Ford Super Duty & F-Series Truck Recall: Instrument Cluster “Blank Screen” Defect and Your California Lemon Law Rights
On September 2, 2025, Ford issued a recall affecting over 355,000 F-Series trucks for a defect that causes blank instrument panel cluster displays—potentially leaving drivers without speed, warning lights, and other critical information. This post breaks down what’s happening, the risks, the timeline, and what truck owners should do, especially in California where Lemon Law protections can apply.
What’s the Defect?
The issue arises due to a software error in the instrument panel cluster (IPC) that can lead to a blank screen at startup—meaning no speedometer, no warning lights, no status indicators.
It can happen when restarting the engine in certain conditions, particularly after the IPC “sleep” mode and then a “wake up interrupt” occurs too soon, causing a memory fault.
The recall includes affected 2025 F-150 trucks, plus 2025-2026 F-250, F-350, F-450, and F-550 Super Duty pickups.
Why This Matters
Safety risk: Without displays, a driver may not see warning lights (e.g., for oil pressure, brakes, airbags), speed, or other info. This increases risk of accidents.
Frequency: Ford’s internal reviews estimated that about 65% of surveyed vehicles had ignition cycles that could trigger the defect under certain conditions.
Also, the probability of the defect happening increases with age of the vehicle.
Ford’s Response & Fix
Software update is free and is the remedy. Dealers will update the IPC software to disable the problematic memory protection feature.
Ford began mailing recall notifications as of September 2, 2025, but also instructed dealers to repair affected vehicles even if the owner had not yet received a notification.
The defect was suspected early—Ford’s “Critical Concern Review Group” (CCRG) looked at warranty claims beginning in early 2025. By mid-2025, after reviewing connected vehicle data, fault reports, etc., Ford approved the recall on August 15, 2025.
Lemon Law Implications in California
Even though a recall remedy is issued (the software update), consumers might still have Lemon Law rights under certain conditions:
If the software fix does not resolve the problem—i.e. the instrument cluster continues to fail or go blank under similar conditions despite the recall repair.
If the problem substantially impairs the vehicle’s use, value, or safety—even post-repair. Having no warning lights or speedometer readings can be considered a serious impairment.
Under recent changes (e.g. AB 1755), California has stricter notice, limitation, and mediation requirements. Missing deadlines or failing to properly document the defect and repair attempts can jeopardize a claim.
What Affected Owners Should Do
Check if your vehicle is one of the recalled units (2025-2026 Ford F-150 / Super Duty trucks). If so, schedule the software update with a Ford dealership as soon as possible.
Document carefully:
Keep all repair orders, receipts, and communications with Ford.
Note when the defect first manifested (date, mileage), under what conditions (e.g. after a cold start, after sleep mode, etc.).
After getting the software update, monitor the vehicle to see whether the issue recurs under similar conditions.
Understand California Lemon Law deadlines and requirements:
Some recent law changes require written notice before filing a lawsuit, impose strict time limits, and may require mediation.
Act promptly when the defect recurs—don’t wait until things worsen or until after warranty or limitation periods expire.
Consult a Lemon Law attorney, like Valero Law (THE CALIFORNIA LEMON LAW ATTORNEY), if the issue persists post-recall. An experienced attorney can help evaluate whether you have a valid case for repurchase, settlement, or replacement under the law.
Bottom Line
This defect is more than just a minor inconvenience—it can compromise safety. Even though Ford is offering a repair, that doesn't always mean all problems will be resolved. Under California’s Lemon Law (especially with the newer, stricter rules), you may still have legal recourse if the recall fix does not correct the problem.
If you drive one of these trucks and are experiencing blank displays—before or after the repair—don’t wait. Gather your records, seek prompt repair, and talk to a Lemon Law attorney to make sure your rights are protected.