Ford announced two recalls totaling nearly 250,000 vehicles for different model years of its F-150 pickup truck. It also recalled its Transit cargo van.

The first involves 184,698 F-150 from the 2021 and 2022 model years.  The automaker said underbody heat and noise insulators may loosen and contact the aluminum driveshaft, which could damage the driveshaft and cause it to fracture.

A fractured driveshaft would cause a loss of drive power, or a loss of vehicle control if the driveshaft contacts the ground. Ford also said that the trucks could experience unintended movement while parked if the parking brake is not engaged. Any of these scenarios can increase the risk of a crash.

Ford plans to mail letters to owners of the trucks on Jan. 31, asking them to take them to the local dealer. Technicians at the dealers will inspect and repair the driveshaft as necessary, and properly attach the underbody insulators, free of charge. Owners may contact Ford customer service at (866) 436-7332. Ford’s number for this recall is 21S56.

The second recall involves 57,591 2018 F-150 vehicles with manual and power release tailgates. The tailgate latches may unlatch unexpectedly while driving. The risk is that the contents of the bed could spill out and cause a crash with vehicles following the pickup truck.

Ford plans to mail letters to owners of the trucks on Jan. 31, asking them to take them to the local dealer. Technicians at the dealers will replace the left-hand and right-hand tailgate latches, free of charge.

Owners may contact Ford customer service at (866) 436-7332. Ford’s number for this recall is 21S53.

Ford also recalled 4,548 2020 Transit cargo vans equipped with all-wheel-drive. The bolts that attach the rear driveshaft to the transfer case may become loose or damaged, which can result in the separation of the driveshaft from the transfer case.

Such an occurrence can result in a loss of drive power, or unintended movement while parked if the parking brake is not engaged, increasing the risk of a crash.

Ford plans to mail letters to owners of the trucks on Jan. 31, asking them to take them to the local dealer. Technicians at the dealers will inspect and replace the driveshaft bolts. If any loose bolts are found, the driveshaft, attachment hardware, transfer case flange kit, and seal will also be replaced. Ford will conduct the repairs free of charge. Owners may contact Ford customer service at (866) 436-7332. Ford’s number for this recall is 21S54.

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