This is for owners of 2023 and 2024 Ford F-150 Lightning electric trucks. Ford has issued a safety recall affecting nearly 12,000 vehicles due to a potential issue with the front upper control arms. This critical recall stems from a manufacturing defect that could lead to a significant loss of vehicle control, posing a serious safety risk to drivers.
The recall was prompted by an alarming incident where an F-150 Lightning veered unexpectedly into a highway guardrail at 60 mph. Subsequent investigation revealed that a missing nut on the front upper control arm ball joint caused the separation of the arm from the knuckle assembly, resulting in the loss of steering control. This incident highlights the potential severity of this manufacturing flaw.
This recall adds to a growing list of safety issues affecting the F-150 Lightning since its market debut. Previous recalls have addressed concerns related to the battery pack, the cabin coolant heater system, and even potential fire hazards. The current recall encompasses 11,922 vehicles produced between November 5, 2023, and February 13, 2024.
Ford's investigation revealed that the root cause of the issue lies in the potential for improper torque applied to the nut securing the ball joint to the knuckle assembly. Variations in tool alignment and orientation during assembly may have prevented the tool from properly seating on the fastener, leading to inadequate torque. This could result in a loose or missing nut, compromising the integrity of the front suspension system.
Owners of affected vehicles may experience unusual vibrations, clunking noises, or rattling sounds while driving, indicating a potential problem with the front suspension. Ford advises immediate inspection of the vehicle by a qualified technician if any such symptoms are observed.
Ford will begin notifying owners of the recall on February 3, 2025. Dealerships will inspect the affected vehicles and conduct a torque test on the ball joint nut. If the nut fails the test, both the nut and the knuckle assembly will be replaced at no cost to the owner.
This recall serves as a crucial reminder of the importance of vehicle safety and the ongoing need for manufacturers to address potential defects promptly. Ford's proactive response to this issue demonstrates their commitment to ensuring the safety of their customers.