Ford Recalls Gas and Electric F-150s—Is Your Truck at Risk?

If you own a Ford F-150—whether it’s a gasoline-powered, hybrid, or electric model—you should be aware of a growing list of recalls impacting one of America’s most popular vehicles. From fire risks to missing safety labels and serious transmission concerns, Ford trucks are under increasing scrutiny in 2025.

At The Barry Law Firm, we represent California drivers sold defective vehicles—and Ford’s latest wave of safety issues is cause for concern. If you’re experiencing problems with your F-150 or received notice of a Ford F-150 recall 2025, you may be entitled to relief under California’s Lemon Law protections.

These concerns extend across Ford’s full F-150 lineup, including new electric models like the Ford Lightning, as well as hybrid versions and traditional gas-powered trucks. What was once considered the gold standard in reliability and performance is now drawing attention for the wrong reasons.

Consumers who purchased these vehicles for their strength, dependability, and advanced technology are left wondering whether their investment is safe. Many are finding themselves back at dealerships for repeated visits, with no long-term solutions in sight.

As recalls stack up and investigations unfold, Ford owners must ask: is this a minor hiccup—or a sign of systemic problems across the F-150 line? Either way, California’s Lemon Law provides a legal path forward if your vehicle is no longer living up to the promises made at the point of sale.

What’s Going On With the Ford F-150?

Ford has announced two major recalls affecting both internal combustion and electric models of the F-150. These include:

• 2023 Ford F-150 Lightning recall due to loose or missing fasteners in the high-voltage battery system, which could spark fires or lead to sudden power loss.
• 2025 Ford F-150 recall for failure to include federally required airbag warning labels, potentially putting passengers at risk in a crash.

These recalls are just the latest in a string of manufacturing and quality assurance failures. In recent years, the F-150 has become increasingly complex—with hybrid and electric drivetrains, new battery configurations, and sophisticated onboard systems. But with this complexity comes risk.

In the case of the Ford Lightning recall, the issue arises from poorly secured battery junction box components—critical for regulating power within the high-voltage system. A single loose fastener can lead to dangerous overheating or arcing, creating fire hazards that put drivers and passengers in immediate danger.

Meanwhile, the recall of the 2025 Ford F-150 for missing airbag warning labels might seem minor—but it reflects a breakdown in quality control. Federal law mandates that these safety labels be present and visible, and their absence may expose Ford to additional liability in the event of an accident.

Unfortunately, many owners have been left to deal with the inconvenience themselves. Ford plans to mail out airbag warning labels and ask owners to apply them—a do-it-yourself fix that may not inspire confidence in those already facing other unresolved vehicle issues.

Transmission Issues Under Federal Investigation

Perhaps even more troubling, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has launched an investigation into 1.3 million Ford F-150 trucks from model years 2015 to 2017. At the center of this investigation: spontaneous downshifting into first gear at highway speeds.

This sudden downshifting can lead to harsh deceleration, a jerking sensation, or even a temporary loss of control—especially dangerous when driving at high speeds. These kinds of defects not only affect drivability but also pose a major safety risk to other vehicles on the road.

Drivers have reported incidents where their trucks dropped from fifth or sixth gear all the way down to first—without warning. This kind of mechanical failure could easily result in a rear-end collision, especially on busy California freeways where stop-and-go traffic is the norm.

While Ford has acknowledged the complaints, the company has yet to issue a recall tied specifically to this issue. The NHTSA’s decision to investigate signals that regulators are taking the matter seriously, and a recall may follow if the agency finds the defect widespread and hazardous.

Ford’s internal documentation shows that these gear-shifting anomalies may stem from faulty sensors or glitches in the transmission control software. Despite numerous software updates over the years, the problem has not been fully resolved.

If you own a Ford F-150 hybrid or traditional model from these years, it’s important to monitor how your truck behaves while shifting gears. Any sudden lurching or changes in RPM may be an early warning sign of this defect.

Why Is This a Safety and Financial Concern?

The Ford F-150 hybrid recall, the Ford Lightning recall, and the transmission investigation by the NHTSA are all part of a growing narrative: Ford’s most celebrated truck may no longer be as reliable or safe as promised.

From a safety perspective, electrical fires, power failures, and spontaneous downshifting at highway speeds are all serious risks. These aren’t minor nuisances—they are defects that could result in loss of control, crashes, or even injury. For families, commuters, or business owners relying on these trucks, that’s simply unacceptable.

