Ford and its luxury division Lincoln have announced one of the largest safety actions of the year — recalling over 850,000 vehicles due to a Ford fuel pump defect recall that can cause engine stalling while driving. The automaker has acknowledged that affected vehicles may suddenly lose power, leaving drivers without brakes or steering assist, creating a dangerous situation on busy California highways.
This latest recall comes as part of a growing pattern for Ford, which has already issued warnings or fixes for over 2 million vehicles in 2025 alone. The newly added Ford fuel pump recall stalling issue pushes that total even higher, reinforcing concerns about widespread quality control lapses across the company’s lineup.
Ford’s Fuel Pump Recall: 10 Models Affected Across 2021–2023 
The Ford stalling recall California notice spans multiple popular SUVs, trucks, and performance vehicles. Each contains a low-pressure fuel pump that may fail unexpectedly, starving the engine of fuel and causing it to shut off without warning.
The following vehicles are confirmed to be part of the Ford fuel pump defect recall:
- 2021–2023 Ford Bronco
- 2021–2023 Ford Explorer
- 2021–2023 Lincoln Aviator
- 2021–2023 Ford F-250, F-350, F-450, and F-550 Super Duty trucks
- 2021–2022 Lincoln Navigator
- 2021–2022 Ford Mustang
- 2021–2022 Ford F-150
- 2022 Ford Expedition
If your vehicle is included, Ford advises contacting your dealership as soon as possible to confirm recall status and repair availability.
Experts note that this recall affects some of Ford’s most profitable and best-selling models, amplifying its impact. With so many vehicles on the road in California alone, thousands of drivers could be at risk of experiencing engine stalls at high speed or complete power loss in traffic.
Understanding the Defect: Why Engines Are Stalling
The issue centers around the low-pressure fuel pump, located inside the gas tank. This pump transfers fuel to a secondary high-pressure pump, which then feeds it to the engine. When the low-pressure unit fails, the result is immediate — the engine receives no fuel, leading to a sudden stall or hard start condition.
In many cases, this occurs while driving at highway speeds, catching drivers off guard and making it difficult to maintain control. Ford has confirmed that when the engine stalls, both power steering and braking assistance are lost, leaving the driver with limited control and dramatically increasing the risk of collisions.
This design flaw has triggered widespread concern among California drivers who have already experienced similar symptoms: sudden deceleration, loss of acceleration, sputtering, or the engine cutting out completely. For these drivers, the Ford fuel pump recall stalling problem is not theoretical — it’s a real-world hazard that has led to dangerous situations across the state.
The recall is expected to include over 850,318 vehicles, but some experts believe the number could rise once Ford completes further internal investigations.
Ford’s Response and the Path to Repairs 
Ford has stated that it is still developing a permanent solution for the defect. Because the low-pressure pump is located inside the fuel tank, repairing or replacing it can be complex and time-consuming. Ford’s engineering team is reportedly evaluating whether dealers will need to drop the entire fuel tank to complete the fix or if a less invasive method can be safely used.
According to the company, owners will be formally notified by July 14, 2025, and will be able to schedule a free repair at authorized Ford or Lincoln dealerships once parts are available. However, Ford has not provided a firm timeline for when parts will reach all service centers — leaving many consumers frustrated and uncertain about when their vehicles will be safe again.
As with prior recalls, California owners are encouraged to contact Ford’s hotline at 1-866-436-7332, check their VIN at NHTSA.gov, and request written confirmation of their vehicle’s recall status. Documentation of all repair visits and communication with Ford is crucial should the problem persist after service.
Why California Drivers Should Take This Recall Seriously
California ranks among the states with the highest concentration of Ford trucks and SUVs, meaning thousands of drivers could be affected by the Ford stalling recall California campaign. The risk is particularly concerning for drivers navigating steep grades, high-speed interstates, or congested city streets where a sudden engine stall can have catastrophic consequences.
Many California drivers rely on their Ford vehicles for work or long-distance travel — from F-Series trucks hauling loads to families driving SUVs. A stalling engine not only poses safety risks but also leads to lost productivity and expensive towing or rental costs.
