Recall 26V025 affects 231 2025 Ford F-53 and F-59 vehicles for an incorrectly installed stop light switch. Repair is free at any franchised Ford dealer.
Ford is recalling 231 2025 F-53 and F-59 vehicles because an incorrectly installed switch can make the exterior brake lights illuminate unexpectedly or fail to illuminate when the brake pedal is pressed. That increases crash risk and can also let the vehicle shift out of park without the brake pedal applied; Ford dealers will correct the switch free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The stop lamp switch on the 2025 Ford F-53 and F-59 is mounted at the brake pedal. Its job is simple: when the pedal moves, the switch tells the exterior brake lights to turn on. It also feeds related systems that use brake pedal position, including cruise control and trailer-tow functions.
On these chassis, the switch was installed incorrectly during assembly. That installation error can damage the switch's internal gears and leave it outside the range it needs for self-calibration, which means it no longer reads pedal movement correctly. The brake lights can then come on when the pedal is not pressed, or fail to come on when the driver brakes.
Owners can notice cruise control that cancels too easily, or does not cancel promptly when the brake pedal is pressed. Trailer-tow functions can also stop working. Those signs point to the brake pedal switch reading the pedal incorrectly.
Who's affected?
Both stripped chassis models share the same speed control and stop lamp switch.
| 2025 Ford F-53 | Switch |
|---|---|
| 2025 Ford F-59 | Switch |
| Units affected | 231 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged no field incidents to date. |
A matching year and model does not confirm inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific vehicle is included.
What's the safety risk?
Brake lights that do not illuminate properly make it harder for following drivers to react and increase crash risk. The vehicle can also shift out of park without the brake pedal applied, raising rollaway and crash risk. Watch for cruise-control sensitivity changes or trailer-tow problems, and schedule the stop-light switch repair soon. Repair is free at any franchised Ford dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2025 Ford F-53 or F-59 is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Ford dealer to schedule the free stop light switch replacement that fixes the brake lights that illuminate unexpectedly or fail to illuminate.
- Bring the recall notice if Ford mailed one. If not, reference recall number 26V025 and Ford recall 26C01 when you call.
- Drive cautiously until the repair is complete, and confirm the vehicle is fully in park before leaving the driver seat.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Ford technician replaces the incorrectly installed stop light switch that controls the exterior brake lights. The recall repair is free, and parts and labor are covered. Ford uses its standard reimbursement plan for this campaign, so if you've already paid out of pocket for a stop light switch or related brake light repair, bring your receipts and repair documentation to the dealer or contact Ford customer service to start a claim.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| January 21, 2026 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| January 22, 2026 | Dealer notification began |
| January 22, 2026 | Dealer notification ended |
| January 22, 2026 | VIN-searchable in NHTSA's database — Check your VIN to see whether this recall applies to your specific vehicle. |
| January 30, 2026 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 26V025?
Recall 26V025 covers 231 2025 Ford F-53 and F-59 vehicles with an incorrectly installed stop light switch. The brake lights can illuminate unexpectedly or fail to illuminate when the brake pedal is pressed, and the vehicle can shift out of park without the brake pedal applied. Ford dealers will replace the switch for free.
What should I do if my 2025 Ford F-53 or F-59 is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific vehicle is included in recall 26V025. If it is included, contact a franchised Ford dealer to schedule the stop light switch replacement. Reference Ford recall number 26C01 when you call. The repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires manufacturers to repair safety defects at no cost, and Ford will replace the stop light switch free of charge at any franchised Ford dealer. Parts and labor are covered.
Is it safe to drive my 2025 Ford F-53 or F-59 before the repair?
The recall does not include a do-not-drive order, but the defect affects brake light operation and rollaway protection. Brake lights that fail to illuminate properly increase crash risk, and shifting out of park without the brake pedal applied increases rollaway risk. Schedule the free dealer repair promptly.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/26V025000 |
|---|---|
| Ford customer service | 1-866-436-7332 |
| NHTSA recall # | 26V025 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 26V025000 |
Source documents
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Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
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Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
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Download Recall Report (PDF)
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Download Owner Notice (PDF)
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Download Owner Notification Letter (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 →