Ford Rear Axle Recall Issued Due to Vehicle Rollaway Risks: NHTSA

Nearly 200 warranty claims have been submitted for Ford F-150 trucks, citing broken rear wheel bolts that may pose a safety risk.

A recall of 103,174 Ford F-150 trucks has been issued by the manufacturer due to the risk that the rear axle hub bolt may break, which could result in a vehicle roll away event.

The U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) announced the Ford F-150 recall on August 8, warning that the rear axle hub bolt may break due to fatigue.

The rear axle hub bolt connects the wheel hub to the axle shaft, allowing power to reach the rear wheels. If the bolt breaks, the connection between the hub and axle can loosen, leading to corrosion and drivetrain failure.

The axle and hub rely on splines, which are grooved teeth that lock together to transfer torque, the force that turns the wheels. When the connection fails, the truck may lose power or roll away when parked if the parking brake isn’t engaged, increasing the risk of an auto accident.

According to the Safety Recall Report (PDF), Ford has received at least 194 warranty claims. However, the automaker is not yet aware of any accidents or injuries related to the issue. 

The recall applies to select 2023 through 2025 Ford F-150 models equipped with the Trailer Tow Max Duty package and a 9.75-inch heavy-duty axle featuring a three-quarter float design.

Ford first became aware of the issue on June 5, after noticing an increase in reports of broken rear axle hub bolts and stripped wheel end hub splines. As a result, Ford’s Critical Concern Review Group (CCRG) launched an investigation, which included reviewing a prior recall (23V896) for a similar issue and analyzing Vehicle Owner Questionnaires.

From June to July 2025, the CCRG and engineering team investigated vehicles within the 23V896 recall group and identified additional vehicles reporting rear axle bolts breaking after the recall date, which led to a voluntary safety recall (PDF) on August 11.

Drivers are warned that as the rear axle hub bolt becomes loose, a clicking sound may be heard, and if the bolt breaks, a rattling noise may occur.

Owners will begin receiving recall notification letters on August 18, with instructions on how to obtain a free replacement of the left and right rear axle shaft assemblies.

Ford’s number for this recall is 25S82. Customers may contact Ford customer service directly at 1-866-436-7332 or the company’s contact for this recall, Dusty Gardner, who may be reached by email at dusty.gardner@dot.gov.

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-275-9171), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.

2025 Ford Recalls

Ford has had a record-breaking year for recalls, issuing more in the first half of 2025 than any other company has ever announced in an entire 12-month period.

This summer alone, Ford announced recalls involving more than 850,000 vehicles for risks of engine failure, and nearly 700,000 Bronco Sport and Escape SUVs due to the risk of vehicle fires caused by gas leaks.

In addition, the automaker recalled nearly 200,000 Mustang Mach-E vehicles in June due to faulty door latches that could trap backseat passengers inside.

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