F-Series Trucks Can Lose Steering
Ford recalls thousands, alerting drivers to lack of warning signals.
No instrument panel warnings alert drivers that a detachment has or is about to happen.
Pexels/Julissa Helmuth
Ford recalled more than 115,000 F-series pickups because part of the steering column in the trucks can detach, compromising steering control.
The automaker reported that it’s unaware of any crashes or injuries connected to the flaw but has gotten nearly a dozen reports and warranty claims around it. The issue comes with some urgency, since no instrument panel warnings alert drivers that a detachment has or is about to happen.
The problem stems from a parts production error that resulted in a section of the steering column falling short of load specifications, according to documents Ford filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Ford recalled the 2020 and 2021 F-250, F-350 and F-450. The recall affects units made between Feb. 19, 2019 and Sept. 30, 2020, though Ford estimates just 1% of the population has the flaw in question.
Dealers will inspect the trucks’ steering columns, repairing or replacing the columns’ upper shafts if needed. Ford is scheduled to mail safety notifications to owners on Oct. 6, followed by follow-up notices when it readies the remedy.
ANOTHER F-SERIES ISSUE: Ford Recalls Hundreds of Thousands
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