Ford has issued a recall for the 2024 F-150 Lightning due to a serious defect in the front suspension that could lead to a loss of steering while driving. The problem, caused by improperly tightened suspension components at the factory, has the potential to cause these parts to come loose, posing a significant safety risk.
While only one known accident has been linked to the defect—a truck veering into a highway barrier at 60 mph—the investigation revealed that the truck, with less than 700 miles on it, was missing an upper control arm nut, causing the steering knuckle to separate. As a result, the manufacturer issued a broader recall for 11,922 affected vehicles, all built between November 6, 2023, and February 12, 2024.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) explains that the nut on the upper control arm ball joint may not have been properly torqued due to issues during the assembly process. This problem, caused by variations in the alignment or orientation of the fastening tool, may have led to lateral forces preventing the tool from securely fastening the part.
The automaker asks affected vehicle owners to bring their trucks to dealers for a free inspection, where technicians will check the upper control arm ball joint nut and replace the nut or knuckle assembly if necessary. Affected customers will receive notification letters starting in early February 2025.
Moreover, owners of the 2024 F-150 Lightning may notice symptoms such as loose or imprecise steering, a shudder through the steering column, or noises coming from the front suspension when driving or when applying a steering lock while stationary. Some owners have also reported unexplained steering judder, which tire adjustments could not resolve. A quick visual inspection can help identify any loose parts. If the nut is not secure, Ford advises owners not to drive the truck until a dealer has inspected it.
This recall marks another in a series of safety concerns for the F-150 Lightning, which was one of the first commercially available electric pickup trucks. Previously, the truck was recalled for a missing or improperly fastened nut on the battery bus bar, which could have led to a potential battery fire.
