Ford Recalls Over 140,000 Ranger Trucks Over Wiring Defect That Could Cause Fires

Key facts

• Ford is recalling 140,201 Ranger trucks in the U.S. across 2024–2026 model years.
• The defect involves wiring for the sun visor and headliner that may be routed incorrectly or wrapped with excessive tape.
• Damaged wiring can degrade and cause an electrical short near the A-pillar, raising fire risk.
• The recall campaign is identified as 26S29; affected VINs have been searchable on NHTSA’s website since mid-April.
• Owner notification letters begin the week of May 31, with phased mailings for 2025, 2026, and 2024 models.
• Interim notices alerting drivers to the safety risk are expected to be mailed April 27.
• A final repair solution is anticipated later in the summer; dealers will inspect wiring and update body control module software.

Wiring Defect Poses Fire Hazard

Ford Motor Company is recalling more than 140,000 Ranger pickup trucks in the United States after federal safety regulators identified a wiring issue that could lead to fires, crashes, or injuries. The recall, disclosed in filings with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), covers 140,201 vehicles spanning the 2024 through 2026 model years. The problem stems from wiring associated with the sun visor and headliner that may have been routed incorrectly or wrapped with too much tape. Over time, these conditions can cause the wires to degrade, potentially triggering an electrical short near the A-pillar — a structural pillar at the front of the passenger compartment.

Phased Recall and Owner Notification

The recall is being rolled out in phases, beginning with certain 2025 model-year trucks. Owner notification letters are scheduled to start the week of May 31, followed by additional rounds in late June for 2026 models and late July for 2024 models. Regulators said interim notices alerting drivers to the safety risk are expected to be mailed April 27. A final repair solution is anticipated later in the summer.

Inspection and Repair Plan

To address the issue, Ford dealers will examine the wiring and update the vehicle’s body control module software. Harnesses showing signs of damage will be replaced at no cost to owners, the agency said. The campaign is identified as 26S29, and affected VINs have been searchable on NHTSA’s website since mid-April. Owners can check whether their vehicle is included using the agency’s online tool.

Broader Recall Context

The Ranger recall is the latest in a series of large-scale actions by Ford. The company recently recalled nearly 1.4 million F-150 pickup trucks over a gearshift issue, and more than 422,000 vehicles due to a windshield wiper problem. These actions underscore ongoing quality challenges for the automaker as it works to address safety defects across its lineup.

Stakes for Drivers and Regulators

For owners of affected Rangers, the immediate risk is a potential electrical short that could lead to a fire, even when the vehicle is parked. NHTSA has classified the defect as a safety risk that could also cause crashes or injuries if the short occurs while driving. The agency’s oversight and phased notification process aim to ensure that drivers are aware of the hazard before a permanent fix is available. Interim notices will provide guidance on how to minimize risk until repairs can be performed.

Outlook and Next Steps

Ford has not disclosed how many incidents or injuries have been linked to the defect, but the recall covers every Ranger built for the U.S. market across three model years. The company is expected to announce the final repair timeline later this summer. Owners who receive interim notices should contact their local dealer for further instructions. The recall does not affect Ranger trucks sold outside the United States.

The bottom line

• Ford is recalling 140,201 Ranger trucks in the U.S. due to a wiring defect that can cause electrical shorts and fires.
• The recall covers 2024–2026 model years; notification letters will be mailed in phases starting May 31.
• Dealers will inspect wiring and replace damaged harnesses at no cost; a software update is also planned.
• Interim safety notices will be sent April 27, with a final repair expected later in the summer.
• The recall follows two other large Ford actions: 1.4 million F-150s over gearshift issues and 422,000 vehicles over wiper defects.
• Owners can check their VIN on NHTSA’s website to see if their truck is affected.