Ford F-Series Super Duty Pickup Trucks Recalled Because Airbag May Not Deploy
Dust could cause an interruption with the electrical connection to the airbag
2016 Ford F-450
By Jon Linkov
Ford Motor Company is recalling more than 310,000 Super Duty F-250, F-350, F-450, and F-550 trucks from the 2016 model year because of a risk that the driver airbag may not deploy.
According to documents provided by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the problem exists because dust could contaminate a cable inside the steering assembly, called the clock spring. The friction caused by the dust may result in the disconnection of some or all of the electrical connections with the airbag.
Drivers may notice a popping or clicking sound emanating from inside the steering wheel, the loss of illumination and function of the switches on the steering wheel, the horn not working, and the airbag warning lamp illuminating in the instrument cluster.
In October 2021, Ford’s Critical Concern Review Group (CCRG) was informed about a warranty repair on a Super Duty pickup truck. This incident was similar to a report that NHTSA had inquired about in July 2021.
Ford analyzed the data from that report and the warranty repair, and eventually identified 11,200 reports between July 20, 2015, and Dec. 10, 2021, of trucks from the 2016 model year having similar symptoms, including the airbag warning lamp illuminating.
Ford says that it is unaware of any crashes or injuries related to the problem.
The Recall Details
Vehicles recalled: 310,203 Ford F-250, F-350, F-450, and F550 Super Duty trucks from the 2016 model year.
The problem: The cable inside the steering assembly could be contaminated by dust, causing friction that may result in the disconnection of some or all of the electrical connections with the airbag.
The fix: Ford dealers will install a new steering wheel clock spring, at no charge to the owner.
How to contact the manufacturer: Ford will notify owners via mail starting July 5, 2022. Owners of affected vehicles may call Ford at 866-436-7332.
NHTSA campaign number: 22V337. Ford’s number for the recall is 22S35.
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, your vehicle doesn’t currently have one. Because automakers issue recalls often, and for many older vehicles, we recommend checking back regularly.
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