2023 Ford Super Duty F-Series Trucks Window Anti-Pinch Problem

Ford Motor Company (Ford) will be contacting the owners of certain 2023 Super Duty F250, F350, F450, and F550 vehicles for a safety concern affecting the window anti-pinch function.

The problem was brought to Ford's attention in March 2023 through their Critical Concern Review Group (CCRG) after reports of a problem with the software levels of the Driver Door Module (DDM) and Passenger Door Module (PDM). The problem could potentially lead to the malfunctioning of the anti-pinch feature during specific conditions.

Ford Engineering identified the issue during a review of front window actuation performance in certain 2023 Super Duty trucks. The affected vehicles were found to have non-production intent software levels in the DDM and PDM, which were supposed to be updated with newer versions to prevent unintended behavior. The problem is, when the driver and front passenger door module experience a low power condition and reset while the window is in motion, the anti-pinch function may fail to detect an obstacle near the top edge. The window may not automatically reversing direction under these conditions.

Potential Risks and Impact on Safety

The defect report highlights that this issue can lead to a temporary lapse in the anti-pinch feature, which could pose safety risks during certain conditions. If front row windows do not automatically reverse when encountering an obstruction while closing, there is an increased risk of injury to occupants.

The Remedy and Notification Process

To resolve this safety issue, Ford will be rolling out a software update for the Driver Door Module and Passenger Door Module. Affected vehicle owners will receive notifications by mail, urging them to visit a Ford or Lincoln dealer for the necessary software update. This update will rectify the problem and restore the intended function of the anti-pinch feature. Ford's number for this recall is 23S37 and the NHTSA campaign number is 23V-507.

Lemon Law Protection for Vehicle Owners

If your vehicle is exhibiting persistent issues and you think it could be a "lemon," it's essential to know your rights under the Lemon Law. Lemon Laws vary by state, but generally, they provide protection to consumers who have purchased a vehicle with recurring, unfixable defects. These laws typically require the manufacturer to repurchase or replace the defective vehicle if the issues persist after a reasonable number of repair attempts. If you believe your Ford Super Duty F-Series truck might fall under the Lemon Law criteria, consider seeking legal counsel to understand your options and rights for potential resolution.