So here's a Tuesday for you: Ford Motor Company (F) shares are up nicely, its biggest electric rival Tesla Inc. (TSLA) is losing ground in a key market, and oh, by the way, federal regulators just flagged a safety issue with some of Ford's SUVs. It's the kind of mixed bag that makes the auto industry so endlessly fascinating.

Let's start with the stock move. Ford shares were up 4.44% to $14.24, pushing the stock toward its 52-week high of $14.50. That's a good day by any measure. Part of the story might be what's happening across the pond. New data from the European Automobile Manufacturers' Association shows that while overall new car registrations in the European Union declined in January, battery-electric vehicles continued to grow their market share. The twist? Tesla's sales in Europe fell 17% during that period. For legacy automakers like Ford, which are pouring billions into their own EV transitions, any sign of Tesla stuttering in a major market is worth noting, even if it comes amid a broader market dip.

Now, onto the less cheerful news. Separately, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has expanded a safety recall for certain Ford Explorer SUVs. In a release dated February 20, the agency said the campaign applies to Explorer vehicles produced between 2017 and 2019. The problem? "The rear suspension toe links may fracture." That sounds technical, but the consequence is not: "A rear toe link fracture can result in a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash," officials warned.

This new action, which Ford has labeled as recall number 26S08, expands a previous NHTSA recall (21V537). The agency said affected vehicle identification numbers (VINs) will be searchable on its website starting February 25, 2026. As for what happens next, Ford expects to begin mailing letters to owners in early March with instructions on how to schedule the necessary repairs.

So there you have it. A stock up on a rival's challenges, and a recall notice in the mail for some customers. Just another day in the life of a century-old automaker navigating an industry that's changing faster than ever.