If you haul an RV with a Ford F-250, F-350, or F-450, this is a heads-up. Ford has issued a safety recall that could directly affect your towing plans and safety on the road.
Read on to learn what happened, which trucks are included, and what Ford and regulators say will be done about it.
Why the recall?
Federal regulators and Ford say 115,539 Super Duty pickup trucks in the U.S. are being recalled because the steering column’s upper shaft hard slider may not meet anti-pull-apart strength requirements. Potentially, the slider could separate from the column, causing a loss of steering control.
Which trucks?
The recall covers certain model year 2020 and 2021 Ford F-250, F-350 and F-450 Super Duty trucks built at the Kentucky truck plant.
Affected vehicles were assembled with the suspect steering column upper shaft between production dates Feb. 19, 2019, and Sept. 30, 2020.
Ford’s NHTSA filing lists the total number included in the recall as 115,539 vehicles.
Why this matters
If you use one of these heavy-duty F-series trucks to tow a fifth wheel or travel trailer, or carry a big camper, a sudden steering failure while towing creates a much higher risk than in normal driving because the trailer’s mass amplifies the consequences. Even a momentary loss of steering control at highway speeds while towing can lead to a dangerous situation for you and other road users. That’s why this recall is especially important for anyone who hauls an RV.
Ford’s explanation
Ford’s safety recall filing explains that the supplier part did not always meet pull-apart load specifications. Ford reviewed the part history and found that a secondary “staking” (a manufacturing reinforcement step) was added in February 2021. Earlier parts had lower pull-apart capacity.
Ford says the defect was brought to its Critical Concern Review Group on June 26, 2025, and it has not identified any accidents or injuries tied to this condition so far.
Remedy
Owners will be asked to take their truck to a Ford or Lincoln dealer for inspection. Parts that fail inspection will be replaced. Parts that pass will be modified to improve retention. All inspections and repairs will be completed for free.
Ford’s recall report lists a planned dealer notification date of Sept. 23, 2025. Owner notification mailings will begin in early October (interim letters) with the final remedy letters expected in late December 2025.
VIN searchability on NHTSA’s recall lookup was scheduled to go live on Sept. 23, 2025. If you own one of these trucks, you can check the VIN on NHTSA’s recall site or contact Ford’s toll-free line or your local dealer for immediate confirmation.
Practical checklist for RVers
If your truck is on the recall list, here are steps you can take:
Check your VIN: When the VIN lookup is live, look up your VIN on NHTSA.gov or call Ford’s owner helpline to see if your truck is included. The NHTSA filing gives Ford’s recall number (25V626) and manufacturer recall number (25S94) to help searches.
Inspect before towing: If you plan to tow soon and you own one of the suspect model years, consider having a dealer or trusted independent shop inspect the steering column before hooking up. Look for unusual play, stiffness, or noises in the steering shaft. There are no instrument warnings tied to this condition, so a physical inspection is a reliable check.
Delay heavy hauling if concerned: If you find steering play or any sign of trouble and you regularly tow heavy loads, avoid long highway towing until the inspection/repair is completed. If you must travel, consider lighter loads or a secondary driver vehicle.
Schedule the free repair: When notified, take the truck to a Ford or Lincoln dealer. Again, the inspection, repair, or replacement is at no charge to owners. Dealers received notification from Ford as part of the recall rollout.
Keep documentation: If you tow as part of a business or for RV rental/sharing, keep records of recall checks and repairs. It’s good risk management and could matter for insurance or liability questions.
More RV and truck recalls here.
RVT1228b
Federal regulators need to clamp down on Ford for building vehicles with defective parts and computer software. Ford don’t care. I have a F150 I bought in June that had four recalls in the 1st three months. One of which involves the axle and could have dangerous results. Recall notice says they have no parts, but are still building F150’s. Had the same issues with a 2021 F150 I totaled. Every time you turned around a recall notice came. Had a 2023 GMC Sierra for two years, no recalls.
Ford went from Quality is job 1 to Recalls is job 1!
Well this just opened the door for Ford bashing, get the popcorn ready…
Thank you for sharing this important safety information, Gail! Have a great week and safe travels!