Ford has issued a small but serious recall for the 2026 F-150 pickup truck. Just 37 vehicles equipped with the max towing package are involved in the recall, which follows the automaker’s discovery of incorrect rear axle bearings that can seize and cause rear-wheel lockup.
The bearings can seize while the truck is in motion, causing rear-wheel lockup or driveshaft separation, resulting in a loss of drive power. Driveshaft separation may also cause the vehicle to roll away while parked if the parking brake is not applied.
Ford’s recall documentation states that the problem was discovered this past May by workers at the Sterling Axle Plant, where the bearings are manufactured. A worker noted that 8.8-inch axle tail bearings were being installed, instead of the correct 9.75-inch bearings. The smaller bearings don’t meet the standards for the F-150’s max tow package.
After discovering the problem, the automaker issued a stop-ship order, but 38 vehicles had already left the factory, 37 of which were sold in the United States. Ford said it is not aware of any accidents or injuries related to the problem.
Given the number of F-150 trucks Ford sells each year, your chances of landing on one of the 37 unlucky pickups are small. That said, don’t ignore a notification if you receive one. Dealers will replace the rear axle bearing at no cost to the owner, so there’s no reason not to have it fixed.
Millions of cars are recalled, sometimes more than once. While automakers do their best to notify every vehicle owner affected by a recall, they don’t always reach everyone. To check whether your vehicle might be subject to a recall, use the easy tool at our recall center. All you need is your VIN, license plate, or year, make, and model of your car to get started.
