The Ford F-150 is perhaps one of the most well-recognized trucks today. The vehicle has been marketed and manufactured by Ford since 1948. That makes it the longest-running vehicle in production.
It started out as a light-duty truck, but, over the years, it has become one of the most noticeable everyday trucks, work trucks, and off-road vehicles. A vehicle with this number of potential models with numerous trim packages is likely to have numerous recalls. However, Ford works hard to fix these on a consistent basis.
About the Ford F-150
As one of the best-selling pickup trucks today, and since 1977, the vehicle has become a stable in truck usage. It features a front engine, rear-wheel drive and four-wheel drive options, hybrid models with fuel efficiency packages, and powerful towing capacity.
Over the years, this vehicle has gone through significant changes in engine and body type, many of them having exceptional updates year-over-year. The most recent generation, the 13th for the Ford F-150, includes ample technology as well.
About Ford F-150 Recalls
Not only are Ford F-150 trucks some of the most sought after by today’s buyer, but they are also long-lasting. As a result, it is somewhat common to purchase an older vehicle, even one that is ten or more years old, because it is still very functionally effective.
Yet, that also increases the chances of purchasing a vehicle that may have some recalls.
To find out if a vehicle you plan to buy has recalls, use the Ford Recall and Field Service Actions tool. This online tool allows drivers to enter their Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) into it. This produces all of the Ford F-150 recalls related to the specific vehicle.
That makes getting those recalls taken care of easy to do. In addition to this, drivers can also research the recalls based on the make, model, and year of the vehicle. Be sure to be specific about the trim level, too.
Examples of Ford F-150 Recalls
Over the years, the Ford F-150 has had many recalls. These vary based on the year of the car as well as the features onboard. Take a look at a few of the most recent examples of Ford F-150 recalls. Be sure to check for specifics related to your vehicle.
Gear Position Inaccuracy
Ford issued a recall on the F-150 for the model year 2020 due to a gear position display problem. This recall also impacted the Ranger and Expedition vehicles for this year, covering over 55,000 vehicles specifically. This recall relates to vehicles that have a 10-speed automatic transmission in them.
In NHTSA recall number 20V17000, the transmission shift cable lock clip may not be fully seated. As a result of this, the transmission may be in a different gear than what is displayed on the gear shift position that the driver selects when operating the car.
To fix this, Ford contacted vehicle owners and had dealerships inspect the problem. They then corrected the shift cable locking clip installation to fix the problem if it was present.
Daytime Running Light Dimming Failure
Another Ford F-150 recall relates to the exterior lighting. In NHTSA recall number 20V097000, the daytime running lights may not dim as they should. This can increase the risk of the driver being in a crash.
This recall impacted over 166,000 vehicles. It included the Ford F-150 for model years 2018 through 2020 that had a high series LED headlamp installation featuring Autolamp (On/Off) functions.
In this recall, the daytime running lights remain activated instead of dimming to the parking lamps. This occurs when the driver places the Master Lighting Switch into the “Headlamps On” position instead of being in the “Autolamps” position.
This leads to a concern with a lighting failure, leading to the recall. To fix this problem Ford reprogrammed the body control module at no cost to the owners of the vehicle.
Battery Cable Sealant Adhesive Problem
Ford issued a recall for the F-150 for model years 2019 and 2020 over an electrical system concern. In NHTSA recall number 19V805000, the fastener that secures the Power Distribution Box 12V cable and the Battery Monitoring System eyelets to the positive battery terminal may become loose. This is due to the improper adhesive on the battery cables, especially the presence of too much adhesive.
As a result of this problem, the vehicle’s instrument panel display, steering assist, and braking assist systems can fail. It can also cause the vehicle to stall while it is being driven.
This recall impacted over 135,500 vehicles. To fix it, Ford notified all F-150 owners of impacted cars. They then had dealerships inspect the positive battery cable, battery monitoring system, and the power distribution box to look for any excessive sealant adhesive in place.
If it was present, dealerships removed the excessive amount and then reassembled the impacted joint. They also retorqued the fasteners as was necessary.
Spare Tire Damage
Another Ford F-150 recall is related to the tires. In NHTSA recall number 19V903000, there is the potential of damage to the spare tire which can cause it to lose pressure or detach from the car. This recall impacted F-150 trucks for model year 2020 that had 17-inch spare tires. It impacted just 33 vehicles, according to Ford.
The recall relates to the spare tire itself, which could have been damaged when it was being installed on the car. The damage relates to the rim of the tire.
To fix this problem, Ford alerted owners and then had the dealerships replace any impacted spare tires with a new one. This recall was issued in December of 2019.
Staying Up to Date on Ford F-150 Recall Notices
Ford will send recall notices to vehicle owners in their system if there is a risk of a repair being needed. In addition to this, your dealership can keep you up to date.
If you plan to purchase a Ford F-150, be sure to ask the seller about the recalls applicable to the car, after looking it up through the Ford tool with the VIN number. Be sure repairs have been made as required.
Photos: Ford
