Ford is recalling 11,922 F-150 Lightning electric pickup trucks due to an issue that could cause suspension components to detach, potentially leading to loss of control.
The recall includes 2023 and 2024 models. These vehicles may have front upper control arm ball-joint nuts that weren’t properly tightened at the factory, which could allow the control arm to detach, according to the NHTSA disclosure on Monday. Control arms extend out horizontally from the vehicle’s frame or body structure and attach to the wheel hub, keeping the hub and its attached suspension components aligned on their vertical axis.
2024 Ford F-150 Lightning Flash
The ball-joint nut represents one of those attachment points, and if it’s loose the control arm can separate, causing loss of directional control and increasing the risk of a crash, the NHTSA noted. If the ball-joint nut is loose or missing, drivers may also notice vibration and hear a clunk or rattling sound during suspension jounce and rebound, the NHTSA said.
Ford told the safety agency that it is aware of one crash attributed to this issue, as well as two field reports and a warranty claim, the latter representing two incidents related to the problem. As for the cause, Ford believes changes in the alignment or orientation of a tool used to attach suspension components may have prevented it from being properly seated during assembly.
2024 Ford F-150 Lightning Flash
Dealers will inspect the affected ball-joint nut and, if necessary, replace it and/or the related knuckle assembly. Ford expects to mail owner notification letters Feb. 3, 2025. Owners can also call the automaker’s customer service department at 1-866-436-7332 for more information. Ford’s reference number for this recall is 24S76.
The Lightning arrived for the 2022 model year and received a handful of updates for 2024, including a range-boosting heat pump and a new Flash grade positioned between the XLT and Lariat models.