Ford F recently issued a recall for 184,698 model year 2021-2022 F-150 pickups over a potential defect that could cause the driveshaft to fracture.
Per the U.S.-based auto biggie, the recalled trucks have underbody heat and noise insulators that may loosen and touch the aluminum driveshaft, which could damage the driveshaft and cause it to rupture ultimately. A damaged driveshaft could potentially cause a loss of drive power or loss of vehicle control when contacted with the ground. Further, this could lead to unintended movement while the vehicle is parked without the parking brake applied. Either of the situations could increase the threat of a crash or injury.
So far, Ford has recognized 27 broken driveshafts on 2021-2022 F-150s suffering from this problem. Nonetheless, there are no reported injuries or deaths due to fractured driveshafts.
The affected F-150s include Crew Cab four-wheel-drive models with the 145-inch wheelbase and only those integrated with the 302A and above equipment group. Lesser-equipped F-150s are not equipped with damaged insulators.
Ford has advised owners possessing trucks within the damaged group to look out for a loose or hanging underbody insulator. Another possible indicator would be an auditory rattling, clicking or clunking noise coming from the vehicle.
Dealers will inspect and repair the driveshaft to resolve the problem, as necessary. They will also properly attach the underbody insulators. Both repairs will be done for free of cost and owners will be notified starting Jan 31, 2022, via mail.
The latest recall follows Ford’s recent decision to recall 114,996 2021-2022 Bronco Sport and Escape SUVs in the United States over faulty rear-brake linings that could potentially reduce the vehicle’s power brake performance.
Ford currently carries a Zacks Rank of 3 (Hold). You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.
3 Key Auto Stocks
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