Recall 25V540 covers 355,656 2025-2026 Ford F-150 and Super Duty trucks for instrument-cluster startup failure. Free dealer or OTA update.
Ford is recalling 355,656 2025-2026 F-150, F-250 Sd, F-350 Sd, F-450 Sd, and F-550 Sd vehicles because the instrument panel cluster can fail at startup. Without the display, drivers lose critical information such as warning lights or vehicle speed, which increases crash risk; Ford dealers will complete the recall repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The instrument panel cluster in the 2025-2026 Ford F-150, F-450 Sd, F-250 Sd, F-350 Sd, and F-550 Sd is the digital display in front of the driver. It shows speed, warning lights, gear information, and other information the driver uses before and during a trip.
On affected trucks, the cluster software can fault during a specific startup-related sequence. As the cluster enters sleep mode, a network wakeup signal can arrive during a narrow timing window. That timing conflict triggers a memory protection fault, and the cluster screen can stay blank when the vehicle is started.
Ford's remedy changes the cluster software by disabling that memory protection feature. There is no warning sign before failure. If the screen is blank at startup, the driver loses the normal dashboard display until the condition is corrected.
Who's affected?
Covers the F-150 and four Sd truck variants across the 2025 and 2026 model years, all tied to the same instrument panel.
| 2025 Ford F-150 | instrument panel |
|---|---|
| 2025 Ford F-450 Sd | instrument panel |
| 2025 Ford F-250 Sd | instrument panel |
| 2025 Ford F-350 Sd | instrument panel |
| 2025 Ford F-550 Sd | instrument panel |
| 2026 Ford F-450 Sd | instrument panel |
| 2026 Ford F-350 Sd | instrument panel |
| 2026 Ford F-250 Sd | instrument panel |
| 2026 Ford F-550 Sd | instrument panel |
| Units affected | 355,656 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged no field incidents to date. |
A matching year and model does not guarantee inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific truck is included.
What's the safety risk?
When the instrument panel display does not show warning lights or vehicle speed, the driver loses critical information and crash risk increases. There is no warning sign before the display problem. Drive cautiously and schedule the software update soon. Repair is free at any franchised Ford dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2025 Ford F-150 or 2025-2026 Ford F-450 Sd, F-250 Sd, F-350 Sd, or F-550 Sd is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Ford dealer to schedule the free instrument panel cluster software update that fixes the startup display failure.
- Install the over-the-air update if Ford offers it for your vehicle, or have the dealer perform the update.
- Bring the recall notice if Ford mailed one. If not, reference recall number 25V540 when you call.
- Drive cautiously until the update is complete. Confirm the instrument panel shows warning lights and vehicle speed at startup before each trip.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Ford technician updates the instrument panel cluster software. Ford also supports the same fix through an over-the-air update, so the service desk can confirm whether your truck or F-150 needs an appointment or can receive the software remotely. The software update is free under recall 25V540. Ford used its general reimbursement plan on file for this campaign, so documented out-of-pocket costs tied to this repair are handled through that plan. Ask Ford customer service or the dealer how to submit paperwork.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| August 22, 2025 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| August 25, 2025 | Dealer notification began |
| August 25, 2025 | Dealer notification ended |
| August 25, 2025 | VIN-searchable in NHTSA's database — Check your VIN to see whether this recall applies to your specific vehicle. |
| September 5, 2025 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 25V540?
Recall 25V540 covers 355,656 Ford trucks with instrument panel cluster software that can fail at startup. If the display does not show warning lights or vehicle speed, crash risk increases. Ford dealers will update the software for free, and the fix also supports an over-the-air update.
What should I do if my 2025 Ford F-150 or 2025-2026 Ford F-250 Sd, F-350 Sd, F-450 Sd, or F-550 Sd is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific truck is included in recall 25V540. If it is, contact a franchised Ford dealer to schedule the instrument panel cluster software update, or ask whether the over-the-air update is available for your vehicle. Reference Ford recall number 25S88 when you call.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires Ford to repair the defect at no cost. Ford will update the instrument panel cluster software free of charge through a franchised Ford dealer or through an over-the-air update when that option is available for your truck.
Is it safe to drive with this Ford instrument cluster recall?
The recall does not include a do-not-drive order. The risk in recall 25V540 is that the instrument panel display can fail at startup and stop showing critical information, including warning lights or vehicle speed. Confirm your VIN and arrange the free software update promptly.
When did Ford notify owners about recall 25V540?
Ford mailed owner notification letters on September 5, 2025. If you bought the truck used or never received a letter, the VIN check still decides whether your specific vehicle is included. A Ford dealer can use recall number 25S88 to confirm the repair path.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/25V540000 |
|---|---|
| Ford customer service | 1-866-436-7332 |
| NHTSA recall # | 25V540 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 25V540000 |
Source documents
-
Download Quarterly Report (PDF) - Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Recall Report (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (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 →