Ford Recalls 115,000 Super Duty Trucks on Steering Defect
Safety action addresses a flaw that could cause the steering column to detach, deepening concerns over the automaker's quality control.
Ford Motor Co. (NYSE: F) has issued a recall for more than 115,000 of its F-250, F-350, and F-450 Super Duty pickup trucks, addressing a critical safety defect that could cause the steering column to detach. The move adds to a growing list of quality control issues that have plagued the automaker, raising questions about potential financial and reputational damage.
The recall targets certain 2020 and 2021 models of the popular and highly profitable F-Series line. where the steering column's upper shaft could separate, leading to a complete loss of steering control and increasing the risk of a crash. Ford has stated that it will notify affected owners and dealers will inspect and, if necessary, repair or replace the faulty component at no cost to the customer.
This action comes at a sensitive time for Ford, which has been under intense scrutiny for a high volume of recalls. The company has issued more recalls than any other automaker this year, a trend that has not gone unnoticed by investors and industry analysts. While the direct financial cost of this specific recall has not been disclosed, Ford's overall warranty and recall expenses have surged, reportedly climbing 22% year-over-year in 2024 to $6 billion. for a company investing heavily in the transition to electric vehicles.
The repeated quality issues threaten to erode consumer trust in one of Ford's most important and profitable vehicle lineups. The F-Series trucks are a cornerstone of the company's North American business, and any damage to their reputation for toughness and reliability could have long-term consequences. While no accidents or injuries have been reported in connection with this specific steering column issue, the potential for serious safety failures is a significant concern. , including issues with shifter mechanisms and improperly secured bolts in other model years. The pattern suggests a persistent challenge within its manufacturing and supply chain processes that the company has yet to fully resolve.