Ford and FCA have issued a significant number of recalls in the first two weeks of August, bringing their total for the year to 41 each. The two Detroit-based automakers are averaging 1.28 recalls per week, with Ford having a larger number of affected vehicles at 3.7 million compared to FCA’s 2.6 million. This trend indicates a tumultuous year for both companies in terms of safety concerns and quality issues.
Average of 1.28 Recalls per Week
Both Ford and Fiat Chrysler Automobiles have been struggling with recalls this year, having issued a total of 41 recalls each by mid-August. This places them well ahead of third-place BMW in terms of number of recalls. The rate at which both companies are recalling vehicles stands at 1.28 per week, indicating a significant number of safety issues that need to be addressed.
Ford’s Recent Recalls
On August 9, Ford announced four recalls affecting nearly 45,000 vehicles. The largest recall was issued for malfunctioning windshield wiper motors on 37,371 vehicles, including Mavericks, Bronco Sports, and Mustang Mach-Es. Another recall was issued for the 2024 Ford Mustang due to bad knuckles on the suspension, affecting 4,595 cars. Additionally, 1,902 Ford Transits were recalled for potential steering column separation, and 757 Mavericks were recalled for an electrical issue.
FCA’s Recent Recalls
In contrast, FCA issued two Jeep recalls on August 8, affecting a smaller number of vehicles but addressing critical safety concerns. These recalls included insufficient welds on child seat tethers in 243 Grand Cherokee Ls and incorrect taillights obscured by spare tires in 27 Jeep Wranglers. Earlier in the month, FCA also recalled Dodge Challengers and Chargers for seatback locking issues, as well as Jeep Wranglers and Gladiators for a power-loss problem.
Financial Impact
Ford’s recall and warranty costs have exceeded $2.3 billion in just the last three months, averaging $25 million per day. Despite having the same number of recalls as FCA, Ford’s recalls affect a larger number of vehicles at 3.7 million compared to FCA’s 2.6 million. This financial burden and impact on a significantly higher number of customers indicate that Ford may be facing more severe challenges in addressing safety and quality issues.
Challenges and Responses
Ford CEO Jim Farley has pledged to address quality issues since taking over the company’s leadership, but challenges persist. Stellantis CEO Carlos Tavares has voiced concerns about FCA’s struggles, emphasizing the need to address North American problems and suggesting the potential closure of unprofitable brands if improvements are not made. As both companies grapple with safety and quality issues, it remains to be seen how they will navigate these challenges and regain consumer trust.