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Ford Motor Company has announced a safety recall for certain 2020 Ford Expedition and 2020 Lincoln Navigator vehicles due to an issue where the Pre-Collision Assist features may not be functional. This problem stems from an incorrectly installed software update during a previous recall, potentially leaving drivers without crucial safety aids.
Key Highlights
- Vehicles Involved: The recall affects 426 SUVs, specifically 425 Ford Expedition vehicles produced between October 14, 2019, and March 19, 2020, and 1 Lincoln Navigator vehicle produced on February 13, 2020.
- Defect: The Body Control Module (BCM) software intended to enable Pre-Collision Assist features was not correctly installed during a prior recall (20S20/20V-262).
- Non-Functional Safety Features: Affected Pre-Collision Assist features include Forward Collision Warning, Dynamic Brake Support, and Automatic Emergency Braking.
- No Driver Warning: Critically, there is no notification to the driver indicating that these safety systems are inoperative.
- Remedy: Ford dealers will update the BCM software free of charge.
- NHTSA Recall Number: 25V346
- Ford Recall Number: 25S56
Details of the Defect
According to Ford’s records submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the issue is that certain 2020 Expedition and Navigator vehicles did not receive the correct software remedy for Safety Recall 20S20 (also known as NHTSA recall 20V-262), despite records indicating the repair was successfully completed. The underlying condition specified in that earlier recall may still exist because the correct software update remedy may not be installed. The problem occurred because the dealer service tool, in some instances, did not upload the correct software to the vehicle’s Body Control Module. Ford estimates that 100% of the potentially involved vehicles have this defect.
Safety Risk
The primary safety concern is that an inoperative Pre-Collision Assist System may not detect or reduce the risk or severity of a frontal collision. This increases the risk of an injury or crash, particularly if the driver is relying on the system for assistance. Ford has stated it is not aware of any reports of accidents or injuries related to this specific condition.
Chronology of the Issue
The problem of incomplete software recall remedies was first brought to Ford’s Critical Concern Group (CCRG) on November 26, 2024, following an audit request. By December 2024, a cross-functional team was formed to audit all software Field Service Actions (FSAs) that used the Ford Diagnosis and Repair System (FDRS) service tool. Ford informed NHTSA of this concern on December 19, 2024.
An audit of the previous recall 20S20 was completed on May 12, 2025, which identified the specific vehicles that were recorded as receiving the remedy but had software that did not resolve the safety risk. The audit found that 98.4% of the repairs conducted under 20S20 had the correct software installed, leaving a small percentage with the non-remedied software. Ford’s Field Review Committee approved a field action to address this on May 16, 2025.
Remedy and Owner Notification
Ford will notify affected owners by mail. Owners will be instructed to take their vehicle to a Ford or Lincoln dealer to have the Body Control Module (BCM) software updated. After the update, the software part numbers will be validated using a Software Validation Form in the Professional Technician System before the recall action is closed. This service will be provided free of charge to the vehicle owners.
Owners who may have already paid for repairs related to this issue might be eligible for reimbursement according to Ford’s general reimbursement plan.
Dealer notifications are scheduled to occur on June 23, 2025. Mailing of owner notification letters is expected to begin on June 23, 2025, and be completed by June 30, 2025. Owners can check if their vehicle is included in this recall by contacting Ford’s toll-free line at 1-866-436-7332 or by contacting a local Ford or Lincoln dealer. Information can also be obtained from the Ford On-line Automotive Service Information System (OASIS) database. The recall, identified by Ford as 25S56 and by NHTSA as 25V346, was submitted to NHTSA on May 23, 2025.
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