Ford is recalling its 2017-2022 Super Duty trucks for potential fracture risks in the aluminum driveshaft.
According to Consumer Reports, the recall covers 247,445 extended cab and crew cab F-250 and F-350 models of the Super Duty trucks equipped with gas engines.
Documents filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) state that heat and noise insulators in the underbody of these heavy-duty pickup trucks could loosen and strike the driveshaft, creating extreme driving dangers.
Increased Risk of Crash for Super Duty Trucks
The insulators in the Super Duty trucks could potentially sag and scrape the shaft. Over time, this recurring contact could cause the driveshaft to fracture and break. If that happens, drivers can lose power, and the vehicle can move while in park if the parking brake is not applied.
A fractured driveshaft could also scrape the ground. This may send up a shower of sparks and cause drivers to lose control and pose a danger to others on the roadway.
Because the driveshaft distributes the torque from the engine to the axles, it increases the risk of an injury or crash. Drivers of Super Duty trucks may notice insulators hanging loose or might hear a rattling, clicking, or clunking noise coming from under the passenger-side floor or outside of the truck. Marking or scoring may be visible on the driveshaft.
Ford said it had received 40 reports attributable to the issue, all on extended and crew cab models with gas engines and aluminum driveshafts.
Late last year, the automaker recalled the 2021-2022 Ford F-150 for the same issue. Super Duty truck owners can expect to receive a recall notice by mail around April 4. They will be instructed to visit a Ford or Lincoln dealer for repairs.
Dealers will also inspect the driveshaft when the recall campaign begins and replace it if necessary. The automaker will cover the costs of these repairs as required under federal law.
Owners who had the work done before the recall can get reimbursed for it through April 18. Vehicle owners with more questions are asked to call Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332.
If Your Vehicle Has Been Recalled
Owners of Ford Super Duty trucks can visit the safercar.gov website and enter their vehicle identification number or VIN
. If you find out that your vehicle has, in fact, been recalled, it is important that you schedule an appointment with the dealer right away to have it inspected and make the repairs.
If you or a loved one has been injured due to a defective auto, you may be able to seek compensation for your injuries, damages, and losses. Contact an experienced auto defect attorney who will fight for your rights and hold the negligent automaker accountable.
Source: https://www.thecarconnection.com/news/1135163_ford-recalls-nearly-250-000-super-duty-trucks-for-fractured-driveshaft
