Core Viewpoint - Ford Motor Company is facing significant challenges with recalls and warranty costs, which have become a persistent issue impacting its financial performance and investor confidence [2][12]. Group 1: Recalls Overview - Ford has issued nearly 700,000 recalls in the U.S. in 2025, marking its 90th recall this year, which is more than the total recalls of the next five manufacturers combined [4]. - This number of recalls sets a new record for an individual automaker, surpassing General Motors' previous record of 77 recalls in 2014 [4]. - Not all recalls are equally costly; software-related recalls tend to incur lower expenses compared to those requiring physical repairs [5]. Group 2: Financial Impact - The recent recall is expected to cost Ford approximately $570 million, which will be reported as a "special item" in the second-quarter earnings report [8]. - This increase in warranty expenses is not anticipated to affect Ford's adjusted earnings, adjusted earnings per share (EPS), or adjusted free cash flow [8]. - Last year, warranty costs were $800 million higher than the previous year, which negatively impacted earnings and stock performance [6]. Group 3: Warranty Costs and Quality Trends - Ford's warranty payments as a percentage of revenue have increased significantly, reaching about 4% during last year's second quarter, compared to General Motors' 2.4% and 2.3% in 2024 and 2023, respectively [9][11]. - Ford claims to be making quality improvements, with 2024 model years showing a 30% improvement in quality compared to prior years [11]. - Warranty costs and quality issues remain major uncertainties for investors, with expectations for improvements over the next 18 months [12].