What is the Ford driveshaft coupling recall?
Ford has issued several recalls over driveshaft coupling issues in certain models and years; if your vehicle is affected, Ford or a dealership will replace the coupling at no cost.
Understanding the driveshaft and why a recall happens
The driveshaft transfers torque from the engine to the wheels, typically via a coupling that joins the driveshaft to the transmission or differential. A defective or worn driveshaft coupling can crack, become loose, or detach, potentially leading to a loss of propulsion, unusual vibrations, or other drivetrain concerns. recalls aim to fix these defects before they cause a breakdown or safety risk.
Scope of Ford's driveshaft coupling recalls
Ford has run multiple recall campaigns addressing driveshaft coupling issues across various models and model years. The exact vehicles affected depend on the specific campaign and are determined by the vehicle's VIN; eligibility can vary. Owner notices are typically mailed, and dealers perform the replacement free of charge once eligibility is confirmed.
To verify whether your specific vehicle is part of a recall, use VIN-based recall lookup through official channels.
Before you check your VIN, here is how you can proceed to confirm recall status and eligibility.
- Locate your vehicle’s 17-digit VIN, visible on the lower left of the windshield or on the driver’s door jamb, and prepare it for the lookup.
- Visit the NHTSA recall page or Ford’s official recall lookup to search by VIN and view campaign numbers, descriptions, and status.
- Contact your nearest Ford dealer or authorized service center to confirm eligibility and schedule a free repair if affected.
- Follow the dealer’s instructions for inspection and replacement, and report any drivetrain symptoms you’ve observed, such as abnormal vibration or knocking noises.
If eligible, you will receive an owner notification with instructions and typically a no-charge repair window, subject to parts availability and scheduling constraints.
What happens during the recall repair
The standard remedy in driveshaft coupling recalls is replacement of the affected driveshaft coupling assembly, and in some cases related components, to restore proper connection between the driveshaft and the transmission or differential. Repairs are performed by trained technicians, and the work is typically covered under the recall at no cost to the owner.
Additionally, the service may involve a road-test after replacement to verify the fix and ensure there are no lingering vibrations or noises.
What owners should do now
If you own a Ford vehicle, the first step is to check whether a driveshaft coupling recall applies to your car. Do not ignore unusual vibrations, sounds, or drivetrain complaints—these could indicate a component problem that the recall intends to address.
- Check your VIN against current recall campaigns using the NHTSA or Ford recall lookup tools.
- Contact Ford Customer Service if you need help interpreting the recall status for your VIN.
- Book a service appointment at an authorized Ford dealer if the recall applies.
Reserve the correct repair window and follow the official instructions for your vehicle’s recall campaign. Remember that recall handling is free for the owner and aims to prevent a potential drive loss or crash due to coupling failure.
Summary
Ford’s driveshaft coupling recalls are not a single fixed campaign but a series of campaigns addressing a defect in the coupling that could affect propulsion and drivetrain integrity. The best course of action is to check your vehicle’s VIN against official recall databases, contact a Ford dealer, and have the repair performed at no cost if you are affected. Staying informed through NHTSA and Ford’s recall portals is essential for owners of affected vehicles.
