Ford F-150 recalled once again

FORD Australia is recalling its right-hand drive converted F-150 pick-up for a third time, the model facing a clock spring failure that could see the driver’s airbag fail to deploy in the event of a collision.

Just nine examples of the F-150 are affected by the latest recall which comes less than a fortnight since the model was recalled for a potential steering assembly failure. That recall follows a stop ship/stop sale notice issued in December for issues relating to the vehicle’s turbocharging system.

According to the Australian government’s Vehicle Recalls website, the Ford F-150 is affected by a clock spring that may not have been welded to specification.

The item is likely to fail, resulting in the loss of steering wheel illumination, non-functioning steering wheel control switches, inoperative horn, and the airbag light being illuminated – indicating that the driver’s airbag is inoperative.

Ford Australia says the issue is not related to its remanufacturing process and that none of the nine vehicles are in customer’s hands. It says affected vehicles will be inspected and repaired if necessary before being delivered to customers.

“There are nine vehicles in Australia covered by this recall, which relates to the steering wheel clock spring assembly weld. None of the vehicles are with customers, and all will be inspected and repaired if necessary before being delivered. This recall is not related to the re-manufacturing process,” a Ford Australia spokesperson tolf GoAuto.

F-150 customers with concerns or queries related to their vehicle are urged to contact Ford’s Customer Relationship Centre on 13 36 73.

On January 23, Ford Australia recalled 443 examples of its newly launched F-150 full-size ‘pick-up truck’ asking owners to stop driving their vehicles immediately after finding a steering fault in its locally converted model.

The issue, which is understood to see the steering shaft and steering rack part ways, could result in a loss of steering control, a serious accident, and even death to vehicle occupants and other road users.

Ford Australia has attributed the fault to a ‘remanufacturing process error’ and says affected vehicles must not be driven until the steering system has been inspected and the fault rectified.

GoAuto understands the remanufactured steering system utilised in the Australian F-150 is sourced from the Ranger Raptor, which is not affected by the recall notice.

According to the recall notice lodged with the Department of Infrastructure, the potential fault is the result of “a remanufacturing issue (where) the steering intermediate shaft may separate from the steering rack resulting in a loss of steering control”.

That recall followed a January 4 stop ship/stop sale notice for the same model in relation to a fault with its twin turbocharging system.

According to the SCNF notice issued by Ford Australia, the stop/ship stop sale notice comes “out of an abundance of caution … after three remanufactured vehicles presented with a quality related concern”.

Ford Australia told GoAuto it is now close to resolving all three of the issues, thanking F-150 customers for their patience.

“We thank customers for their patience as we work through these quality related field service actions and recalls,” a Ford Australia spokesperson said.

“We are making steady progress with the issue we found on a small number of unique righthand drive turbo air intake ducts. This is being resolved by replacing the hose with a revised part, which is a straightforward process.

“Parts are flowing to dealers from our parts distribution facility, and the work on many customer vehicles is now complete, and these vehicles have been delivered. We will continue to work through the remaining vehicles so that customers can get behind the wheel as soon as possible.”