Ford is recalling 4,595 examples of the 2024 model year Mustang due to an issue with the rear suspension. Assumed production defects from the parts supplier may result in the rear suspension knuckles playing host to casting imperfections. In the worst case scenario, this can weaken the component and even cause it to fracture.
Obviously, this poses a rather significant safety risk. Under braking or acceleration, the affected wheel would presumably see rather serious (and varied) changes in angle. Ideally, this would just create some uneven tire wear. However, with a busted knuckle, drivers are more likely to see a dangerous loss in overall stability and responsiveness.
Based on documents filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), Ford had requested records to determine the number of impacted parts. Two affected rear suspension knuckles were identified and assembled into vehicles produced at some point between July 25th, 2023, and September 15th, 2023.
The defect is assumed to stem from a misplaced debris filter used during the casting process. Ford is concerned that the supplier may have allowed slag to enter the part cavity during casting and resulted in imperfections that have compromised its integrity. Ford has likewise issued a warning to drivers that a “fractured knuckle may reduce vehicle lateral stiffness, resulting in significant toe-in or toe-out of the rear tire under braking or throttle application.”
Customers may experience limited vehicle steering directional control as a result,” stated the automaker. “Limited vehicle steering directional control increases the risk of a crash.”
Ford reported that an issue pertaining to a warranty report of rear suspension knuckle fractures on 2024 model year Mustang vehicles was brought to its Critical Concern Review Group (CCRG) in June of this year. Records of supplier Citic Dicastal Co. were then reviewed by the company to determine how widespread the issue might be. Blue Oval decided to take action starting in early August, leading to a formal recall.
Since the impacted parts aren’t tied directly to the VIN, Ford will notify owners by mail and tell them to take their vehicle to a dealership to have the serial numbers of the rear suspension knuckle checked. If they’re determined to be part of the defective batch, they’ll be replaced at no charge.
Dealers are already well aware of the problem and customers should begin receiving notifications by August 26th. While customers can check to see if their vehicle might be impacted by going to the NHTSA recall website or contacting Ford’s customer service. They will still need to take the car in to be absolutely certain, since the serial numbers on the individual parts have to be manually verified.
[Images: Ford Motor Co.]
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