Ford F-150 Lightning recalled for loss of steering control

The 2023-2024 Ford Lightning electric pickup truck is being recalled for a loose nut that can result in a loss of directional control, the NHTSA disclosed Monday. 

The issue stems from the wrong torque being applied to a nut on the front suspension during assembly. The suspect nut on the ball joint connects the front upper control arm to the steering knuckle. If it’s loose, the upper control arm can separate from the knuckle assembly, resulting in a loss of directional control. In one instance at highway speeds, a driver reported that the truck made an “uncommanded left turn” into a guard rail. 

Owners and operators could experience undue vehicle vibration and a clunk or rattling noise when the truck goes over bumps.

The suspect vehicle population was made between Nov. 6, 2023, and Feb. 12, 2024. The recall affects 11,922 electric pickup trucks, and does not include the 2022 model year, which was the first year of production for the Ford F-150 Lightning.

This is the sixth recall for the 2023 Lightning, but the 63rd recall for Ford in 2024, making it the automaker with the second most recalls behind Stellantis, according to data from the NHTSA. Ford had led the industry in the three years prior to 2024. 

Ford acknowledged two field reports related to the loose nut issue. 

Owners can expect notification by mail as early as Feb. 3, 2025. They will be instructed to take their F-150 Lightnings into a Ford or Lincoln shop where a technician will inspect the torque on the front control arm ball joint nuts. If the torque meets specification, it will be replaced. If it fails, the knuckle and nut will be replaced at no cost to owners. Reimbursement will be provided to owners who have already paid to have the problem fixed. 

For more info, contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332 or visit Ford’s recall site. Ford’s number for this recall is 24S76.