path to relief, including a refund or replacement vehicle.If you’re dealing with a recalled Ford or Lincoln vehicle, don’t hesitate to explore your legal options. Check your state’s lemon law requirements, keep detailed records, and consider consulting a lemon law attorney to protect your rights. For more information on the recall, visit Ford’s recall website or the NHTSA’s recall portal.
Protect Your Rights Under California Lemon Law
If your Ford or Lincoln continues to experience engine issues after the fuel-pump recall repair—or if your vehicle has been sidelined for prolonged periods—you may be entitled to lemon‑law relief:
Full repurchase
Replacement vehicle
Cash reimbursement for losses (towing, rentals, lost wages)
Call Valero Law, APC at (424) 299‑4447 or fill out our free Lemon Law case review form today. We specialize in holding manufacturers accountable for safety defects, especially those affecting drivability and safety.