Ford Recalls 255,000 Vehicles for Engine Stalls While Driving

The Ford Motor Company is recalling 255,404 vehicles that could experience an engine stall while in motion, which increases the risk of an accident.

According to a report posted on June 12 by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the recall involves certain 2012–2018 Focus vehicles that were previously repaired incorrectly under recall number 18V735.

The report indicates that affected vehicles are equipped with a canister purge valve that may stick open, causing excessive vacuum in the fuel system that could deform the plastic fuel tank and potentially cause the engine to stall unexpectedly.

“An engine stall while driving without warning or without the ability to restart, can increase the risk of a crash,” the report says.

The report says vehicles experiencing the issue may display a malfunction warning light and inaccurate fuel gauge readings.

Notification letters are expected to be mailed on July 6. Owners can also contact Ford’s customer service number at 1-866-436-7332, using the recall number 26S40. Vehicle identification numbers involved in this recall will become searchable on NHTSA.gov on July 6.

Local dealers will update the powertrain control module (PCM) software free of charge. The NHTSA states that affected vehicles may not have received the PCM software remedy for Ford Recall 18S32 or 18V375. Ford’s record shows that Focus vehicles that did not have the remedy for the previous recalls were erroneously recorded as having had the repair completed.

The issue dates back to November 2024, when Ford’s Critical Concern Review Group first investigated incomplete software recall remedies. After a series of tests and re-tests, it was determined that some of the affected vehicles in the previous recall did not receive the necessary software updates.

To date, Ford is not aware of any reports of accident or injury related to the malfunction.

This recall comes on the heels of another June recall involving more than half a million vehicles with peeling center consoles, resulting in 65 injuries from sharp edges. The injuries included hand and finger lacerations, of which a small number required professional medical attention.

Meanwhile, Honda is recalling more than 1 million vehicles equipped with a tire-repair kit bottle cap that may detach and become a projectile, potentially causing injuries.

According to a report posted on June 11 by the NHTSA, the 1.049 million vehicles include certain 2023-2026 CR-V Hybrid and Accord Hybrid models, as well as 2025-2026 CR-V Fuel Cell EV vehicles. When drivers use the tire repair kit, the report notes, pressure may build up in the sealant bottle, causing its cap to detach and possibly striking the user or others nearby.

Owners of affected vehicles will be notified by mail after July 27, and dealers will replace the tire repair kit nozzle or sealant bottle free of charge. Owners may also contact Honda customer service at 1-866-784-1870, using the recall letter DOV. Vehicle identification numbers involved in this recall are searchable on NHTSA.gov.

Honda noted that during the development of the flat tire repair kit, the design did not adequately account for pressure buildup that could happen if the nozzle was not properly connected. In addition, certain valves were improperly adjusted during supplier manufacturing, preventing the pressure from being released as it was intended.

As of May 28, Honda received 53 warranty claims and eight injury reports related to the issue.