There’s an issue in new Ford F-150 trucks that could cause the driveshaft to fracture.
Under NHTSA campaign number 21V986000, Ford Motor Company will recall certain fourteenth-generation F-150 trucks for issues around the driveshaft. According to the report, affected models include 184,698 F-150 4×4 Crew Cabs with a 145-inch wheelbase and 302A and above equipment group and sound insulation packages.
That equipment group adds in underbody acoustic insulators that are at the heart of this problem. The insulators “may loosen and contact the aluminum driveshaft, resulting in marking or scoring of the driveshaft. Over time, the aluminum driveshaft may fracture due to heat build-up and/or material thickness reduction that changes the mechanical properties of the aluminum material”, the documents submitted December 16 indicate. Over time, that reduction in thickness could lead to a driveshaft fracture.
To date, Ford reports 27 trucks with fractured aluminum driveshafts possibly related to sagging underbody insulation. There are no reported injuries or deaths from the issue, though this is clearly not an area in which to take any chances. You can check under the truck to see if the insulation is loose hanging down, or check it out if you hear a rattling, clicking or clunking noise from underneath the truck.
The automaker will notify owners by mail from January 31, 2022 onward. Dealer technicians will inspect the driveshaft and surrounding area and securely attach the underbody insulators, free of charge. Ford’s recall number for this campaign is 21S56. Owners can go to Ford’s recall site, call their customer service line at (866) 436-7332 or go to nhtsa.gov or call (888) 327-4236 for more information.
