Ford Motor Company, a leading player in the automotive industry, has recently issued a recall for its 2021-2023 Ford F-150 pickup trucks. This recall, affecting 112,965 trucks, is due to concerns about the rear axle bolt in trucks equipped with the Trailer Tow Max Duty package and a 9.75-inch heavy-duty axle.
The Core Issue
The crux of the problem lies in the rear axle bolt, which may break and cause damage within the axle. This issue could potentially allow the pickups to move when in Park, increasing the risk of accidents. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has highlighted that damaged axle hub splines can result in a vehicle roll away when the vehicle is in park without the parking brake applied, or cause a loss of drive power.
The Impact
The recall affects more than 112,000 trucks in the model years 2021-2023 that have the Trailer Tow Max Duty package and a 9.75-inch heavy-duty axle. As of early December, there had been 376 warranty reports related to broken rear axle bolts and stripped hub splines. Despite the significant number of warranty reports, Ford has stated that it is not aware of any reported accidents or injuries related to the issue.
The Solution
As of now, a repair for the issue is still being developed. In the meantime, Ford has advised drivers to engage their truck’s electronic parking brake. Owner notification letters about the recall are expected to be mailed by the end of January, and owners will be told to take their vehicle to a dealer for an interim repair if they experience symptoms, including a clicking or rattling noise.
FAQs
What is the Ford F-150 recall about?
The recall is about a potential issue with the rear axle bolt in certain 2021-2023 Ford F-150 pickup trucks. The bolt may break, leading to damage within the axle and potentially allowing the trucks to move when in Park.
How many trucks are affected by the recall?
The recall affects 112,965 trucks.
What should I do if I own one of the affected trucks?
If you own one of the affected trucks, you should engage your truck’s electronic parking brake and wait for further instructions from Ford. Owner notification letters about the recall are expected to be mailed by the end of January.
What are the symptoms of the axle issue?
Symptoms of the axle issue may include a clicking or rattling noise.
Glossary
Recall: A recall is a request from a manufacturer to return a product after the discovery of safety issues or product defects that might endanger the consumer or put the maker/seller at risk of legal action.
Axle: An axle is a central shaft for a rotating wheel or gear. In vehicles, the axle may be fixed to the wheels, rotating with them, or fixed to the vehicle, with the wheels rotating around the axle.
Rear Axle Bolt: The rear axle bolt is a component that secures the rear axle of a vehicle. If this bolt breaks, it can lead to damage within the axle and potentially cause the vehicle to move when in Park.
Trailer Tow Max Duty Package: This is a package offered by Ford for its F-150 trucks, which includes features designed to enhance the vehicle’s towing capabilities.
Electronic Parking Brake: An electronic parking brake, also known as an electric parking brake, is a button in a vehicle that operates the parking brake electronically. Unlike a traditional handbrake, the electronic parking brake is a simpler, more efficient system that frees up space in the cabin.
