Ford Motor Company is enjoying a rare moment of recognition after being named the top mass-market automotive brand in J.D. Power’s Initial Quality Study, but the celebration comes with a significant caveat. The American automaker remains one of the industry’s most recalled brands, with 2026 shaping up to be another challenging year for vehicle safety campaigns.

While awards have boosted Ford’s reputation for initial vehicle quality, the company’s recall numbers tell a different story. According to data from the U.S. Department of Transportation and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), Ford has already issued 56 recalls in 2026, placing it on track for another year marked by an unusually high number of safety actions.

The latest recalls have affected thousands of SUVs, including the Ford Explorer, as well as the company’s best-selling Ford F-150 pickup trucks. Many of these campaigns involve software-related issues rather than traditional mechanical defects.

A Record Ford Would Rather Forget

Ford made headlines in 2025 for setting an unwanted industry record. The company crossed the 100-recall mark before the end of August and ultimately finished the year with 153 recalls, affecting approximately 13 million vehicles across its lineup.

Although this year’s figures remain below that record pace, the volume of recalls continues to attract attention from regulators, customers, and investors alike.

One major reason behind the continued recall activity is a comprehensive software audit conducted by the automaker. As modern vehicles become increasingly dependent on digital systems, many issues can be corrected through software updates instead of replacing physical components.

However, those updates still qualify as official recalls under U.S. federal law and must be reported to the NHTSA.

Software Audit Exposes Earlier Repair Problems

Ford’s internal review has uncovered another complication—some vehicles that were listed as repaired during previous recall campaigns may not have actually received the required fixes.

In certain cases, repair records incorrectly indicated that recall work had been completed, forcing Ford to reopen some campaigns and notify owners again. The company has since begun repeating several recalls to ensure affected vehicles receive the proper remedy.

This has significantly contributed to Ford’s growing recall count over the past two years.

Jim Farley Promises a Quality Turnaround

Speaking recently, Ford President and CEO Jim Farley acknowledged that improving product quality remains one of the company’s biggest priorities.

Farley admitted that Ford must strengthen not only its initial quality but also the long-term durability of its vehicles. He emphasized that future product launches need to be executed flawlessly if the company hopes to rebuild customer confidence.

To achieve that goal, Ford has introduced a broad quality improvement strategy that includes restructuring parts of its leadership team, linking executive bonuses to quality performance, expanding testing procedures, and working more closely with suppliers.

The company has also hired around 350 technical specialists since 2023 to improve engineering oversight and identify potential defects earlier in the development process.

Despite the challenges, Farley remains optimistic about Ford’s direction.

“Our best days are in front of us as we continue to execute this quality turnaround for our investors, for employees, for our customers,” he said during a recent interview.

The Road Ahead

Ford’s combination of award-winning initial quality and an industry-leading number of recalls highlights the complex reality of today’s automotive market, where sophisticated software systems can improve vehicles but also create new challenges.

For now, owners are encouraged to stay informed about recall notices and ensure any outstanding repairs are completed promptly. As Ford works to overhaul its quality control processes, the coming years will determine whether the company can finally leave its recall-heavy reputation behind.

The transition from traditional pickup trucks to electric vehicles continues to gather momentum, and one Colorado driver’s experience is drawing attention for the way he described the change.

After replacing his Ford F-150 with a Tesla Cybertruck, the owner compared the experience to “going from the Victorian era into the future”—a statement that has sparked discussions among both electric vehicle enthusiasts and pickup truck fans.

His comments were shared on the Cybertruck Owners Club forum, where owners regularly exchange their real-world experiences with Tesla’s all-electric pickup.

‘It Feels Like Driving the Future’

According to the owner, he had been driving a 2025 Tesla Cybertruck AWD for about three weeks before sharing his impressions.

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While he admitted regretting purchasing Tesla’s Full Self-Driving (FSD) package—not because it didn’t work, but because he enjoyed driving the truck himself—he had high praise for the vehicle’s engineering.

He highlighted technologies such as steer-by-wire and rear-wheel steering, saying they transformed the driving experience.

In his view, although conventional pickups like the Ford F-150 and the Toyota Tundra are capable workhorses, they simply don’t deliver the same level of agility or ease of use offered by the Cybertruck.

A Laptop vs. A Typewriter

One comparison in the owner’s story particularly resonated with readers.

His wife reportedly compared the Tesla Cybertruck to a modern laptop, while describing the Ford F-150 as an old-fashioned typewriter.

