2023 Ford Super Duty F250 and F350 Rear Axle Safety Defect

Ford Motor Company (Ford) will be contacting the owners of certain 2023 Super Duty F250 and F350 vehicles over concerns of a safety defect that could affect their trucks performance. This article will give a few details about the safety problem and how the lemon law could offer assistance to those dealing with defective vehicles.

Understanding the Safety Problem

The safety problem revolves around 2023 model year F-250 and F-350 Super Duty vehicles equipped with single rear wheels and 10.5-inch rear axles. On August 10, 2023, Ford's Critical Concern Review Group initiated an investigation into left rear axle shaft fractures, prompted by reports and warranty claims. Upon closer examination, it was discovered that the left rear axle shafts may not have undergone proper heat treatment during manufacturing, making them susceptible to breakage.

Laboratory analysis revealed that the axle shafts failed to meet Ford's torsional yield and case depth design specifications. Specifically, the fractures occurred approximately 44 mm from the flange, indicating an area of incomplete induction heat treatment. The root cause of this issue was traced back to an incorrect offset value entered by maintenance personnel for the 10.5-inch left rear axle shaft during the induction heat treating process.

As of August 14, 2023, there have been seven warranty reports linked to this safety defect. Notably, three of these reports mentioned that the vehicle could still move while in four-wheel drive (4WD) even after the rear axle shaft had fractured.

Ford's Field Review Committee convened on August 18, 2023, and approved a field action plan. Under this plan, dealers will inspect the left rear axle shaft date code of affected vehicles and replace the axle shaft as necessary. Ford is not aware of any accidents or injuries resulting from this safety defect.

Lemon Law and Your Rights

If you find yourself in possession of one of the affected vehicles, you may be wondering about your rights as a consumer. This is where the lemon law comes into play. Lemon laws vary from state to state, but they generally provide protection to consumers who have purchased a defective vehicle. These laws typically require the manufacturer to replace the defective vehicle or refund the purchase price if certain conditions are met, such as repeated repair attempts without resolution of the issue.

In the context of the Ford Super Duty recall, if your vehicle experiences the safety defect outlined above, and Ford is unable to fix it within a reasonable number of repair attempts, you may be eligible for relief under your state's lemon law. It's crucial to consult with an attorney well-versed in lemon law to understand your specific rights and options.

Conclusion

Ford's proactive response to the safety problem with the 2023 Super Duty F250 and F350 vehicles reflects the company's commitment to customer safety and satisfaction. If you own one of these vehicles, be sure to check for recall notices and have your vehicle inspected as necessary. Additionally, if you ever find yourself dealing with a defective vehicle, remember that lemon laws can offer protection and recourse to ensure you receive a vehicle that meets the safety and performance standards you deserve.