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Recently, Ford recalled F-150 pickups for problems with their driveshafts. The driveshafts are multiple piece units joined about in the middle with bolts. The problem is that there were issues with the driveshafts that ended up in the driveshafts breaking. The driveshaft problem left the trucks without drive power or let them roll away.
Ford has recalled 200,000 F-150 pickups for problems driveshafts that split as I detail in this piece.
And, in a second problem Ford has recalled a number of 2018 F-150s with issues regarding rear bed latches.
2020 Ford Transit Has Rear Driveshaft Problem
A second vehicle, the 2020 Ford Transit van, has had a driveshaft problem. And, while the problem isn't strictly the same, the result is. Because the driveshaft may separate from the transfer case, the van may lose power or roll if the parking brake isn't engaged.
Ford announced recently that 4,548 Transit Connect vans are affected by this problem. The problem occurs because the rear driveshaft disconnects from the transfer case due to the loosening of bolts attached to the transfer case. Or, it may be that damage has occurred to the bolts allowing the driveshaft to disconnect from the transfer case.
Dealer technicians will inspect the driveshaft and related hardware to fix the problem. If there is a problem, the technician will inspect and replace the driveshaft bolts. The technician may also replace the driveshaft and related hardware. The hardware includes the bolts and other hardware such as the transfer flange bit. The free repairs also include the driveshaft seal.
Ford Sets Recall Notification Deadline
Ford will send owners of the affected vehicle notification letters later in the month.
Owners can contact Ford customer service for more information on this recall at 866-436-7332. Ask about recall number 21S54.
Alternatively, owners can contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Vehicle Safety Hotline at 888-327-4236. Or they can view the recall on the agency website www.nhtsa.gov. The NHTSA identification number is 21V978.
In a second recent recall, Ford has recalled 2,622 2002 Maverick compact pickups and 2021-2022 Mustang Mach-E electrics for improperly adjusted rear seatbelts. The vehicles fail Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 208 and 250. Standard 208 covers occupant crash protection, and Standard 250 covers seatbelt assembly anchorages.
In a different recall, the automaker has recalled some 2022 Maverick compact pickups for issues with damaged caused by spray-in bedliners.
Occupants May Not Be Restrained Properly
According to a notice on the agency website, the improperly adjusted seatbelts may not restrain occupants in the event of a crash. It increases the chance of an occupant suffering an injury in the event of a crash.
The posting describes the central issue. Rear seatbelt buckles may not be properly attached to the rear floor assembly. Dealer technicians will inspect and repair the rear seatbelt assembly attachments to fix the problem. Ford will notify owners of the affected vehicles about the middle of this month.
For more information, owners of the affected vehicles can contact Ford customer service at 866-426-7332. Ask about recall number 21C36.
Owners may also contact the NHTSA's Vehicle Safety Hotline at 888-327-4236. Or, they may go to the agency's website, www.nhtsa.gov, for more information.
Marc Stern has been an automotive writer since 1971 when an otherwise normal news editor said, "You're our new car editor," and dumped about 27 pounds of auto stuff on my desk. I was in heaven as I have been a gearhead from my early days. As a teen, I spent the usual number of misspent hours hanging out at gas stations Shell and Texaco (a big thing in my youth) and working on cars. From there on, it was a straight line to my first column for the paper, "You Auto Know," an enterprise that I handled faithfully for 32 years. Not many people know that I also handled computer documentation for a good part of my living while writing YAN. My best writing, though, was always in cars. My work has appeared in Popular Mechanics, Mechanix Illustrated, AutoWeek, SuperStock, Trailer Life, Old Cars Weekly, Special Interest Autos, etc. You can follow me on: Twitter or Facebook.
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