Even worse, Ford’s interim “safety alert” advises owners to continue driving until repairs are available, despite the potential hazard. This advice has drawn criticism from consumer safety advocates who argue that vehicles capable of sudden engine failure should be parked until properly repaired.
For drivers who experience recurring stalls even after attempted fixes, the issue may qualify for coverage under the Ford engine stall Lemon Law — a crucial legal protection that ensures consumers don’t shoulder the burden of a manufacturer’s defect.
The Broader Impact of Ford’s 2025 Recall Surge
The Ford fuel pump defect recall adds to a year of record-breaking recall numbers for the automaker. Ford has issued nearly 90 recalls in the first half of 2025 alone, far surpassing any other manufacturer — including General Motors, Toyota, and Honda.
This latest campaign underscores a troubling trend: a company known for “Built Ford Tough” reliability is now battling widespread doubts about its vehicle quality. Industry analysts attribute this wave of defects to strained supplier networks, software integration errors, and manufacturing pressures caused by Ford’s aggressive push toward new technologies.
The Ford fuel pump recall stalling crisis is more than just an inconvenience — it’s a test of how the company handles safety accountability in an era where consumers are increasingly informed and empowered by Lemon Law protections.
Your Rights Under the Ford Engine Stall Lemon Law in California
When a manufacturer repeatedly fails to repair a safety defect, California’s Lemon Law steps in to protect consumers. If your vehicle experiences ongoing stalling issues, multiple failed repairs, or excessive days in the shop, you may be eligible for compensation under the Ford engine stall Lemon Law.
This legal framework allows consumers to demand a buyback, replacement, or cash settlement for defective vehicles that cannot be properly repaired. Importantly, the law requires Ford to pay the consumer’s attorney fees — meaning California drivers can pursue justice at no out-of-pocket cost.
If your Ford or Lincoln continues to stall, hesitate, or lose power after attempted recall repairs, document each incident carefully. Every service visit, every diagnostic code, and every communication with Ford strengthens your case under the Ford stalling recall California guidelines.
How The Barry Law Firm Can Help
At The Barry Law Firm, we specialize in helping California consumers take legal action against manufacturers when their vehicles fail to meet quality and safety standards. If your Ford Bronco, Explorer, Expedition, Mustang, F-150, Super Duty truck, or your Lincoln Aviator/Navigator has been in the shop repeatedly for stalling or fuel pump issues — or if a recall repair hasn’t fixed the problem — you may be entitled to a refund, replacement, or cash compensation under California’s Lemon Law.
Lemon Law Expertise – We specialize in California Lemon Law cases and know how to hold manufacturers accountable.
No Upfront Costs – The California Lemon Law requires the manufacturer to pay our fees. That means, at The Barry Law Firm, we will never charge you, no matter the outcome of your case.
Proven Success – We have helped thousands of consumers obtain favorable settlements for their defective vehicles.
Personalized Attention – We handle all legal paperwork and negotiations so you don’t have to deal with the stress.
If Ford’s recall or subsequent repair visits have failed to solve your vehicle’s problems, you may have a Ford/Lincoln Lemon Law case. Contact us today to explore your legal options.
Final Thoughts: Ford’s Recall Crisis and Consumer Protection
The Ford fuel pump recall stalling issue represents more than another line on Ford’s growing list of recalls — it’s a wake-up call about vehicle safety and corporate accountability. With hundreds of thousands of California drivers potentially affected, the Ford fuel pump defect recall has serious implications for driver safety and consumer trust alike.
If your Ford or Lincoln has experienced repeated stalling, hesitation, or fuel system failure, don’t assume it’s a normal mechanical issue. You have powerful rights under the Ford engine stall Lemon Law to seek compensation and resolution.
Stay proactive: check your VIN, document every visit, and insist on timely repairs. If your dealership can’t resolve the issue or delays your fix due to parts shortages, The Barry Law Firm can help you hold Ford accountable under California law.
Your safety should never depend on a manufacturer’s timeline. When Ford fails to deliver reliability, The Barry Law Firm stands ready to fight for your protection — one California driver at a time.