Ford recalls some F-150 electric trucks as NHTSA cites possible 'loss of directional control'

Jan. 2 (UPI) -- A suspension problem that heightens the risk of crashing has prompted Ford to recall 12,000 of its 2023-2024 F-150 electric trucks, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said.

The front upper control arm ball joint nut may not have been tightened properly on the Lightning BEV, which could allow it to detach from the knuckle assembly, "which can cause the driver to experience a partial loss of directional control, increasing a risk of a crash," the administration said in its recall notice.

The NHTSA has provided an online search tool for customers to determine if their vehicle is part of the Lightning recall.

So far, the issue has caused only a single known accident, and Ford said it will begin notifying customers in early February.

When Ford investigated the new vehicle involved in the accident, it had only been driven 700 miles and was missing an upper control arm nut, which caused the steering assembly to separate and contributed to the crash. The discovery prompted a broader investigation that resulted in a recall, the trade publication Inside EV's reported.

Owners of the recalled trucks can also call the NHTSA's vehicle safety hotline at 1-888-327-4236.

The recall comes nearly a year after Ford recalled 112,965 F-150 trucks built between 2021 and 2023 due to a rear axle hub bolt that was identified as being at risk of breakage.