The reason Ford makes headlines everytime it has a recall is because, OMG, most people don't have high regard for Ford vehicles. People will watch or read anything negative about Ford because it reinforces their thought that Ford cars aren't quality automobiles.
BTW, you don't get Ford's reputation by recalling the small number of cars Toyota and Honda do. I actually frequently check recalls on a number of vehicles on NHTSA, and I see a lot more recalls for Ford and GM vehicles than I do for Chryslers, Toyotas and Hondas. Isn't just a few recalls, no matter how serious they may be that give you a bad rep. It is the repeated recalls Ford has had over the years for ignition switches that catch fire, suspension pieces that super corrode with normal salt exposure, doors that won't stay closed, cruise controls that catch fire in your garage, ABS failure, headgaskets, wiring harnesses that can catch on fire, and many others that gave them a bad reputation.
