Ford’s RHD F-150 recalled for second time

FORD Australia has recalled 443 examples of its newly launched F-150 full-size ‘pick-up truck’ this week, the Melbourne-based importer telling owners to stop driving their vehicles immediately after finding a steering fault with 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 been 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”.

“A loss of steering control could increase the risk of an accident causing injury or death to vehicle occupants and/or other road users. Owners of affected vehicles should stop driving immediately and urgently contact Ford to organise an inspection and repair, free of charge.”

In a statement issued to local media, Ford Australia said, “a total of 98 vehicles delivered to customers required an inspection to confirm that the steering shaft had been installed correctly”.

“The vast majority of these inspections took place last weekend, with dealer technicians visiting customers at home or a location convenient to them.

“None of these vehicles were found to have an incorrectly installed steering shaft, so those customers have now been cleared to drive their vehicles as normal. A few customers were travelling, so their vehicles will be inspected as soon as they’re accessible.

“The balance of the potentially affected vehicles is being checked by our team or dealer network before delivery to our customers.”

The news comes less than three weeks after the F-150 was hit with a ‘stop ship and stop sale notice’ in relation to a fault with its twin turbocharging system and raises serious questions as to the quality of the remanufacturing process carried out by Ford’s Thai-based manufacturing partner, RMA Automotive.

The Department of Infrastructure said Ford Australia intends to write to affected owners informing them of the recall. More information is available by contacting any authorised Ford dealership or the Ford Customer Relationship Centre on 13 36 73.