Ford vs Hyundai Recalls 2025–2026: Safety Issues & Reliability

Quick Insights before you Read

Which manufacturer has the most recalls in 2025?
Ford leads 2025 with 150+ recalls, the highest in the industry.

Are Hyundai’s 2025 SUVs safe from fire risks?
Not fully. Some models still carry park outside warnings due to electrical overheating issues.

What is the top Ford safety issue in 2025?
Rollaway and brake failures are mainly linked to the park module and brake booster defects.

How do Hyundai and Ford’s reliability issues differ?
Hyundai faces more electronic and ADAS issues, while Ford struggles with mechanical and drivetrain faults.

Do OTA updates fix all 2025 recalls?
No. Only 25–30% are software fixes; many still need dealer repairs.

Are you looking for a new car in 2026 but feel overwhelmed by the constant news of factory defects? Is it better to trust the American-built Ford Proud legacy or the high-tech promise of South Korea’s Hyundai? In a year where vehicle complexity has reached an all-time high, the ford vs hyundai recalls data provides a sobering look at what is actually happening behind the dealership doors. For any buyer, knowing the difference between a minor software bug and a life-threatening mechanical flaw is essential.

Why does the Ford recall list 2025 keep growing?

The Ford recall list 2025 is currently the longest in the automotive world, surpassing 150 unique campaigns. This surge is largely due to Ford’s aggressive push for connected technology, which has inadvertently introduced various Ford safety issues in 2025.

Integrated Park Module Failures: Affecting the Maverick, F-150 Lightning, and Mustang Mach-E. The software fails to engage the park pawl, and the vehicle can roll away after the driver exits.
Electronic Brake Booster Malfunction: Found in 2025 Bronco and Expedition models. The module loses power assist during normal driving. Drivers experience a sudden, heavy brake pedal and significantly increased stopping distances.
Rearview Camera Blanking: A massive campaign in the Ford recalls 2025 database. Faulty internal chips cause the SYNC screen to freeze or go black. This leaves drivers without a rear view, increasing the risk of low-speed collisions.

What are the most urgent Hyundai safety defects this year?

While Hyundai has fewer total recalls than Ford, the Hyundai safety defects found in 2025 are often concentrated in critical occupant protection and fire prevention systems. The Hyundai recall list 2025 highlights a shift toward electronics and high-voltage safety.

Palisade Seatbelt Buckle Failure: Impacting over 500,000 units. The buckle’s internal mechanism fails to latch properly. Occupants may not be restrained during a crash, leading to severe injury risks.
Electric Oil Pump Overheating: A recurring issue in the Hyundai recalls 2025 cycle. Electronic controllers in the pump can short-circuit. This creates a fire risk in the engine bay even when the car is turned off.
ICCU Charging Faults: Specific to the Ioniq EV lineup. The Integrated Charging Control Unit fails to maintain the 12V battery. The vehicle enters a Limp Home mode or loses all drive power on the highway.

How do Ford’s reliability concerns affect long-term ownership?

When you look past the immediate safety alerts, the Ford reliability concerns for 2025 suggest that mechanical durability is still a work in progress. Owners of newer Ford vehicles often report that while the tech is impressive, the basics sometimes falter.

10-Speed Transmission Shudder: Even in 2025 models, owners report harsh shifting and gear hunting. Internal clutches wear prematurely due to software-driven pressure imbalances.
EcoBoost Coolant Intrusion: A lingering concern for 4-cylinder Ford engines. Seals can fail, allowing coolant into the combustion chamber. This leads to white smoke, misfires, and eventually, the need for a total engine replacement.
Suspension Component Fatigue: Especially on the Bronco and F-150. Ball joints and control arm fasteners are improperly torqued from the factory.

Are Hyundai’s reliability problems getting better or worse?

For years, Hyundai was the reliability king due to its 10-year warranty. However, Hyundai’s reliability problems in 2025 are increasingly linked to the very technology that made them popular.

ADAS Sensor Failure: Owners of the 2025 Tucson and Santa Fe report false emergency braking. Cameras and radar sensors misinterpret shadows or weather as obstacles.
Direct Injection Carbon Buildup: A chronic issue for GDI engines. Fuel is sprayed directly into the cylinder, skipping the intake valves. Without fuel washing the valves, carbon gunk builds up, causing loss of power and poor fuel economy over time.
Paint Delamination: Despite being a 2025 concern, reports of white paint peeling in large sheets continue to surface. Improper primer bonding leads to the clear coat detaching after exposure to high UV rays.

Also check Ford’s next-generation cars.

Is there a clear winner in the Ford vs Hyundai recalls battle?

When comparing Ford vs Hyundai recalls, it’s a trade-off between volume and severity. Ford has the most recalls, meaning you are more likely to visit the dealer for a fix. However, many Ford safety issues in 2025 were solved with a simple software update. Hyundai has fewer recalls, but its safety defects often involve hardware that can’t be fixed remotely, such as seatbelts and oil pumps.

Wrapping Up: Choose Transparency Over the Badge

In the Ford vs Hyundai recalls debate, there is no perfect winner, only better-informed buyers. Ford’s record-breaking recall volume in 2025 reflects a strategy of fixing issues early, often through software updates, but it also highlights ongoing mechanical reliability concerns. Hyundai, while issuing fewer recalls, faces more serious hardware-related safety defects that demand immediate dealer attention.

For 2026 car shoppers, the real takeaway is this: don’t judge a brand by its reputation alone. Study recall patterns, understand whether defects are software- or hardware-based, and confirm how quickly fixes are delivered. In an era of increasingly complex vehicles, an informed decision is the most important safety feature you can buy.

Can I ignore a recall from the Ford recalls 2025 list if my car seems fine?

No. Many Ford safety issues in 2025, such as the rollaway risk or fuel injector cracks, do not show symptoms until the moment of failure. Always get recalls addressed immediately, as they are free of charge.

Do Hyundai safety defects affect their electric vehicles more than gas cars?

In 2025, the Hyundai recall list 2025 is split. EVs face ICCU and charging door issues, while gas models like the Palisade face mechanical issues like seatbelt failures and oil pump fire risks

Why does Ford have so many more recalls than other brands?

Part of the reason for the extensive Ford recall list 2025 is a new corporate strategy to recall early and often to avoid massive federal fines. While it results in more headlines, it is intended to catch Ford reliability concerns before they cause accidents.

Are Hyundai reliability problems covered if I am the second owner?

Hyundai’s famous 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty usually drops to 5 years/60,000 miles for the second owner. However, all Hyundai safety defects covered by official recalls are repaired for free regardless of who owns the car.

How do I know if a specific vehicle has been cleared of Ford safety issues in 2025?

You can visit the NHTSA website or use the FordPass app. If the recall appears as Closed or Remedy Completed, the safety issue has been resolved by a certified technician.

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