Recall 25V168 affects 471 2022-2023 Ford Transit vehicles because HVAC controls can stop defrost or defog. Repair is free at any franchised Ford dealer.
Ford is recalling 471 2022-2023 Transit vehicles because the HVAC controls for defog and defrost can become inoperative after an earlier recall repair was done incorrectly. Loss of defrost or defog control can reduce driver visibility in certain conditions and increase crash risk; Ford dealers will complete the repair free of charge.
Does this recall apply to your specific vehicle?
The official, free per-VIN recall check is run by NHTSA. Enter your VIN and we'll forward you directly — and add you to a free watchlist so you hear about new recalls for your vehicle.
Check my VIN at NHTSARecallNotify doesn't check your VIN — NHTSA's official tool does. We use your email only to alert you to new recalls.
Watch this vehicle for recalls
Add it to your free watchlist and we will alert you as new federal recalls are posted for your year, make and model. New-recall alerts are rolling out now.
You are on the watchlist.
We will email you as new federal recalls are posted for your vehicle.
What's wrong?
The heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning controls in a 2022-2023 Ford Transit depend on Remote Climate Control Module software. That module is the electronic controller that tells the HVAC system how to respond when you select heat, air conditioning, defog, or defrost. The defog and defrost settings matter because they clear glass for driver visibility.
These Transits were already repaired under recall 22V-791, but the repair did not put the intended software on every affected vehicle. Ford says the service tool downloaded software from Ford, yet it did not install the correct version for these vehicles. Without the remedy software service package, the HVAC controls can stop responding, including the defog and defrost controls.
There is no warning sign before failure. The controls can work normally until they become inoperative, so an owner is not given a gradual symptom to track. If the defog or defrost buttons stop responding, describe it to the Ford service desk as an RCCM software issue tied to recall 25V168.
Who's affected?
Covers the 2022 and 2023 model years with the same Remote Climate Control Module software.
| 2022 Ford Transit | visibility component |
|---|---|
| 2023 Ford Transit | visibility component |
| Units affected | 471 |
A matching 2022-2023 Ford Transit does not guarantee inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific van is included.
What's the safety risk?
Loss of defrost or defog control can reduce windshield visibility under certain driving conditions and increase the risk of a crash. There is no warning sign before the control problem appears. Schedule the software update soon, and use extra caution if the windshield starts to fog. Repair is free at any franchised Ford dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2022-2023 Ford Transit is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Ford dealer to schedule the free remote climate control module software update that restores HVAC defog and defrost control operation.
- Bring the recall notice if Ford mailed one. If not, reference recall number 25V168 and Ford recall 25S23 when you call.
- Use extra caution in fog, rain, snow, or cold weather until the software update is complete, since defog and defrost controls can stop working.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Ford technician updates the remote climate control module software so the HVAC controls, including defog and defrost, operate as intended. The software update and labor are free under the recall. Ford's reimbursement plan covers owners who paid out of pocket for this repair before the recall notice. Bring repair documentation to the service desk, or contact Ford customer service if the dealer asks you to start the claim with Ford.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| March 14, 2025 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| April 21, 2025 | Owner notification mailed |
| April 24, 2025 | Dealer notification began |
| April 24, 2025 | Dealer notification ended |
| April 24, 2025 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 25V168?
Recall 25V168 covers 471 2022-2023 Ford Transit vehicles that were previously repaired incorrectly under recall 22V-791. The HVAC controls, including defog and defrost, can stop working. Ford dealers will update the remote climate control module software for free.
What should I do if my 2022-2023 Ford Transit is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific Transit is included in recall 25V168. If it is, contact a franchised Ford dealer to schedule the remote climate control module software update. Reference Ford recall number 25S23 when you call. The repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires Ford to repair the defect at no cost. For recall 25V168, a franchised Ford dealer will update the remote climate control module software free of charge.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is reduced visibility. If the HVAC controls stop working, the driver can lose control of the defrost or defog function under certain driving conditions, increasing crash risk. Confirm the VIN, then schedule the free Ford dealer repair.
When did Ford notify owners?
Ford mailed owner notification letters on April 21, 2025. If you bought the Transit used or never received a letter, the VIN still decides whether the recall applies. Check your VIN, then call a Ford dealer if recall 25V168 is open for your vehicle.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/25V168000 |
|---|---|
| Ford customer service | 1-866-436-7332 |
| NHTSA recall # | 25V168 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 25V168000 |
Source documents
-
Download Quarterly Report (PDF) - Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
- Download Recall Report (PDF)
- Download Misc. Document (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on May 19, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →