If you rely on a Ford Super Duty pickup—whether it’s an F-250, F-350, or F-450—for hauling a heavy trailer or towing an RV, you should be aware of a new safety recall that may directly affect your truck. Ford has announced that 115,539 Super Duty models in the United States are being recalled due to a potentially serious steering issue. According to Ford and federal safety regulators, the problem lies in the steering column’s upper shaft hard slider, which may not meet required anti-pull-apart strength standards. In extreme cases, this slider could separate from the column itself, resulting in a loss of steering control—a dangerous situation for any driver, but particularly critical for those towing heavy loads.
The recall specifically applies to certain 2020 and 2021 model year Super Duty trucks that were assembled at Ford’s Kentucky Truck Plant. The affected vehicles were produced between February 19, 2019, and September 30, 2020. Ford has confirmed the total number of units involved is 115,539, and these trucks were equipped with steering column shafts sourced from a supplier whose parts did not consistently meet safety standards.
For those who use these trucks to tow fifth-wheel campers, travel trailers, or large slide-in campers, the risk is even greater. A sudden or momentary loss of steering control on the highway could lead to severe consequences, as the weight and momentum of the trailer amplify the danger. This makes the recall particularly urgent for RV enthusiasts and professional haulers who depend on the F-series Super Duty lineup for towing.
Owners will be contacted and asked to bring their trucks to an authorized Ford or Lincoln dealership for inspection. If the steering column shaft fails the inspection, it will be replaced. If it passes, technicians will still apply modifications to strengthen retention and improve long-term durability. Importantly, all inspections and repairs will be carried out free of charge.
Ford’s recall schedule indicates that dealers were notified on September 23, 2025, while owners will receive notification letters in stages. Interim letters are expected in October 2025, with final remedy letters to follow in December 2025. In the meantime, owners can already confirm whether their truck is affected by using the NHTSA recall lookup tool or by contacting Ford’s customer hotline. The recall is officially listed under NHTSA number 25V626 and Ford’s internal recall number 25S94.
Ford’s investigation found that the steering column issue was tied to a supplier part that did not consistently meet pull-apart strength requirements. In February 2021, a secondary staking process was added to improve part durability, meaning vehicles built after that point are not affected.
For current owners, several steps are recommended. First, check your VIN on NHTSA’s database once the tool is active. Second, if you tow regularly, have the steering column inspected before attaching a heavy trailer, especially if you notice unusual noises, stiffness, or play in the steering. Since there are no dashboard warnings for this defect, a physical inspection is the only reliable check. Third, if you are concerned, consider postponing long-distance hauling until the recall repair is completed. Lastly, keep documentation of all inspections and repairs, especially if your truck is used commercially or for RV rentals, as this may be important for insurance and liability purposes.
In short, while the recall is a precautionary measure, the potential risks highlight why owners of 2020–2021 Super Duty models should act quickly. By scheduling the free repair and verifying their VIN, drivers can ensure their trucks remain safe, particularly when towing heavy loads.