Ford's Factory Made an Error, Potentially Leading to Steering Problems in Thousands of Trucks | Carscoops

      Ford is recalling nearly 10,000 2025 F-150 trucks due to an issue with a loose or missing fastener that could lead to steering problems.

      This situation may cause excessive play in the steering or result in separation of steering components.

      Affected customers will be notified and will need to take their vehicles to dealerships for repairs.

      Once known for its motto “Quality is Job 1,” Ford is currently grappling with quality issues that are beginning to tarnish its reputation, evidenced by a rising number of recalls.

      The latest recall affects the F-150, the second best-selling vehicle in the United States. Specifically, Ford is recalling 9,181 units of the 2025 model year due to fasteners that could compromise steering.

      According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the “fastener attaching the lower intermediate shaft to the steering gear may not have been properly torqued.” This oversight can potentially lead to a separation of steering components and a subsequent loss of control.

      This problem has been attributed to a failure in the “error proofing process control,” which was not correctly aligned with the tool at the assembly station. This misalignment allowed the system to mistakenly verify a secure connection even when it was not.

      Ford became aware of the issue in March when a dealership employee conducted a road test of a 2025 F-150 during a pre-delivery inspection. They noticed “excessive steering play,” prompting an investigation that uncovered a missing lower I-shaft fastener.

      Upon investigating further, Ford confirmed the problem. While the automaker is only aware of one warranty claim related to this issue, there have been no reported accidents or injuries.

      Notifications to owners are expected to be sent out later this month, directing customers to take their trucks to dealerships for inspection. Technicians will examine the I-shaft fastener and will tighten or replace it as necessary.