2018-2022 ford safety recall: Top 5 things you need to know about this urgent warning for millions of drivers.
- Immediate action required: Ford has expanded a massive safety recall covering over 500,000 vehicles from the 2018-2022 model years, including the F-150, Expedition, and Lincoln Navigator. The issue involves a faulty rear-axle hub bolt that can shear off suddenly, causing a loss of power or unintended vehicle rollaway if the parking brake is not engaged.
- Known failures and injuries: The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has received at least 100 reports of axle-related failures, including four injuries and one crash. Drivers describe hearing a loud clunk before losing drive power, often while at a stoplight or pulling into traffic.
- Free fix at your dealer: Ford is instructing dealers to replace the defective rear-axle bolts and inspect for damage at no cost to owners. The repair takes about 1-2 hours, but parts may be in short supply due to the scale of the recall, so scheduling is recommended right away.
- How to check your VIN: Every owner of a 2018-2022 Ford model should enter their 17-digit Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) on NHTSA's official website or Ford's recall portal. The recall covers certain build dates, so not every 2018-2022 vehicle is affected—but ignoring it could put you and your family at risk.
- Safety tips until repair: If your truck or SUV hasn't been serviced yet, Ford warns drivers to always set the parking brake when parking, especially on inclines. Avoid sudden acceleration or hard launches, as stress on the axle can worsen the defect. Some owners report the problem reoccurring even after initial bolt replacement, so monitor your vehicle closely.