2021-2023 Ford F-150 Rear Axle Hub Bolt Recall
Ford has issued a recall for certain 2021-2023 F-150 vehicles equipped with the Trailer Tow Max Duty package. The recall addresses a rear axle hub bolt that may fatigue and break, potentially leading to a vehicle rollaway or loss of drive power, increasing crash risk.
S'applique également à
- Ford F-150
- 2022–2023
Why this matters
The rear axle hub bolt in affected F-150 trucks may fatigue and break. This critical failure can lead to damage to the axle hub splines.
Damaged axle hub splines pose a significant safety risk. They can cause the vehicle to roll away when it is in park without the parking brake applied, or result in a complete loss of drive power. Both of these conditions substantially increase the risk of a crash.
What's being recalled
This recall affects certain 2021-2023 Ford F-150 vehicles. Specifically, it targets trucks equipped with the Trailer Tow Max Duty package and a 9.75-inch heavy duty axle featuring a 3/4 float axle design.
The core issue is the rear axle hub bolt, which is prone to fatigue and breakage. This defect can damage the axle hub splines, compromising the vehicle's ability to remain stationary or maintain propulsion.
How to check if your vehicle is affected
Owners of 2021-2023 Ford F-150 trucks should determine if their vehicle is included in this safety recall. You can check your vehicle's eligibility by contacting Ford customer service directly at 1-866-436-7332.
Ford's internal number for this recall is 23S65. You can also visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) website at www.nhtsa.gov and enter your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) to confirm if your truck is part of the 2021 Ford F-150 recall.
Manufacturer's remedy
Ford will address this issue by replacing the left and right rear axle shaft assemblies on all affected vehicles. This repair will be performed free of charge to the owner.
Owner notification letters regarding this 2021 Ford F-150 recall were mailed on May 9, 2025. If you own an affected vehicle and have not received notification by this date, you should still contact Ford or your dealership to schedule the necessary repair.
Important warnings for owners
Owners should be aware that notification letters were mailed on May 9, 2025. If you experience any symptoms related to a loss of drive power or unusual vehicle movement while parked, contact your dealer immediately.
Source: NHTSA ID: 23V896000
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the specific problem with the 2021-2023 Ford F-150 rear axle?
- The recall addresses a rear axle hub bolt that may fatigue and break. This can lead to damaged axle hub splines, which are critical for the vehicle's drive and parking functions.
- What are the potential safety risks of this F-150 recall?
- If the axle hub splines are damaged, the vehicle could roll away when parked without the parking brake, or you could experience a loss of drive power while operating. Both conditions significantly increase the risk of a crash.
- How will Ford fix the rear axle issue on my F-150?
- Ford dealers will replace both the left and right rear axle shaft assemblies. This repair will be completed at no cost to the vehicle owner.
- When can I expect to be notified about the 2021 Ford F-150 recall?
- Owner notification letters were mailed on May 9, 2025. If you own an affected vehicle and have not received a letter by then, you can contact Ford customer service or check the NHTSA website with your VIN.
What Ford F-150 owners report
Counted from the records in our database across 46 model years.
- 39,812
- Owner complaints
- 226
- Recalls
- 2,759
- Service bulletins
- 1,679
- Crashes reported
- 2,104
- Fires reported
- 1,496
- Injuries reported
The 2021 model year
1,308 complaints, the 13th most of 46 model years on file. Owners reported 18 crashes, 7 fires and 13 injuries for this year, which also has 29 recalls on file.
Power Train, the system this article covers, accounts for 9,483 of 39,812 complaints (24%), including 447 for 2021.
Complaints by model year
| 1997 | 2,758 | |
|---|---|---|
| 2004 | 2,029 | |
| 2011 | 2,194 | |
| 2012 | 1,784 | |
| 2013 | 2,994 | |
| 2014 | 1,539 | |
| 2015 | 1,746 | |
| 2016 | 2,093 | |
| 2018 | 2,327 | |
| 2021 | 1,308 |
Most-reported systems
- Power Train — 9,483
- Engine — 4,618
- Electrical System — 4,362
- Service Brakes — 3,838
- Vehicle Speed Control — 2,924
Latest recalls for the 2021 model year
- 26V489000 — Back Over Prevention (Jul 2026)
- 26V402000 — Power Train (Jun 2026)
- 26V104000 — Electrical System (Feb 2026)
Recent owner reports about power train
My 2021 F-150 PowerBoost hybrid repeatedly lost propulsion while traveling on the highway in early October 2026, including four incidents on one trip around October 3.
Read owner complaints →The cdf is outdated and the truck would get stuck in the wrong gear and not work. I was only 3,800 miles over the 60k mile warranty and having to pay out of pocket for a updated cdf drum that ford has created because they know the old ones are faulty
Complaints are owner reports filed with NHTSA. They are unverified, and counts depend on how many vehicles were sold, so they are not a failure rate.
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