Ford recalls pickup trucks that may stall or roll away

Ford recalls pickup trucks that may stall or roll away

December 17, 2022 Senamile Nkosi

Dearborn, MI – December 17, 2022 – Ford (NYSE:F) is recalling 18,808 vehicles that may lose power or roll away because of a fractured driveshaft. The latter is a component that transfers engine power to the wheels to propel the vehicle forward.

This increases the risk of a crash. 

The recall includes the following vehicles:

  • 2017 – 2018 F-250 Super Duty
  • 2017 – 2018 F-350 Super Duty
  • 2017 – 2018 F-450 Super Duty

Recall summary

Radial dampers are circular mechanisms that are used to limit uncontrolled movement inside the driveshaft.

In the subject vehicles, the dumbbell-shaped radial damper may move out of position due to the rubber covering becoming deformed over time. This could eventually lead to the fracture of the driveshaft.

Recall risks

The defect can result in a loss of drive power. A vehicle rollaway is also possible if the parking brake is not engaged when the vehicle is parked. These Ford driveshaft issues increase the risk of a crash.

Warning signs

Tell-tale signs related to this Ford F-Series issue include “noise, vibration, or harshness (NVH) symptoms observable to a driver.”

Other recent Ford recalls

One of the most recent Ford truck recalls over a similar matter was in August, where nearly 60,000 F-150 trucks were recalled for the risk of stall and rollaway.

In early December, Ford issued a recall of more than half a million Escape and Bronco vehicles over fire risk. This was the second recall for the same issue, prompted by more than 50 complaints and more than 40 legal claims.

In November, Bronco vehicles were subjected to another recall. This time, more than 40,000 vehicles were included in the rearview image display fault.

The repair

Dealers will replace the driveshaft at no cost. Owners can expect to be notified about the repair program between January 9, 2023 and January 13, 2023.

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

Nearly 20,000 vehicles are included in this Ford F-series recall. To perform a Ford recall check on your vehicle, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Senamile NkosiFord recalls pickup trucks that may stall or roll away
Ford recalls F-150s that may stall and roll away

Ford recalls F-150s that may stall and roll away

August 20, 2022 Bojan Popic

Dearborn, MI – August 20, 2022 – Ford (NYSE:F) is recalling 58,203 2021-2022 Ford F-150 trucks that may roll away and stall due to a fracture of one of the most important components of the car – the driveshaft.

This recall only affects the Crew Cab models with a 4×4 drive and 145” wheelbase and can increase the risk of injury for the car occupants and people around them.

Recall summary  

Underbody insulators are sheets that reduce the road noise inside the cabin. The driveshaft is a component that connects the transmission and differential, effectively transferring the engine power to the wheels and propelling the vehicle forward.

The insulators were installed on the affected vehicles by mistake and could become loose. 

When that happens, they can come into contact with the driveshafts beneath it and scratch them. This could damage the driveshaft and eventually fracture it.

Recall risks

With a snapped driveshaft, the truck will not be able to transfer the engine to its wheels and may lose power. In addition, it may also roll away if the parking brake is not engaged.

Warning signs

Besides noticing one or both insulators hanging below the vehicle, drivers may hear a rattling or clicking noise that only appears while driving.  In addition, scratches may be visible on the driveshaft. 

Other Ford truck recalls

A large batch of trucks with properly installed insulators was recalled over an identical issue in December 2021. 

Among more recent Ford F-150 recalls, one from May 2022, caused by airbag issues, is the latest one. 

The repair

Dealers will check if the truck has underbody insulators, and if it does, secure them in place using suitable fasteners. In addition, they will inspect the driveshaft for any signs of damage. The repair is free of charge. 

Truck owners will be notified between September 5, 2022, and September 9, 2022.  

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

These Ford driveshaft issues are causing more than 50,000 trucks to be recalled. To do a Ford recall check and see if yours is one of them, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Bojan PopicFord recalls F-150s that may stall and roll away
Ford recalls Explorer SUVs that may roll away

Ford recalls Explorer SUVs that may roll away

May 15, 2022 Joseph Estabillo

Dearborn, MI — May 15, 2022 — Ford (NYSE:F) is recalling 252,936 SUVs over an issue with part of the vehicles’ drivetrain – called a driveshaft – and transmission which may cause them to roll away, increasing the risk of a crash.

The recall covers the following models: 

  • 2020 –2022 Ford Explorer Hybrid
  • 2020–2022 Ford Explorer Intercept Hybrid
  • 2020 Ford Explorer PHEV
  • 2020 Ford Explorer Police Intercept FHEV

Recall summary

Rear-wheel drive vehicles use a driveshaft to transmit the engine’s power and torque to the rear axle, which in turn transfers the power to wheels, propelling the vehicle forward.

