Warren, MI – January 1, 2022 – Ford (NYSE:F) has recalled 184,698 F-series trucks whose driveshafts – one of the most important components of a car – may fracture. This increases the risk of stall, loss of vehicle control or a rollaway.
The recall includes the following pickups:
- 2021 Ford F-150
- 2022 Ford F-150
Recall summary
The recall centers around the trucks’ underbody insulation, as well as their driveshafts. The insulation helps dampen road noise and protect the undercarriage from moisture, scratches and salt to extend the useful life of the vehicle. Driveshafts are critical components that transfer power to the wheels, enabling the vehicle to move.
Due to a supplier error, the insulation may become loose and sag, rubbing against the driveshaft, eventually causing it to fracture.
The underbody insulator is the component in question with part numbers ML3B-1611205-AC, ML3B-1611205-BA, ML3B-1611204-AD and ML3B-1611204-BB.
Recall risks
A fractured driveshaft presents a number of concerns—the car may stall or the driver may lose control if the driveshaft snaps and drags on the ground. The vehicle may roll away if the parking brake is not applied. All of these scenarios increase the risk of injury or a crash.
Warning signs
Drivers may notice loose underbody insulation (which looks a bit like a foil-covered mat) and hear a rattling, clicking or clunking noise. Looking at the driveshaft, they may be able to see “marking or scoring” where the insulation has been touching it.
Other Ford recalls
This is at least the second F-150 recall in the past six months due to driveshaft issues. In June, Ford recalled close to 5,000 2021 F-150 trucks due to driveshaft separation that could also cause the vehicle to roll away or stall, as reported.
Separately, in October, the manufacturer told owners of 2021 F-150 Super Cab pickup trucks not to drive their vehicles pending an inspection because of potentially faulty seat belts that may fail to provide adequate protection in the event of a crash.
The repair
Dealers will inspect the driveshaft for damage and “properly attach” the insulators. These services are free. Notifications with more instructions will be sent to owners by mail between January 31 and February 4, 2022.
Is your vehicle part of this recall?
Over 180,000 trucks are included in this Ford F-150 recall. To see if your car is one of them, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool to perform a Ford recall check.
