Imagine you’re driving a car and suddenly you lose steering control. How dangerous to even imagine it? Ford F-150 Lightning owners may have experienced this issue if the automaker had not issued a recall due to a loose suspension part.
Yes, in June, Ford recalled approximately 29,501 F-150 Lightning pickup trucks due to an improperly installed suspension component that could cause the driver to lose partial steering control, thereby increasing the risk of a crash.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), a ball joint nut on the front upper control arms wasn’t tightened to spec, causing the control arm to separate from the steering knuckle, resulting in loss of control.
Continue reading the article to learn all the details about the Ford F-150 Lightning suspension recall.
How Many Ford Vehicles Were Affected in the Recall?
According to the recall report, Ford Motor Company recalled nearly 30,000 2024 and 2025 F-150 Lightning trucks for a loose suspension part.
How Dangerous Could a Loose Ball-Joint Nut in the Suspension Be?
A loose ball-joint nut in suspension can be extremely dangerous, leading to the complete failure of the ball joint, causing the wheel to tilt, lose contact with the road, or even fall off. This results in a drastic loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a severe accident.
Suppose you’re driving on the highway at high speed, and suddenly notice you’re losing control over your vehicle. If you can’t control your car, you can collide with other vehicles on the highway, causing injuries or even death.
Therefore, you should never drive your vehicle with a loose or bad ball joint, as it poses a serious safety hazard for you and other drivers on the road.
Warning Signs of a Loose Ball-Joint Nut in Suspension
How will you know that your vehicle’s suspension has a loose ball-joint nut or is getting loose? Here are some common warning signs that will let you know there is a loose ball-joint nut in the suspension.
- Clunking or Knocking Sound: One of the most common warning signs is a loud, repetitive clunking or knocking sound, especially when driving over bumps, turning, or when the suspension moves.
- Drifting to One Side: You may experience drifting to one side while driving. The steering wheel also might not feel responsive.
- Excessive Vibration: Ford says that affected owners may feel strong vibrations through the steering wheel, floor, or seat.
- Uneven Tire Wear: A loose ball-joint nut can cause the front wheels to lose alignment, leading to uneven wear on either the inside or outside of the front tires.
What Should You Do If You Notice a Loose Ball-Joint Nut in Suspension?
If you’re driving and notice a loose ball-joint nut in the suspension, stop immediately and call a mechanic to fix the issue.
Ford asked the affected F-150 Lightning’s drivers to take their vehicle to an authorized dealer to inspect and replace the nut or steering knuckle, free of cost.
Wrapping Up
The Ford F-150 Lightning suspension recall serves as a reminder that even a small overlooked component, like a loose ball-joint nut, can turn into a life-threatening hazard. Ford took quick action before any accidents or injuries were reported due to this issue.
After all, your F-150 Lightning’s strength means nothing if its safety is compromised. Stay alert, listen to your vehicle’s warning signs, and never ignore a recall notice.
Safe Driving!
Sources: Car and Driver
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Why Did Ford Recall the F-150 Lightning?
Ford recalled around 29,501 2024-2025 F-150 Lightning trucks due to a loose ball-joint nut in the suspension.
2. How Many Ford F-150 Lightning Trucks Were Affected By this Recall?
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), approximately 29,501 F-150 Lightning trucks were affected by the recall.
3. What are the Risks of a Loose Ball-Joint Nut in the Suspension?
A loose ball-joint nut can cause the wheel to tilt, lose contact with the road, or even cause complete wheel separation. This dramatically increases the risk of a crash.
4. What Warning Signs Indicate a Loose Ball-Joint Nut in the Suspension?
Common warning signs include clunking or knocking noises when turning or driving over bumps, drifting to one side, excessive vibrations through the steering wheel, and uneven tire wear.
5. What Should I Do If I Suspect My F-150 Lightning Has this Issue?
If you notice any of the warning signs, stop driving immediately and contact your mechanic or Ford dealer.
6. Is the Repair for the Ford F-150 Lightning Recall Free?
Yes, Ford has instructed authorized dealers to inspect and, if necessary, replace the loose nut or steering knuckle at no cost.
7. Can I Continue Driving If My Vehicle Shows No Symptoms?
Even if you don’t notice any warning signs, if your F-150 Lightning is part of the recall, schedule an inspection with your dealer to ensure your safety.
8. How Do I Check If My Ford F-150 Lightning is Included in this Recall?
You can enter your vehicle’s VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) on the official NHTSA recall website or contact your local Ford dealership to confirm.