The analogy reflected how dramatically different the technology and user experience felt between the two vehicles.

Although both trucks serve similar purposes, the owner believed Tesla’s advanced software, digital interface and steering technology made the Cybertruck feel like a product from another era.

An $85,000 Purchase He Doesn’t Regret

Despite its premium price tag of around $85,000, the owner described the Cybertruck as money well spent.

He encouraged skeptics to experience the vehicle firsthand before forming an opinion, suggesting that many criticisms disappear once people actually drive it.

His comments echo a growing trend within the electric vehicle community, where firsthand driving experiences often prove more convincing than specifications or online debates.

Why Test Drives Matter

The owner’s observations align with comments made by John Higham, Vice President of Communications at the Electric Vehicle Association (EVA).

Higham has previously said that many motorists become interested in electric vehicles only after sitting behind the wheel.

He described the phenomenon as the “butts in seats conversion,” explaining that the association regularly organises “Arrive and Drive” events across the United States to allow people to experience EVs for themselves.

According to EV advocates, experiencing the instant torque, quiet cabin and advanced technology firsthand often changes public perception far more effectively than advertising campaigns.

The Growing Shift Toward Electric Pickups

The rivalry between the Tesla Cybertruck and the Ford F-150—particularly the electric Ford F-150 Lightning—has become one of the most closely watched battles in the automotive industry.

From drag races and towing challenges to owner reviews, the two pickups are frequently compared for performance, capability and technology.

While preferences continue to vary depending on buyers’ needs, stories like this highlight how the transition from conventional combustion-engine vehicles to electric trucks is increasingly being driven by the ownership experience rather than specifications alone.

As more manufacturers invest in electric pickups, consumer experiences are likely to play an even bigger role in shaping the future of the segment.

Owners of select Subaru SUVs are being urged to pay attention to an important safety recall after U.S. regulators identified an error in the vehicle’s weight certification label that could potentially increase the risk of overloading.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), Subaru is recalling 541,237 SUVs in the United States because the rear axle Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) printed on the safety certification label is incorrect.

Although the issue does not involve a mechanical fault, officials warn that inaccurate weight information could cause owners to unknowingly overload their vehicles, placing additional stress on the suspension and tyres and increasing the likelihood of an accident.

Which Subaru Models Are Affected?

The recall covers specific model years of the following SUVs:

• 2019–2026 Subaru Ascent
• 2025–2026 Subaru Forester
• 2025–2026 Subaru Forester Hybrid
• 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid

The affected vehicles fail to comply with U.S. Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards because of the incorrect rear axle weight rating displayed on the certification label.

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What Is the Problem?

The issue is related to the Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) shown on the vehicle’s safety sticker.

This number tells owners the maximum safe weight that can be placed on the vehicle’s rear axle, including passengers, luggage and cargo.

According to the NHTSA, an incorrect GAWR label may cause drivers to load more weight than the vehicle is designed to safely carry.

An overloaded vehicle can negatively affect braking performance, tyre durability, suspension components and overall stability, particularly during long journeys or emergency manoeuvres.

How the Issue Was Discovered

Regulators first notified Subaru about the discrepancy in May 2026 after identifying concerns with the rear axle weight calculations.

Following an internal review, Subaru confirmed the labeling error and decided to initiate a voluntary safety recall in late June.

Importantly, the company has stated that no crashes, injuries or fatalities have been linked to the issue so far.

What Owners Need to Do

Subaru will begin sending owner notification letters from August 25.

Affected customers will later receive a corrected certification sticker, free of charge, along with simple instructions explaining how to place it over the existing label.

Owners who would rather not install the new sticker themselves can visit an authorised Subaru dealership, where technicians will complete the replacement at no cost.

Customers seeking more information can contact Subaru Customer Service and refer to Recall Code WRH-26.

Why Recalls Like This Matter

While this recall does not involve engine failure, braking defects or faulty components, it highlights how even a labeling error can have significant safety implications.

Vehicle manufacturers are legally required to provide accurate weight specifications because they help drivers operate their vehicles within safe limits.

As modern SUVs continue to carry larger families, luggage and recreational equipment, correct load information becomes increasingly important for maintaining vehicle stability and road safety.

Subaru’s latest recall serves as a reminder that safety campaigns are not always triggered by defective parts—sometimes, even incorrect information printed on a label can warrant immediate corrective action.