Ford is issuing a recall for nearly 30,000 F-150 Lightning electric pickup trucks in the United States due to a potential safety issue. The recall affects vehicles built between February 15, 2024, and April 14, 2025, totaling 29,501 units. The issue stems from a nut on the ball joint that secures the upper control arm to the knuckle assembly. If the nut is loose or missing, it could cause the knuckle to separate from the control arm, posing a safety risk.
According to Ford, the nut may not have been torqued correctly during the assembly process, leading to potential issues. Symptoms of a loose or missing nut include clunks or rattles over bumps and vibrations while driving. The automaker has received a single field report related to this issue, where the control arm detached from the knuckle due to a missing ball joint nut on a 2024 F-150 Lightning.
To address the problem, Ford and Lincoln dealers will inspect the torque of the left and right upper control arm ball joint nut on affected vehicles. If the nut passes inspection, it will be replaced. However, if the inspection fails, the knuckle and nut will both be replaced to ensure the safety of the vehicle.
Trucks built after April 14, 2025, have an improved design in the factory tooling to prevent this issue. Owners of affected vehicles will be notified by Ford to schedule an inspection and necessary repairs. It is important to address this recall promptly to prevent any safety hazards while driving.
Despite this recall, the Ford F-150 Lightning remains a popular choice among electric pickup truck buyers in the U.S. In the first quarter of this year, Ford sold 7,187 F-150 Lightnings, surpassing the Tesla Cybertruck as the best-selling electric pickup in the country. This recall serves as a reminder of the importance of regular vehicle maintenance and safety checks to ensure the well-being of both drivers and passengers.