Massive 2018-2022 Ford Safety Recall Issued Over Steering Defect Linked to Over 400 Crashes
Washington, D.C. (Reuters) — The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) announced a sweeping safety recall affecting over 1.4 million Ford vehicles from the 2018 through 2022 model years today, citing a critical steering control defect that has been linked to over 400 reported crashes and six alleged injuries.
The recall specifically targets the following models: 2018-2022 Ford F-150, 2019-2022 Ford Expedition, and 2019-2022 Lincoln Navigator. According to NHTSA documentation, a manufacturing error in the front lower steering knuckle can result in a progressive fracture, leading to a sudden loss of steering control. The defect is attributed to improper heat treatment during the casting process.
Ford Motor Company stated in a formal filing that it is aware of 404 crash complaints and two alleged injuries potentially connected to the flaw. A third-party supplier, Wixom-based Metaldyne, is under investigation for the production anomaly. The Dearborn-based automaker has not yet identified a definitive root cause but has suspended use of the suspect component.
Affected vehicle owners will be notified by mail starting on or after March 14, 2023, with instructions to visit an authorized dealer for a complimentary inspection and replacement of the steering knuckle. Ford is also offering a toll-free hotline (1-866-436-7332) for customer inquiries.
This recall expands on a previous NHTSA investigation opened in June 2022, which examined 1,200 instances of steering knuckle fractures in the F-150 lineup. Analysts warn that the 2018-2022 Ford Safety Recall could impact resale values and consumer confidence for the company's best-selling truck series.