Ford F

Only certain crew-cab trucks with four-wheel drive and a 145-inch wheelbase are affected

Ford has announced the recall of nearly 185,000 F-150 pickup trucks from the 2021 and 2022 model years to fix an issue where the driveshaft may be damaged by loose parts. Heat and noise insulation panels could come loose and impact the aluminum driveshaft. The driveshaft could fracture, which will result in the truck losing power. The driver could lose control of the vehicle if the driveshaft comes in contact with the ground. In addition, if the driver parks the F-150 without using the parking brake, the truck could roll away.

The affected vehicles are 4x4 145-inch wheelbase Crew Cab configurations with 302A and above equipment group and sound insulation package that are equipped with an aluminum driveshaft.

The automaker notes that there have been 27 reports of fractured driveshafts related to the loose insulation panels. Ford is not aware of any reports of accident or injury related to the problem.

Vehicles recalled: 184,698 Ford F-150 pickup trucks from the 2021 and 2022 model years.

The problem: Heat and noise insulators that are beneath the vehicle may loosen and come in contact with the aluminum driveshaft. This could damage the driveshaft and cause it to fracture.

The fix: Dealers will inspect and repair the driveshaft as necessary, and properly attach the underbody insulators. This fix is free of charge.

How to contact the manufacturer: Ford will begin notifying owners of affected vehicles starting Jan. 13, 2022. Owners may also contact Ford at 866-436-7332.

NHTSA campaign number: 21V986. Ford’s own number for this recall is 21S56.

Check to see whether your vehicle has an open recall: NHTSA’s website will tell you whether your vehicle has any open recalls that need to be addressed.

If you plug your car’s 17-digit vehicle identification number (VIN) into NHTSA’s website and a recall doesn’t appear, it means your vehicle doesn’t currently have any open recalls. Because automakers issue recalls often, and for many older vehicles, we recommend checking back regularly to see whether your vehicle has had a recall issued.

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Jon Linkov

Jon Linkov is the deputy auto editor at Consumer Reports. He has been with CR since 2002, covering varied automotive topics including buying and leasing, maintenance and repair, ownership, reliability, used cars, and electric vehicles. He manages CR’s lineup of special interest publications, hosts CR’s “Talking Cars” podcast, and writes and edits content for CR’s online and print products. An avid cyclist, Jon also enjoys driving his ’80s-era sports car and instructing at track days.