Summary
- Front suspension components on 11,922 Ford F-150 Lightnings built in 2023 and 2024 may have been improperly tightened at the factory
- This defect could cause a loss of steering while driving and lead to serious accidents
- Only one accident has been attributed to this flaw, prompting Ford to issue a recall
- Ford will begin notifying affected owners in early February and will cover inspection and necessary replacements free of charge
- Symptoms of the defect include looseness and lack of steering precision, steering shudder, and noises from the front suspension; owners are advised to visually inspect the affected part and have it checked by a dealer as necessary
Article
H2: Ford F-150 Lightning Recall: What You Need to Know
Ford’s recent recall of almost 12,000 F-150 Lightnings manufactured in 2023 and 2024 shed light on a critical issue that could lead to a loss of steering while driving. The problem stems from front suspension components that may have been improperly tightened at the factory, potentially causing them to come loose and separate, posing a serious safety risk to drivers and passengers. This recall underscores the importance of addressing manufacturing defects promptly to ensure the safety of vehicle occupants and prevent accidents on the road.
H2: The Cause of the Recall
The source of the recall is an insufficiently torqued ball joint nut on the upper control arm, which may not have achieved the correct torque during assembly due to variations in alignment or orientation of the fastening tool. This issue can induce lateral forces on the tool, preventing it from properly seating on the fastener and potentially leading to the nut coming loose over time. While only one accident has been attributed to this defect so far, the implications of a loss of steering while driving at speed are grave, highlighting the urgency of addressing this issue promptly.
H2: NHTSA’s Statement on the Recall
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has been monitoring the situation closely and has quoted information from the manufacturer regarding the recall. According to the NHTSA, the affected vehicles were built between November 6, 2023, and February 12, 2024, totaling 11,922 units. Ford will be notifying owners of the affected vehicles in early February, and they will need to bring their vehicles to a dealer for inspection. Dealers will inspect the upper control arm ball joint nut and replace it and/or the knuckle assembly as necessary, free of charge, to rectify the issue and ensure the safety of the vehicles.
H2: Symptoms of the Defect
If your Ford F-150 Lightning is among the almost 12,000 affected vehicles, there are certain symptoms you should look out for that may indicate a potential issue with the upper control arm ball joint nut. These symptoms include looseness and lack of steering precision, a shudder felt through the steering column, and unusual noises coming from the front suspension while driving or applying steering lock. Owners have reported an inexplicable steering judder that couldn’t be resolved by conventional means, underscoring the importance of a thorough inspection to identify and address the problem effectively.
H2: Ford F-150 Lightning Forum Reports
Owners of the affected Ford F-150 Lightnings have taken to forums to share their experiences and symptoms related to the recall. Some have reported a steering judder that persisted despite attempts to address it through tire changes and rebalancing. If you are facing similar issues with your vehicle, it is recommended to conduct a visual inspection of the affected part by checking inside the wheel well behind the wheel for any signs of looseness in the nut highlighted in the diagram provided. Driving with a potentially loose nut can pose a significant safety risk, so it’s crucial to have the vehicle inspected by a dealer promptly to ensure the issue is resolved correctly.
H2: Conclusion
The Ford F-150 Lightning recall serves as a sobering reminder of the importance of addressing manufacturing defects promptly and effectively to ensure the safety of vehicle occupants and prevent accidents on the road. Owners of the affected vehicles should take the necessary steps to have their vehicles inspected by a dealer as soon as possible to rectify the issue and ensure the continued safe operation of their vehicles. By staying informed and proactive, drivers can help safeguard themselves and others on the road from the potential risks posed by these defects.
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