Ford plans self-diagnosing EVs to curb assembly flaws

Ford Motor Co. plans to have its next-generation electric vehicles verify their own assembly connections directly on the factory floor. According to a report by Business Insider on Wednesday, October 7, 2026, citing remarks by CEO Jim Farley during an event, the onboard computers of models built on the Universal EV Platform will run internal checks once the car powers up shortly after the paint stage.

Ford is introducing the internal diagnostics to catch errors earlier and to lessen its reliance on plant vision systems monitoring assembly lines, though outside inspection tools and cameras will remain. The move comes as the automaker works to resolve manufacturing quality problems, having issued 78 recalls so far in 2026, based on National Highway Traffic Safety Administration data.

The self-check capability will debut with the Fathom electric midsize pickup, the first model designed on the Universal EV Platform. The Fathom will carry a starting price of $28,350, with preorders scheduled to open in early 2027. Separately, Ford is moving production of certain Lincoln models out of China to offset tariffs imposed by the administration of President Donald Trump.