2023 Ford Expedition front axle may fracture, increasing crash risk
Ford is recalling certain 2023 Expeditions, along with F-150 and Lincoln Navigator vehicles, due to a front axle pinion defect that may not have been properly heat-treated. The defect can cause fracture, loss of 4-wheel drive, and wheel lockup, increasing crash risk.
What this means for you
Our assessment, not the agency’s: severity 4/5 (Severe).
The hazard poses a serious risk of illness, injury, or structural failure. Stop using the product immediately and contact the manufacturer for a refund or repair.
Our severity reasoning: This is a structural vehicle defect involving the front axle powertrain. While no injuries have been reported, the defect can cause loss of 4-wheel drive capability and wheel lockup, which increases the risk of a crash or loss of control.
Plain-English summary
Ford Motor Company is recalling certain model-year 2023 Ford Expeditions due to a defect in the front axle pinion gear. The pinion may not have been properly heat-treated during manufacturing, which can cause it to fracture under use. This recall affects approximately 240 vehicles including certain F-150 and Lincoln Navigator models.
When the front axle pinion fractures, it can result in loss of 4-wheel drive capability and may cause the front wheels to lock up. These conditions increase the risk of a vehicle crash or loss of control.
Owners should contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332 to arrange repairs. Ford will replace the front axle pinion gear set at no cost to the owner. If the pinion is found to be broken, the entire front axle assembly will be replaced. Owner notification letters were mailed on April 21, 2023.
Consumers can also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153) or visit www.nhtsa.gov for additional information. Ford's recall number is 23S07, and the NHTSA campaign number is 23V128000.
The recalled product
- Product
- FORD, LINCOLN F-150, EXPEDITION, NAVIGATOR
- Brand
- FORD
- Manufacturer
- Ford Motor Company
- Affected units
- 240
Is your product affected?
Check your packaging against the codes below. If any of them match, the product is part of this recall.
Model numbers (3)
- F-150
- EXPEDITION
- NAVIGATOR
Distribution
Distributed nationwide across the United States.
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