On affected vehicles, the bolt that connects the axle with the driveshaft may fracture because of a supplier error.  This could disconnect the driveshaft from the rear wheels, rendering the vehicle unable to stay in Park and increasing the risk of a rollaway.

The components involved in this recall are the rear axle cover with part number L1MW-4A028-G and the bushing with part number L1MW-4B425-B.

Recall risks

A rollaway ups the risk of a crash and injury.    

Warning signs

Customers and dealer technicians have described the transmission making various sounds such as “loud, grinding, binding, or clunking noises.”

Other Ford recalls 

One recent case of Ford driveshaft issues involved 184,698 F-Series pickup trucks, which were recalled in January over also because of of disconnecting driveshafts, as reported.

In October of last year there was a Ford Explorer recall due to the risk of the driver losing control of the vehicle, also as reported.

A Ford Police Explorer recall was initiated in January 2021, involving contaminated windshield washer fluid that can potentially compromise outward visibility, resulting in an increased risk of accidents.  

The repair

Dealers will replace the bolt and axle covers, if needed. In some cases, a software update will be also be done to ensure that the electronic parking brake will engage when Park is selected. No fees will be collected for the service. Ford will reimburse owners for the costs of any previous repair work involving the component.

Affected owners will be notified between June 6, 2022 and June 10, 2022. 

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

More than 252,000 vehicles are included in this Ford Explorer driveshaft recall. To see if your Ford SUV is part of this Ford recall check, please use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.  

Joseph EstabilloFord recalls Explorer SUVs that may roll away
Ford recalls Transit vans that could stall or roll away

Ford recalls Transit vans that could stall or roll away

January 2, 2022 Aleksandra Snesareva

Dearborn, MI – January 2, 2022 – Ford (NYSE:F) has announced a recall for 4,548 2020 Ford Transit vans due to a defect that could cause the vehicle to roll away when parked or to stall while in motion. Either situation augments the risk of a crash or injury to the occupants of the van as well as other motorists.

The recall is limited to models equipped with all-wheel drive (AWD).

Recall summary

The drivetrains of these vehicles have transfer cases whose role is to “transfer power from the transmission to the front and rear axles” of the car using driveshafts. The axles are shafts that deliver power to the wheels and the whole system enables the car to move, as reported.

The driveshaft is connected with the transfer case using bolts. The bolts in the recalled cars may come “loose or become damaged,” which could cause the driveshaft to separate from the case. This would result in the car stalling in traffic or rolling away when parked if the parking brake is not engaged.

Lastly, the separation could “damage…surrounding components, such as brake lines.”

Recall risks

A vehicle that rolls away when parked may hit pedestrians or surrounding structures, putting everyone at risk. For more information on the risks of stalling while driving, please visit this article on a Nissan recall for stalling.  

If there is any damage to the brake lines, this can affect brake performance, which increases the risk of injury to the car occupants and people around them.

Warning signs

In the event that the driveshaft becomes separated, car occupants will hear “driveline noise” and will feel vibration coming from the underside of the vehicle.

More background information

The cause of this recall is still under investigation.

There are two components involved in this recall: “Bolt and washer assembly” with part number LK41-4B496-CA and the “driveshaft assembly” with multiple part numbers, including LK41-4K145-DAE and LK41-4K145-FAE.

Other Ford recalls 

There was a Ford Transit recall involving model years – including the 2021 Ford Transit van – in May of last year due to the risk of rollaway when parked, as reported. Aside from Ford van recalls, there have been at least a couple of recalls related to driveshaft issues. – One was issued just last month for close to 200,000 2020-2021 F-150 pickup trucks and another one came out in September of last year for roughly 27,000 Super Duty F-350 pickups, also as reported.

The repair

Dealers will conduct an inspection of the driveshaft and will replace the driveshaft, the bolts and the relevant surrounding components, if necessary. All repairs will be conducted free of charge.   

Owners of affected units will be notified by mail between January 31 and February 4, 2022. 

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

More than 4,500 vehicles are included in this Ford Transit recall. To do a Ford recall check, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.  

Aleksandra SnesarevaFord recalls Transit vans that could stall or roll away
Ford driveshaft issues prompt F Series recall

Ford driveshaft issues prompt F Series recall

January 1, 2022 Rebecca Rand

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.

Rebecca RandFord driveshaft issues prompt F Series recall
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