Transport Canada has issued an urgent safety notice affecting more than 30,000 light trucks and SUVs due to two distinct but severe vehicle defects that significantly elevate crash risk. The recall spans select 2025 Ford Expedition and Lincoln Navigator models, as well as particular 2025 Ram 1500 pickup trucks.
Ford Vehicle Recall Targets 2025 Expedition and Navigator Over Airbag Defect
Ford Motor Company of Canada has initiated a recall of specific 2025 Ford Expedition and Lincoln Navigator SUVs due to a critical flaw in the passenger-side front airbag.
According to Transport Canada and Ford’s safety documentation, the airbag may have been manufactured incorrectly, potentially causing it to deploy with excessive force during a collision 11.
This defect poses a direct threat to driver safety, as an improperly deployed airbag can cause serious injury rather than mitigate it. The affected models are among Canada’s best-selling full-size SUVs, amplifying the public safety implications of this vehicle defect.
Ram Truck Recall Involves Electronic Stability Control Failure
In a separate but equally urgent action, Stellantis Canada has recalled approximately 34,000 units of the 2025 Ram 1500 pickup truck.
The Ram truck recall stems from potentially damaged front wheel bearing encoder rings, a component critical to the vehicle’s electronic stability control (ESC) system 24.
If these encoder rings are compromised, the system may lose the wheel-speed signal, disabling the ESC—a key safety feature designed to help drivers maintain control during emergency maneuvers or on slippery roads 22.
Transport Canada has classified this as a significant mechanical failure that increases the likelihood of a crash, particularly in adverse driving conditions.
How to Check If Your Vehicle Is Recalled
Canadian vehicle owners can verify whether their SUV or truck is part of either recall by visiting the official Transport Canada recalls database (recalls-rappels.tc.gc.ca) and entering their 17-digit vehicle identification number (VIN).
Ford owners may also check via Ford.ca/recalls, while Ram owners can use Stellantis’ recall lookup tool.
Transport Canada advises that all affected owners will receive mailed notices. Still, given potential delays in postal delivery, proactive verification is strongly recommended as a consumer alert measure.
What to Do If Your Ford Is Affected
Owners of vehicles covered by the Ford Vehicle Recall should avoid unnecessary use of the passenger-side seating until repairs are completed.
Ford dealerships will replace the faulty passenger airbag inflator free of charge once replacement parts are available. Similarly, Ram 1500 owners will receive a software update or hardware replacement—depending on the specific nature of the encoder ring issue—at no cost.
Both manufacturers stress that repairs are essential and should not be postponed. The Ford Vehicle Recall and the concurrent Ram truck recall serve as critical reminders of the importance of heeding official safety communications.
With winter driving conditions already underway across much of Canada, the urgency of addressing these defects cannot be overstated. Transport Canada continues to monitor the situation and urges all affected drivers to prioritize these repairs to safeguard themselves, their passengers, and others on the road.
Official Response and Impact
Transport Canada has advised automakers to notify affected vehicle owners directly by mail.
Dealerships will inspect and repair the affected parts or update software at no cost to owners.
Ford and Stellantis (Ram’s parent company) have confirmed they are working with Transport Canada to resolve the issues promptly.
This recall is part of a broader trend of increased vehicle safety oversight in Canada, with Ford the most active automaker in recalls this year.
How Canadian Drivers Are Affected
Owners of the affected Ford Escape and Ram truck models should expect to receive notification from the manufacturer soon. The repair process will involve either reinstalling or replacing the faulty hinge covers for Ford SUVs or updating the instrument panel software for Ram trucks.
Transport Canada has also updated its regulations, requiring automakers to provide online VIN lookup tools so owners can easily check for recalls. Owners who believe their vehicle has a safety issue not covered by an active recall can report it to Transport Canada for investigation.
Next Steps and Public Safety Information
Affected vehicle owners should follow their automaker’s instructions and visit an authorized dealership for repairs. Transport Canada encourages all drivers to stay informed about vehicle recalls and safety alerts, as timely action can help prevent accidents and injuries.
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