Ford Truck Display Panel Problems Lead to NHTSA Recall

Nearly 400,000 Ford trucks are being recalled following at least 95 warranty claims concerning instrument display panel failures.

Ford has issued a recall impacting more than 350,000 newer model pickup trucks after discovering that the instrument cluster can fail during startup, preventing drivers from seeing essential safety alerts.

The U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) announced the Ford truck display panel recall on August 22, warning that a blank Instrument Panel Cluster (IPC) could leave drivers unable to read certain safety signals and gauges.

Instrument panel clusters control the vehicle’s digital dashboard display, providing critical information such as warning lights, vehicle speed, fuel level and navigation. If the display fails to show this information, the risk of an auto accident increases.

While NHTSA’s Safety Recall Report (PDF) does not cite any accidents or injuries related to the issue, Ford is aware of at least 95 potentially related warranty claims.

The recall affects certain:

• Model year 2025 Ford F-150 trucks
• Model year 2025 through 2026 Ford F-250 SD trucks
• Model year 2025 through 2026 Ford F-350 SD trucks
• Model year 2025 through 2026 Ford F-450 SD trucks
• Model year 2025 through 2026 Ford F-550 SD trucks

Ford first became aware of the issue on May 9, 2025, following reports of blank IPC displays on certain F-150 trucks.

Over the last several months, Ford’s Critical Concern Review Group (CCRG) traced the defect to a memory protection fault, concluding that the problem arises when the instrument panel is in sleep mode and a signal interrupts at the wrong moment, triggering a memory error.

Their review of vehicle data showed that about 65% of surveyed trucks had been started or shut down during periods when the dashboard was most vulnerable. Projections also indicated that the malfunction is likely to become more common as the vehicles continue to age.

As a result, the manufacturer approved a field action, which led to a voluntary safety recall (PDF) letter being sent out on August 26.

Owners should begin receiving notification letters on September 2, with instructions on how to obtain a free update of the IPC Module software at their local Ford or Lincoln dealer.

Ford’s number for this recall is 25S88. Customers may contact Ford customer service directly at 1-866-436-7332 or the company’s contact for this recall, Dusty Gardner, who may be reached by email at dusty.gardner@dot.gov.

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-275-9171), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.

2025 Ford Recalls

This year alone, NHTSA data shows that Ford has issued at least 105 separate recalls.

In March, Ford launched an investigation into nearly 1.3 million Ford trucks for sudden downshifting while in motion and temporary wheel lock up. Two months later, the company recalled certain Expedition and Lincoln Navigator vehicles citing a potential defect in the brake lines that could reduce brake performance and increase the risk of a crash.

The company also recalled additional Ford Expeditions, Lincoln Navigators and Ford trucks in April due to leaking brake fluid that could cause longer distances to bring the vehicle to a stop. 

The automaker recalled more than 1 million vehicles in June as well, following a rearview camera defect that failed to comply with federal safety standards.

In July, more than 850,000 Ford vehicles were recalled, following reports of engine failures, as well as nearly 700,000 Bronco Sport and Escape SUVs due to a risk of vehicle fires caused by gas leaks.

Earlier this month, Ford recalled certain F-150 pickup trucks after reports that axle hub bolts may break, leading to vehicle rollaway issues. In total, Ford has recalled nearly 7 million vehicles so far this year.

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