Uncovering The Issue: Ford’s F-150 Trucks Recalled for Rear Axle Defect
January of 2024 marked a new year and new safety concerns for Ford, as they began with a recall of nearly 113,000 F-150 models due to a rear axle defect. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) launched a probe into Ford’s quality control following the extensive recalls in 2023, and has issued the recall this year to diagnose and address potential safety hazards.

Understanding the Recall
The recall focuses on 2021-2023 F-150 models equipped with the Trailer Tow Max Duty package, where a potential defect in the rear axle hub could lead to unexpected rollaways or power loss. The NHTSA warned that services should be preformed as soon as possible to reduce the likelihood of a crash, and requested an update on the final service plan by the end of the month.

Ford’s Involvement in 2023’s Recalls
The NHTSA’s data shows that Ford was responsible for 57 recalls of over six million vehicles in 2023, making them the lead in recall distribution amongst automotive manufacturers with 16% of them issued. The manufacturer was involved in a variety of issues, from minor to major, ranging from malfunctions in two 2023 Bronco SUVs to a brake hose rupture in older Fusions and Lincoln MKZs with nearly 1.3 million needing to be called back.

Ford’s Commitment to Quality Control
In response to their safety concerns, Ford has maintained their commitment to improving their quality control to their customers. Buczkowski detailed to Automotive News some of the actions they’ve taken, such as additional testing, simplifying designs, and enforcing strict process disciplines, in addition to enhanced data connectivity and improved traceability with suppliers to reduce occurrence and impact of recalls.

Ford’s New Year, Same Issues: F-150 Trucks Recalled Amidst a Year of Safety Recall Challenges
The New Year kickstart with yet another safety concern for Ford and their flagship truck, the F-150. A recall of over 112,000 F-150 units has been issued due to a potentially catastrophic rear axle defect, a mere addition to the extensive recalls they faced in 2023. Despite the decrease in recalls compared to the year before, Ford has been vocal about addressing quality control issues and has offered customers serviced and an abundance of caution by applying the parking brake.