Dearborn, MI — May 7, 2022 — Ford (NYSE:F) is recalling 19,175 2022 Ford F-150 pickup trucks due to a problem with the steering column, which connects the steering wheel to the steering mechanism. This may result in the airbag not deploying in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Recall summary
In addition to connecting the wheel to the steering mechanism, the column also allows the driver to pull the steering wheel closer or push it farther away. A device within the column called a squib connector sends a signal to the driver’s side airbag, enabling it to inflate in a crash.
In the recalled vehicles, a design error resulted in the steering column squib connector wiring being too short during assembly. As a result, the truck’s airbag may not inflate during a crash.
The component involved in this recall is the instrument panel harness, with multiple part numbers including NL3V-14401-VAB and NL3V-14401-VAD.
Recall risks
The airbag that fails to deploy increases the risk of an injury in a crash.
Warning signs
The airbag warning light will activate on the instrument panel, signaling a problem with the airbag inflator.
Other Ford recalls
The 2022 F-150 was also among 391,836 Ford trucks and SUVs recalled earlier this month due to malfunctioning trailer brakes, which could increase the trailer’s stopping distance, as reported. Last month, 157,306 F-150 trucks for the 2021 model year were recalled for faulty windshield wipers.
The repair
Dealers will inspect the Ford F-150 steering column wiring on affected models and install new wiring with the correct length at no charge to the owner. Ford will reimburse owners for the costs of any previous repair work involving the component.
Affected owners will be notified between May 9, 2022, and May 13, 2022.
Is your vehicle part of this recall?
More than 19,000 vehicles are included in this Ford steering column wire recall. To see if your Ford truck is part of this Ford recall check, please use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.
