Ford is recalling approximately 385 units of its 2024 F-150 half-ton pickups for the steering column lower shaft, which may have been secured to the steering gear assembly with an incorrect fastener.
The incorrect fastener may loosen over time and could disengage. If the fastener disengages, the steering system’s adjoining components may be separated, resulting in loss of steering control and increasing the risk of a crash.
Recall Chronology:
- On April 18, 2024, an issue about the fastener used on the lower steering shaft joint was brought to Ford’s Critical Concern Review Group (CCRG) for review.
- On April 11, 2024, the operation team leader at the Kansas City Assembly Plant (KCAP) identified an incorrect fastener being used to secure the lower steering shaft on 2024 Model-Year Ford F-150 vehicles.
- Personnel at the vehicle assembly plant continued to investigate and identified and removed mixed fastener stock. The incorrect fastener is shorter (25 mm vs. 37 mm) and has a different material class (8.8 vs. 10.9).
- The CCRG investigation determined that with the shorter fastener installed, two full threads are engaged, and an additional three threads are partially engaged. The thread adhesive patch is only engaged in the partial threads. The correct fastener has seven threads engaged when installed, and the thread adhesive patch is appropriately located in the joint. Over time, the joint secured with the incorrect fastener may lose clamp load due to limited thread engagement, incomplete contact with the thread adhesive path, and a fastener material class not intended for the application.
- As of May 1, 2024, Ford is not aware of any warranty, field reports, or customer complaints related to this concern.
- On May 3, 2024, Ford’s Field Review Committee reviewed the concern and approved a field action.
Ford is not aware of any reports of accidents or injuries related to this condition.
Dealers will replace the lower steering shaft fastener, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed on May 20, 2024. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford’s number for this recall is 24S32.
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153) or visit www.nhtsa.gov.
