Ford reports quality turnaround while recalling 741,000 vehicles over park‑brake flaw

Ford Motor Co. says a series of quality‑improvement measures are finally showing results. Chief Executive Jim Farley highlighted the automaker’s recent rise to the top of J.D. Power’s Initial Quality Study, the first such achievement in more than a decade, and noted a steady decline in warranty expenses after years of costly recalls that affected roughly 13 million vehicles in 2025 and over 12 million in early 2026.

At the same time, the company announced a new safety recall of about 741,000 Ford and Lincoln models because a park‑by‑wire system may fail to engage, allowing the vehicle to roll away. The recall covers 2020‑2021 F‑150 pickups, Explorer and Aviator SUVs, and 2018‑2021 Expedition and Navigator models, and includes a warning‑light indicator. Dealers will provide a software update and, if needed, replace transmission components at no charge. A separate recall of 36,046 Bronco vehicles for unsecured fender flares was also disclosed. The actions aim to protect drivers while the company seeks to rebuild consumer confidence.