BREAKING NEWS - SEPTEMBER 3, 2025: Ford Motor Company has issued a massive recall affecting 355,656 F-Series trucks due to instrument panels that may go completely blank during startup. If you own a 2025 or 2026 Ford F-150, F-250, F-350, F-450, F-550, or F-600, your dashboard could fail without warning. Owner notification letters were mailed September 2, 2025, and are arriving in Sonoma County mailboxes now.
The Danger: Driving Blind Without Critical Information
Unlike Ford's recent brake-related recalls, this issue affects your ability to monitor vital vehicle information. When the instrument panel fails, drivers lose access to:
• **Speedometer** - No speed indication while driving
• **Fuel gauge** - Risk of running out of gas unexpectedly
• **Warning lights** - Missing critical alerts for engine, oil, or temperature issues
• **Turn signal indicators** - Uncertainty if signals are active
• **Gear indicator** - Confusion about transmission position
• **Odometer and trip information** - Lost mileage tracking
At Rohnert Park Transmission & Auto Repair, we're helping F-Series owners navigate this urgent safety recall. Our ASE-certified technicians understand the critical nature of dashboard failures and can provide immediate assistance. Call us at **(707) 584-7727** for guidance.
Affected Vehicles: Check Your Truck Now
This recall affects the following Ford F-Series trucks built between specific dates in 2024 and early 2025:
2025-2026 Model Years:
• **Ford F-150** - All trim levels including XL, XLT, Lariat, King Ranch, Platinum, Limited, Raptor
• **Ford F-250 Super Duty** - Regular, SuperCab, and Crew Cab configurations
• **Ford F-350 Super Duty** - Single and dual rear wheel versions
• **Ford F-450 Super Duty** - Chassis cab and pickup configurations
• **Ford F-550 Super Duty** - Commercial and fleet vehicles
• **Ford F-600 Super Duty** - Medium-duty commercial trucks
Ford has identified a software issue that causes the digital instrument cluster to remain blank when starting the vehicle. While the truck may still operate, driving without dashboard information poses serious safety risks.
How to Check if Your Vehicle is Affected
Step 1: Locate Your VIN
Your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) is found in three places:
• Driver's side dashboard visible through windshield
• Driver's door jamb sticker
• Vehicle registration and insurance documents
Step 2: Check Recall Status
Visit the official Ford recall website or NHTSA.gov and enter your 17-digit VIN. The recall number for this issue is **25S57**.
Step 3: Review Your Notification Letter
Ford's official letter includes:
• Detailed explanation of the defect
• Safety risk information
• Instructions for free remedy
• Dealer contact information
• Your rights as a vehicle owner
What Happens During the Recall Service
The repair involves a software update to the instrument panel cluster module. Here's what to expect:
Service Process:
1. Technician connects diagnostic equipment to your vehicle
2. Current software version is verified
3. Updated software is installed (approximately 30-45 minutes)
4. System functionality is tested
5. Documentation provided for your records
Important: This is a FREE repair covered entirely by Ford, regardless of warranty status.
Immediate Safety Precautions
If your dashboard goes blank while driving:
• **Pull over safely** when possible
• **Use hazard lights** to alert other drivers
• **Monitor traffic carefully** without speedometer
• **Estimate speed** based on traffic flow
• **Check fuel before trips** to avoid running empty
• **Document occurrences** for dealer records
Never attempt to reset the dashboard while driving. Some owners report the display returns after turning the vehicle off and waiting several minutes, but this is not a permanent solution.
Why This Recall Matters for Sonoma County Drivers
Our local driving conditions make dashboard information especially critical:
• **Highway 101 commutes** require accurate speed monitoring
• **Mountain roads** need temperature and warning light visibility
• **School zones** demand precise speed control
• **Rural areas** make running out of fuel dangerous
• **Wine country tourism** involves unfamiliar routes needing full instrumentation
Ford's Growing Recall Challenge in 2025
This marks Ford's 109th recall in 2025, affecting over 7.8 million vehicles total. F-Series owners may be dealing with multiple recalls:
Recent F-Series Recalls:
• **August 2025:** Electronic Brake Booster failure (312,120 vehicles)
• **July 2025:** Parking brake malfunction (668,668 F-150s)
• **September 2025:** Dashboard display failure (355,656 vehicles)
Many trucks are affected by multiple recalls, requiring several service visits. We recommend checking all active recalls for your VIN to address them efficiently.
Your Rights as a Vehicle Owner
Under federal law, you're entitled to:
• **Free repair** regardless of vehicle age or mileage
• **Rental vehicle** if parts aren't immediately available
• **Full documentation** of completed recall work
• **Reimbursement** for prior repairs related to this issue
• **Lemon law protection** if the issue cannot be resolved
Local Impact: Thousands of F-Series Trucks in Sonoma County
The F-150 remains America's best-selling vehicle, with thousands registered in Sonoma County. Based on local registration data, we estimate over 2,000 affected trucks in our immediate service area including:
• Rohnert Park
• Santa Rosa
• Petaluma
• Sebastopol
• Cotati
• Windsor
Take Action Today: Don't Wait for Dashboard Failure
With owner letters just arriving, dealer service departments will quickly become overwhelmed. At Rohnert Park Transmission & Auto Repair, we're here to help you understand this recall and ensure your F-Series truck is safe to drive.
Our technicians can:
• Help verify if your vehicle is affected
• Perform a comprehensive safety inspection
• Document any dashboard issues you've experienced
• Provide guidance on the recall process
• Address any other maintenance needs while investigating the dashboard concern
Schedule Your Safety Consultation
Don't risk driving with a blank dashboard. Even if your display hasn't failed yet, the software issue could manifest at any time. Contact Rohnert Park Transmission & Auto Repair today for expert guidance on this critical safety recall.
Call (707) 584-7727 to speak with our service advisors about your Ford F-Series dashboard concerns. We're committed to keeping Sonoma County drivers safe on the road.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: My dashboard works fine. Should I still be concerned?
A: Yes. The software defect may cause sudden failure without warning. Address the recall proactively.
Q: Can I still drive my truck safely?
A: While the vehicle operates, driving without instrumentation is dangerous and potentially illegal. Seek immediate service.
Q: How long will the repair take?
A: The software update typically takes 30-45 minutes once your vehicle is in the service bay.
Q: What if the dealer doesn't have an appointment available?
A: Contact us at (707) 584-7727. We can perform safety inspections and help you navigate the recall process.
Q: Are older F-Series trucks affected?
A: This specific recall only affects 2025-2026 models, but check your VIN for other active recalls.
Stay informed about this and other vehicle safety recalls. Your safety is our top priority at Rohnert Park Transmission & Auto Repair.
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