Ford has begun 2026 with mixed results, as strong demand for its large SUVs contrasts with declining sales of trucks and electric vehicles (EVs). At the same time, a growing number of vehicle recalls is raising fresh concerns about the company’s quality control.
In February 2026, Ford reported U.S. sales of 149,962 vehicles, down 5.5 percent year-over-year. The drop was largely driven by weaker demand for trucks and electrified vehicles, particularly in the company’s flagship F-Series lineup.
Ford U.S. Sales Decline in February
The F-Series, long considered America’s best-selling pickup truck, recorded a significant decline. F-Series sales fell 16.2 percent compared with February 2025, contributing heavily to Ford’s overall monthly drop.
Electrified models also struggled during the month. Demand for the Mustang Mach-E declined sharply, while the F-150 Lightning experienced one of the steepest drops in Ford’s lineup.
Key sales changes in February included:
- Explorer: +33.4% (20,100 units)
- Bronco: +27.6%
- Expedition: +26.5%
- Mustang: +54.5%
- Ranger: +30%
- Mustang Mach-E: −54%
- F-150 Lightning: −76%
Large SUVs Lead Ford’s Growth
Despite the overall sales decline, Ford’s large SUV segment posted strong growth. The Explorer, Bronco, and Expedition all recorded significant gains, helping offset weakness in other areas.
Explorer sales rose 33.4 percent to 20,100 units, while Bronco and Expedition sales increased 27.6 percent and 26.5 percent, respectively. Combined, these models delivered one of Ford’s strongest February performances for large SUVs in recent years.
Other vehicles also performed well. Mustang sales climbed 54.5 percent, while Ranger sales increased nearly 30 percent, reflecting steady demand for smaller pickup trucks and performance cars.
EV Sales Fall Sharply
In contrast, Ford’s electric vehicle lineup experienced a sharp slowdown. Mustang Mach-E sales dropped more than 54 percent, while F-150 Lightning sales declined over 76 percent compared with February last year.
The drop highlights increasing competition and changing demand dynamics in the rapidly evolving EV market, where several automakers are adjusting production and pricing strategies.
Recalls Raise Quality Concerns
While sales trends remain uneven, Ford’s recall situation is becoming a larger concern.
The automaker led the U.S. industry in recalls in 2025, with 153 recall actions affecting about 12.9 million vehicles. Analysts warn that the pace of recalls in 2026 could make it Ford’s most challenging year on record if current trends continue.
Recent recalls have involved millions of vehicles due to issues ranging from backup camera malfunctions to windshield wiper defects, highlighting ongoing quality challenges across several models.
Ford executives say the company’s aggressive recall strategy reflects its efforts to identify and fix issues quickly to protect customers and improve long-term product reliability.
Outlook for 2026
Ford’s near-term performance may depend on whether strong SUV demand can offset declining EV sales and rising recall pressures.
If the trend continues, the automaker could face increasing pressure in the fast-growing EV segment while managing the financial and reputational impact of ongoing recalls. Meanwhile, any prolonged slowdown in truck sales could further affect Ford’s overall profitability in an increasingly competitive global auto market.
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