Ford Issues Safety Recall As Brake Lights May Fail and Vehicles Could Roll Away, Raising Serious Crash Risk

Following a major recall over a potential fire risk, Ford has now issued another safety notice for a mechanical problem that poses serious crash and rollaway risks. The company has detailed how customers can learn if their vehicle is affected, and what to do if it is.

Ford Recalls Vehicles Over Faulty Brake Light Switch – Could Cause Crashes or Unexpected Rollaways

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has reported that the Ford Motor Company issued a voluntary safety recall on January 22, 2026. The recall affects 146 2025 Ford F-59 Commercial Stripped Chassis and 85 2025 Ford F-53 Recreational Stripped Chassis, for a total of 231 vehicles. Both vehicle types are incomplete when manufactured, which allows the owner to customize the body as they wish, typically for RVs, motorhomes, or delivery trucks.

It is important to note that there haven't been any reported accidents connected to this recall notice. Still, the NHTSA warns of serious safety risks that could cause crashes or rollaway incidents.

"On the affected vehicles, exterior brake lights may not illuminate with actuation of the brake pedal, or conversely, may illuminate without brake pedal actuation… If the stop lamps do not activate upon the application of the service brakes, or activate without service brake application, the vehicle will not comply with FMVSS 108. Brake lights that do not illuminate with brake pedal actuation or illuminate without brake pedal actuation can increase the risk of a crash. It may be possible to shift out of park without pressing the brake pedal, which can cause the vehicle to roll unexpectedly, increasing the risk of a crash or injury."

A 2025 study on responses to brake lights underlines that following drivers not reacting to the vehicle in front of them stopping quickly enough is what causes the majority of rear-end crashes. "Rear-end collisions are mostly attributed to either delayed brake response or lack of braking force due to slower reaction times, when a following driver does not react quickly enough to the behaviour of a lead vehicle, due to inadequate or late detection of its deceleration." A faulty brake light would make it difficult for the following car to recognize that the vehicle in front is stopping soon enough.

Ford's Fix: Free Stop Lamp Switch Replacement for Affected Owners

The recall notice describes what Ford is doing to ensure the safety of any customers with affected vehicles. The company will be notifying owners by mail, who can then visit a Ford or Lincoln dealership for a free replacement and proper installation of the stop lamp switch, "per workshop manual procedure." Importantly, the recall states that the fix will ensure that the affected vehicles will operate correctly. Any concerned owners can search for their Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) on NHTSA.gov to learn if they are affected.