These risks are compounded by the financial impact. Defective trucks often require repeated service visits, missed work time, and rental car expenses. Worse, unresolved issues may reduce your truck’s trade-in or resale value, especially once the recall history becomes public knowledge.

For example, if your Ford F-150 engine issue persists even after a dealership repair, the truck may no longer meet the expectations you had at the time of purchase. That’s exactly the type of scenario California’s Lemon Law was designed to address.

And while Ford may offer “free” recall repairs, the inconvenience and uncertainty that follow are paid for in time, stress, and peace of mind. That’s not to mention any out-of-pocket costs if repairs fall outside of warranty periods.

If you’ve lost confidence in your Ford truck—whether it’s a Ford vehicle recall 2025 issue or an ongoing defect—it may be time to consider legal options. You shouldn’t be left holding the bill for a manufacturer’s oversight.

What If Your F-150 Is Recalled?

If you receive a recall notice for your Ford truck, don’t ignore it. You can check your vehicle’s recall status by visiting NHTSA.gov or calling 1-888-327-4236 with your VIN (Vehicle Identification Number).

Even if your vehicle isn’t included in the official recall list, similar symptoms may still qualify you for relief. California’s Lemon Law doesn’t require your car to be part of a recall—it only requires that it’s been back to the dealership multiple times for a recurring issue that affects use, value, or safety.

That means if your F-150 engine issue keeps coming back, or if your truck has suffered a drop in performance, fuel economy, or reliability, you could still have a case—even without a formal recall.

You should also document every service visit, keep repair invoices, and take notes of any issues as they occur. This kind of recordkeeping helps strengthen your case if you decide to pursue a Lemon Law claim.

It’s important to remember that you have rights as a consumer. Automakers like Ford are required by California law to either replace, repurchase, or compensate drivers who’ve been sold or leased defective vehicles.

Don’t rely on dealership promises or vague assurances that “everything is normal.” If your truck doesn’t feel or perform the way it should, get legal advice. You may be closer to compensation than you think.

What Vehicles Are Affected?

While these new recalls cover specific production years and models, the broader investigation into transmission issues includes:

• 2015–2017 Ford F-150 (internal combustion)
• 2023 Ford F-150 Lightning (electric)
• 2025 Ford F-150 (various trims, including hybrid)

These recalls highlight how defects can span both old and new models—even as automakers introduce new technologies and features. Whether your F-150 is powered by gas, hybrid, or electric systems, you’re not immune from these safety issues.

For example, the Ford electric truck recall affects vehicles that many consumers believed would offer greater safety and performance thanks to their newer design. But even cutting-edge models like the Lightning are showing signs of critical flaws.

Likewise, newer 2025 F-150s—vehicles many buyers only recently purchased—are already showing gaps in quality control. For consumers who expected modern safety standards and bulletproof reliability, this can feel like a betrayal.

This is why the model year alone doesn’t determine whether you’re at risk. The real issue lies in whether your truck consistently delivers what it promised—or if it’s been plagued with defects, repairs, and frustration.

If you drive any F-150 and suspect your truck has performance or safety problems, it’s wise to take proactive steps. You could be driving a lemon—and under California law, you don’t have to keep it.

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 F-150, Ford Lightning, or other Ford vehicle has been in the shop repeatedly for engine issues, you may be entitled to a refund, replacement, or cash compensation under California’s Lemon Law.

Why Work with The Barry Law Firm?

• 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 investigation or future recall has not fully resolved your vehicle’s engine or transmission issues, we can help you take legal action to secure the compensation you deserve.

From missing safety labels to dangerous electrical defects, the latest Ford F-150 recall in 2025 adds to a troubling pattern of reliability issues in one of America’s most iconic trucks. And with the Ford electric truck recall and NHTSA’s ongoing investigation into over 1.3 million F-150s, it’s clear these problems go far beyond minor inconveniences.

Whether you’re dealing with unresolved powertrain issues, repeat service visits, or declining performance in your F-150 hybrid or Ford Lightning, you shouldn’t be left in the dark. These vehicles are often marketed with bold promises of innovation, power, and dependability. When they fall short, the burden shouldn’t fall on you.

At The Barry Law Firm, we believe California consumers deserve vehicles that meet expectations—and if they don’t, drivers deserve justice.

Contact The Barry Law Firm today for a FAST & FREE consultation. Let us help you explore your Lemon Law rights and get the compensation you deserve.