Sunita Somvanshi
Ford has issued a recall for approximately 1,846 to 9,181 of its newest 2025 F-150 pickup trucks due to a critical steering problem that could leave drivers suddenly unable to control their vehicles.
The recall centers on improperly tightened bolts that connect the truck’s lower steering shaft to the steering gear. These bolts, which weren’t tightened to the correct specifications during assembly, could loosen or completely detach while driving.
“If the steering shaft separates from the steering gear, drivers will experience a complete loss of steering control,” states the official recall notice. This creates a serious safety hazard that significantly increases crash risk.
The affected trucks were built at Ford’s Kansas City Assembly Plant between February 23 and March 7, 2025. Ford traced the problem to what it calls an “error proofing process control” issue with an assembly station tool.
Warning signs that F-150 owners should watch for include excessive play in the steering wheel or unusual rattling noises coming from the steering column. So far, Ford has received one warranty claim for the steering issue, discovered during a pre-delivery inspection at a dealership.
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This recall comes alongside a much larger one affecting nearly 274,000 Ford Expedition and Lincoln Navigator SUVs with brake line problems. Both recalls highlight ongoing manufacturing quality challenges at Ford’s assembly plants.
Ford will notify affected F-150 owners by mail between May 26 and May 30, 2025. Owners will need to take their trucks to a Ford dealership where technicians will inspect the steering components and replace the faulty bolts if necessary. All repairs will be performed free of charge.
F-150 owners can also check if their truck is affected by entering their Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) on the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s recall lookup tool or by contacting Ford’s customer service.
The recall bears the identification number 25S46 from Ford and NHTSA Campaign Number 25V309000.
Despite the concerning nature of the defect, Ford reports that no accidents or injuries have been linked to this steering issue as of the latest update.
