After a one-year safety recall affecting 6 million vehicles, Ford begins 2024 with another warning, this time focusing on the issue with its iconic truck.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) issued a recall notice for 112,965 F-150 vehicles owing to a potentially catastrophic rear axle fault. The recall applies to particular 2021–2023 Ford F-150 trucks equipped with the Trailer Tow Max Duty Package, where a potential failure might result in an abrupt rollaway or power loss. This comes only months after the NHTSA launched an investigation into Ford’s quality control processes in the aftermath of a huge recall in 2023.
An NHTSA pie chart depicts the distribution of recalls across major automakers in 2023, with Ford dominating by a significant margin. According to the data, Ford was responsible for 57 recalls (6,012,884 vehicles), accounting for 16 percent of all recalls issued in the industry.
The precise flaw in question for almost 113,000 2021–2023 F-150 models in 2024 is in the rear axle hub, where the bolt can wear and break. In a letter to Ford, the NHTSA stated that the problem might pose major safety risks, such as the truck rolling over without the parking brake applied or losing drive power, thereby increasing the likelihood of a crash.
Customers who suffer any signs indicating a rear axle bolt break, such as clicking or rattling sounds, should visit a dealership for an interim repair.
“We’ll soon be sharing more information about end-of-service solutions with dealers and customers,” Ford’s director of quality communications, Maria Bukowski, told Newsweek. “In the meantime, consumers can apply the electronic parking brake with an abundance of caution.”
Ford’s recall of the F-150 pickup is the latest in a long line of problems for the business. While the 2023 figures show a decrease from last year’s 68 recalls affecting 8.7 million vehicles, it is obvious that Ford’s safety issues remain a source of concern.
“We are constantly working to improve vehicle quality and provide the best experience for our customers,” Buczkowski said.
Last year’s recall addressed a wide range of issues, from small issues impacting only a few vehicles to serious issues such as damaged brake hoses in earlier model Fusions and Lincoln MKZs, totaling over 1.3 million units. The smallest recall made by Ford in 2023 was for two 2023 Bronco SUVs due to transmission issues that could cause the vehicles to roll away.
The sheer number of recalls, however, is not the only aspect to consider. The age of the vehicle, the volume sold, and recent model or platform redesigns all add to the possibility of difficulties.
According to Wayne Mitchell of Sedgwick, the large number of recalls does not show manufacturer irresponsibility. This could imply that the corporation is able to isolate damaged components and procedures, reducing the number of vehicles affected.
Ford has stated its commitment to strengthening quality control in response to safety concerns. Buczkowski told Automotive News in late December that the company had increased testing, simplified design, and implemented stronger process controls. The technologies, along with improved data communication and supplier traceability, are part of Ford’s commitment to reduce the frequency and effect of car recalls.
Customers of affected 2021–2023 F-150 trucks will get recall warning letters later this month, according to the NHTSA. Customers experiencing problems, according to Ford, “are urged to visit the dealership to have both axle shaft assemblies replaced.”