Ford has received a defect petition from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration for 29,501 of their 2024 and 2025 F-150 Lightning electric pickup trucks, after determining that bad torquing of the nut on the ball joint that secures the upper control arm to the knuckle assembly is very likely to lead to a loss of steering. If this nut is loose or missing, the upper control arm would detach, increasing the risk of a crash.
Vehicles Affected by the Recall
This recall was issued for F-150 Lightning models made between February 15, 2024, and April 14, 2025. The affected vehicles are 20,528 2024 model F-150 Lightning and 8,973 2025 model F-150 Lightning. The automaker believes approximately 1% of the subject vehicles have the remedy defect.
Diagnosing the Effect
Drivers may also notice a "clunk or rattle" sound when going over bumps, which may indicate a loose or missing nut on the ball joint. Ford received a report of one incident on March 6, 2025, to the Office of Defects Investigation from a 2024 F-150 Lightning with only 634 miles on the odometer, where the right front wheel detached prior to a crash as the right control arm detached from the knuckle.
Remedy and Owner Notification
Ford will notify owners affected by this issue by mail between June 9 to June 13, 2025 - owners are encouraged to schedule an appointment as much as they can, with the Ford or Lincoln dealer assisting them as part of the inspection.
If the torque is proper, the technician will replace the ball joint nut; if the nut is loose or missing, the technician will replace both the nut and knuckle assembly, under warranty for no charge.
Recall Number
Ford Recall Number: 24S76
NHTSA Recall Number: 25V-341
Ford Customer Service: 1-866-436-7332
NHTSA Hotline: 1-888-327-4236
Important Highlights
Recall Scope: 29,501 F-150 Lightning trucks from the 2024–2025 model years.
Consumer Problem: A ball joint nut on the front upper control arm was improperly torqued.
Risk: Loss of steering control if the control arm detaches.
What Owners Should Do: Contact a dealer to schedule a free inspection and repair.
Notices: Owners will be mailed a notice starting on June 9, 2025.
Source(Image / Thumbnail):autonews
