Ford Motor Company (NYSE: F) is recalling a variety of vehicles for safety defects according to the mandatory recall documents released today by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Ford is operating under a NHTSA consent decree because of its previous problems with defective vehicles and if or how safety recalls were conducted. The largest recall (~103,174) covers 2023-2025 model year F-150 vehicles equipped with the Trailer Tow Max Duty package and a 9.75-inch heavy duty axle with a 3/4 float axle design. This is a recall of a previously ineffective recall as customer complaints continued to be received by NHTSA.
“Stripped rear axle hub splines can result in vehicle roll away when the vehicle is in park without the parking brake applied or cause a loss of motive power in 4X2 operation. Both of these conditions can increase the risk of a crash,” Ford said in the NHTSA filing. “As the rear axle hub bolt becomes loose, customers may report a clicking noise. If the bolt breaks, customers may report a rattle noise (the bolt head will be contained within the wheel center cap),” Ford said. Continue reading
ACSI – Customer Satisfaction with Autos Dropping
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The U.S. automobile market is selling the highest number of vehicles sold in five years. However, given the ongoing Trump Tariff chaos, prices will be rising and lower-priced models are now an endangered species. Thus, affordability has reemerged as a crucial issue. There are risks with drivers operating under various scenarios that mean longer periods of larger payments or hanging onto older vehicles well past their warranties. According to the latest American Customer Satisfaction Index (ACSI®) Automobile Study 2025,* overall driver satisfaction slipped 1% to a score of 79 (on a 100-point scale). The luxury segment dropped 1% to 80, while the mass-market segment is unchanged at 79. Smaller brands (both mass market and luxury) that comprise the “all others” measure slide 9% to 74.**
“Automakers are navigating a market where innovation and practicality collide,” said Forrest Morgeson, Associate Professor of Marketing at Michigan State University and Director of Research Emeritus at the ACSI. “Customers expect advanced technology and efficiency, but they’re also scrutinizing every dollar spent. The brands that thrive will be those that can deliver meaningful improvements without losing sight of what matters most to drivers right now.” Continue reading →