Ford F-150 recalled a fourth time

FORD Australia is recalling its newly launched – and locally converted – F-150 for a fourth time this month, the long-wheelbase version of the American build pick-up found to have been fitted with non-compliant side direction indicator lights.

While there is no safety hazard associated with the recall, the defect is one of several to have plagued the full-size ‘ute’ since its local introduction. Ford Australia has previously announced recalls for faulty clock springs, steering components, and turbocharger plumbing, with all issued between January and March of this year.

For the most recent recall, Ford Australia says it will contact affected owners to replace the incorrectly fitted indicator assembly when “parts and a fix are available”. The repair will be carried out free of charge.

Alternately, Ford F-150 owners may choose to contact their nearest Ford Service Centre, or call the Ford Customer Relationship Centre on 13 36 73.

Ford F-150 recall timeline:

• January 4: Ford Australia issues stop ship and stop sale notice for F-150 after a potential issue is discovered with the model’s turbocharging system. The issue affects only vehicles converted locally by RMA Automotive.
• January 23: Ford Australia issues a recall notice for F-150 models after a steering defect is found in those vehicles converted locally by RMA Automotive. At the time, it asked all owners to stop driving their vehicle immediately out of “an abundance of caution”.
• January 30: Ford Australia issues a recall notice relating to a potential issue with the vehicle’s clock spring which could in turn affected the deployment of the driver’s frontal airbag. The recall was not related to the remanufacturing process of right-hand drive vehicles and affected just nine vehicles.
• March 21: Ford Australia issues a recall notice for long-wheelbase versions of its locally converted F-150 range after it was found the vehicles were fitted with side indicator assemblies that did not comply with Australian Design Rule 13/00. The issue poses no risk to vehicle safety and will be addressed when suitable replacement parts are made available.