ProblemsByVin FORD / BODY

200 model-year entries · 2005–2025

Ford body problems

6,090 owner complaints filed with NHTSA against Ford vehicles for body issues. 17 active recall campaigns. See body across all makes →

Complaints

6,090

Recalls

Year-models

200

Avg fix

$1,500

76crashes

17fires

145injuries

3fatalities

Editorial perspective by Mark Driver · Founder, ProblemsByVin

I've had plenty of Ford in the bay over the years, and the body and structural complaints on these don't surprise me. 6,090 on the NHTSA record across 200 model-year entries (2005–2025) is not a fluke. The complaints are spread across the lineup — no single model is doing all the work. That tells you it's an engineering or supplier pattern, not a one-off bad year. 3 fatality reports on file with NHTSA tied to this category on Ford vehicles. That elevates this from nuisance to safety-critical. Repair exposure averages $1,500, which is meaningful money outside warranty. Across the 3,192 complaints reporting odometer mileage, the median failure lands at about 65,788 miles. For trucks especially, get under it with a flashlight. Frame rust on rust-belt vehicles tells you everything you need to know about how it was kept.

Worst-affected Ford model-years for body Top 25 by complaint volume

2020 Ford Escape

558 complaints · ~$1,500 moderate

2015 Ford Explorer

367 complaints · ~$1,500 moderate

2018 Ford Explorer

264 complaints · ~$1,500 moderate

2014 Ford Explorer

253 complaints · ~$1,500 moderate

2005 Ford Escape

197 complaints · ~$1,500 moderate

2016 Ford F-150

165 complaints · ~$1,500 moderate

2013 Ford Fusion

160 complaints · ~$1,500 severe

2018 Ford F-150

159 complaints · 1 recall · ~$1,500 moderate

2005 Ford Explorer

153 complaints · ~$1,500 moderate

2011 Ford Edge

145 complaints · 1 recall · ~$1,500 moderate

2019 Ford Explorer

135 complaints · 2 recalls · ~$1,500 moderate

2012 Ford Explorer

124 complaints · ~$1,500 moderate

2012 Ford Fiesta

118 complaints · ~$1,500 moderate

2011 Ford Fiesta

115 complaints · ~$1,500 moderate

2011 Ford Explorer

94 complaints · ~$1,500 moderate

2012 Ford Edge

86 complaints · ~$1,500 moderate

2017 Ford F-150

84 complaints · ~$1,500 moderate

2021 Ford Escape

78 complaints · ~$1,500 moderate

2014 Ford Fusion

71 complaints · ~$1,500 moderate

2013 Ford Fiesta

71 complaints · ~$1,500 moderate

2013 Ford Focus

69 complaints · ~$1,500 moderate

2014 Ford Escape

63 complaints · 1 recall · ~$1,500 critical

2005 Ford F-150

55 complaints · ~$1,500 moderate

2006 Ford Fusion

54 complaints · ~$1,500 moderate

2010 Ford Escape

53 complaints · ~$1,500 severe

Active recalls — Ford body 12 on file

severe NHTSA 10V659000 December 29, 2010 2011 Ford Edge

Ford is recalling certain model year 2011 f-150, f-250, f-350, f-450, f-550, edge and Lincoln mkx vehicles

If an electrical short develops, an overheating condition may occur which can result in an unattended vehicle fire.

Fix: Dealer will replace the body control module if necessary free of charge. The safety recall began on january 11, 2011. Owners may contact Ford at 1-866-436-7332.

severe NHTSA 15V251000 April 28, 2015 2015 Ford F-150

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2015 Ford F-150 vehicles manufactured January 30, 2015, to January 31, 2015

A missing underbody heat shield can lead to degradation or melting of the fuel or vapor lines, increasing the risk of a fire.

Fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the vehicle for missing underbody heat shields and fasteners, and will install the missing components as required, free of charge. The recall began on May 13, 2015. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 15S12.

severe NHTSA 15V040000 January 28, 2015 2013 Ford Taurus

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2010-2013 Ford Taurus vehicles manufactured December 1, 2009, to July 31, 2010, and 2011-2013 Lincoln MKS vehicles manufactured June 1, 2011, to October 31, 2011

If the interior door handle return spring is unseated, the door may unlatch in the event of a side impact crash, increasing the risk of personal injury.

Fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect all four of the interior door handles and either repair or replace them, free of charge. The recall began March 23, 2015. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 15S02.

severe NHTSA 25V443000 June 27, 2025 2017 Ford GT

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2017 GT vehicles previously repaired incorrectly under recall 18V707

A hydraulic fluid leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.

Fix: Dealers will update the dynamics control module software and replace the rear wing check valve as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 8, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S74.

severe NHTSA 17V205000 March 27, 2017 2017 Ford Edge

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2017 Edge vehicles equipped with the optional Panoramic Vista Roof

If the vehicle has reduced lateral structural integrity, the occupants are at an increased risk of injury in the event of a side-impact crash.

Fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will repair the windshield header, free of charge. The recall began May 18, 2017. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for the recall is 17C05.

severe NHTSA 17V598000 September 25, 2017 2018 Ford F-150

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018 Ford F-150 Raptor Super Cab pick-up trucks not equipped with a moonroof

If the structural integrity is reduced, in the event of a rollover crash, there may be an increased risk of injury .

Fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will install the rivets for the roof brace attachments, free of charge. The recall began October 17, 2017. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 17S29.

severe NHTSA 25V732000 October 24, 2025 2019 Ford Flex

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Flex vehicles

Door trim that detaches while driving can create a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: Dealers will repair or replace the B-pillar trim as necessary, free of charge. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed December 17, 2025. Additional letters will be sent once the final remedy is available. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25SB8. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on October 28, 2025.

severe NHTSA 22V454000 June 24, 2022 2022 Ford Explorer

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2022 Lincoln Aviator and Ford Explorer vehicles

Improperly heat-treated engine rails may reduce the vehicle's structural protection in a crash, increasing the risk of injury. In addition, an engine rail may detach and contact the road while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: Dealers will perform an engine rail strength test and replace the rails as necessary, free of charge. If the engine rails require replacement, owners will have the option for a vehicle replacement or buyback. Owner notification letters were mailed August 22, 2022. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 22C13.

severe NHTSA 15V171000 March 24, 2015 2013 Ford Explorer

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2011-2013 Explorer vehicles

If the interior door handle return spring is unseated, the door may unlatch in the event of a side impact crash, increasing the risk of personal injury.

Fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect all four of the interior door handles and either repair or replace them, free of charge. The recall began on July 23, 2015. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 15S11.

severe NHTSA 17V052000 January 24, 2017 2016 Ford Focus

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2016 Focus and C-Max vehicles

Improperly welded apron joints may reduce the front-end structural integrity of the vehicle, increasing the risk of injury in the event of a crash.

Fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the apron joints, repairing the vehicle, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began March 8, 2017. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 17S03.

severe NHTSA 25V347000 May 23, 2025 2017 Ford Explorer

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2016-2017 Explorer vehicles

Door trim that detaches while driving can create a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: The remedy is currently under development. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed June 5, 2025. A second notice will be sent once the final remedy is available, anticipated November 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S53.

severe NHTSA 24V031000 January 19, 2024 2019 Ford Explorer

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2011-2019 Explorer vehicles

A detached trim piece can fall off the vehicle, becoming a road hazard and increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the A-pillar trim as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on July 18, 2024. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 24S02.

Common questions

How many Ford body complaints are on file with NHTSA?

6,090 complaints across 200 model-year entries from 2005 to 2025. 17 active recall campaigns cover body issues across the Ford lineup.

Which Ford model has the most body complaints?

The 2020 Ford Escape leads with 558 complaints in this category. Next: 2015 Explorer (367) and 2018 Explorer (264).

What does it cost to fix Ford body problems?

Independent shops average $1,500 for body repairs across the Ford lineup. Dealer pricing tends to run twenty to forty percent higher. Specific cost depends on the failure mode and parts availability.

Are there Ford body recalls?

Yes — 12 active recall campaigns cover body on Ford vehicles. Recall fixes are free regardless of mileage or warranty status. The list below shows current campaigns with their NHTSA numbers.

Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) public records database. Editorial commentary written by Mark Driver, an independent contributor to ProblemsByVin and not affiliated with Ford. Severity ratings derive from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities on the NHTSA complaint and recall record. Repair cost averages reflect independent-shop pricing and may differ in your area.