New updated Max Tow axles installed

[Smevin]

I noticed the bolt on my truck was broken and called for to make a appointment to have this repaired. This is the second time I have had this issue. I dropped the truck off on June 10, 2025 and did not hear anything all day. I called at 3pm to see what was going on with the truck as if it wasn't finished I could get a ride home from a co-worker. I was told to come get the truck as they did nothing to it but take pictures to send in and get the parts ordered and would call when the parts where in. I picked up my truck and drove home but the truck had a headlight sensor warning and the right signal light was on fast flashing. I don't know what Ford did but it wasn't like this when dropped off. I went home and checked for any code and the truck had 9 code to do with ground issues, I cleared the codes and everything seemed to be working properly again.

The dealer ship called and said my parts were in, so made a appointment for June 18, 2025. Dropped the truck off and the service adviser said he would give me a update before noon. Around noon I was given a text saying they had ordered the wrong parts and I could pick up the truck and they would call when the new parts where in again. So again I went to pick up my truck without it being fixed. When I got in the truck this time the instrument cluster was going crazy, Hill Start Assist Not Available, Pre-Collision Assist Not Available, Service AdvanceTrac, Check Brake System and ABS system light on. I went back in the dealer and had them look at it. The tech cleared the codes and then took it for a test drive. After the test drive the service advisor got me a rental and said the vehicle was not safe to drive. My last update was the truck should be ready by Monday June 23.

I like other I don't take my truck to the dealers, and after this experience I can see why. I can't believe Ford would drive a vehicle around the shop to give it to a customer if it has any fault on the dash. I don't know how a dealership could order the wrong parts after keeping my truck for 10 hours to take 3 or 4 pictures for a recall that should state the new part numbers. and how could they make the truck worse then when it went into the shop.
I have been a life time fan of Ford and that is all I have ever bought, but the overall service at these dealerships is terrible. After spending almost 100K on a vehicle your afraid to take it to the company you bought it from is crazy.

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[Snakebitten]

Ford didn't drive your truck around, nor order the wrong parts, nor do whatever was done each visit that resulted in a bunch of electronic codes being thrown.

That lies at the hands of folks that not only don't work for Ford, but are likely to have an adversarial relationship with the manufacturer. It's just the state of the industry today.

Ordered the wrong parts? It's hard to wrap your head around ordering different part #'s than the 2 clearly stated in the TSB/Recall documentation.

 

[Smevin]

Yes you are correct, it wasn't Ford but it was a Ford dealership. It may suck for Ford as a company but the dealerships are responsible for the day to day customer experience. If the dealership sucks that is going to be placed partly on Ford the company. It is Fords fault in the first place for making a bad part to begin with that forced me to take it to the dealership.

I imagine someone thought its way cheaper just to drill a hole and tap the end of a axle instead of machining it properly in the first place. Just my opinion.

 

[Ed21]

Just want to report my experience today with my 2021 max tow. Called my dealer nine days ago for the recall. They confirmed the parts were in stock so I made an appointment for this morning. Was told apon bringing truck in that it would take a while. I said no problem, I’ll wait. After an hour and a half the service adviser comes and tells me they had to take the dreaded pictures and order the parts. They’ll call me when they come in. I thanked them for telling me the parts were in when I called nine days ago like the letter says to do. At least the existing ones are not broken.

Still waiting for the parts to come in. Service writer told me it would be a couple days. It’s been a week so far. I guess a couple days is code for a couple of weeks.

 

[Smevin]

Just picked my truck up yesterday. Checked and both axles are replaced with the new parts and all sensors are working properly. It amazing how fast they get the work done, when the dealership is paying for a rental.

 

[Buyer2021]

It amazing how fast they get the work done, when the dealership is paying for a rental.

Most likely, as per the Ford notice to dealers previously posted, Ford Corporate is reimbursing the dealer for the rental cost.

In any case, glad to hear yours is done

My overall impression, based on the range of experiences posted, is that the speed of procuring parts is still somewhat limited by national availability and may vary due to regional warehousing circumstances.

I still haven't had a bolt failure (?) so I'm content to let this ride until the replacement axles are commonly available for immediate delivery, or dealer on-hand stocking, hopefully ensuring a 2-hour 'customer waiting' fix when I get it.

 

[Northguy]

Was just at dealership picking up my truck after getting oil changed - and 2 recalls looked at - Max tow and the parking light flickering. The modules were replaced on the parking lights, and they said no issues with my Max tow bolts (I knew that as I inspect them regularly). However they had gone ahead and ordered the new replacement axles based on my VIN and would call me when they came in. He did say axles from one side they were having inventory issues with (he didn't say why or which one).

I did talk with him saying that while all these recalls were bad for the brand and fords profitability, they must be good for the dealership maintenance departments. He agreed and said yes, very good, as no time wasted on diagnostics up front - just do the TSB and charge Ford. Given that, I am really surprised that some dealerships aren't up to date on the notices - it's easy money in their pockets. Guess they make enough just selling trucks?

 

[Ed21]

Update: 15 days since I was told the axles would be a couple of days to get. 25 since I was told they had them in stock and to bring the truck in. Never had problems with this dealer since buying my truck there in 2021. Wondering if they changed hands since the last time I had maintenance service there. Arlington Heights Ford, Illinois.

 

[Blown F-150]

I think it has more to do with the supply of the parts. On my notice they stated there were a limited number available. I’m going to assume that dealers will prioritize vehicles with broken bolts first.

 

[Ed21]

I think it has more to do with the supply of the parts. On my notice they stated there were a limited number available. I’m going to assume that dealers will prioritize vehicles with broken bolts first.

I could comprehend it if they told me that but they told me when I made the appointment 10 days prior that they had the parts. Then they told me when they took sticker pictures that they would have the parts in a couple of days. Telling the truth is always a good business model as far as I’m concerned.

 

[Blown F-150]

I could comprehend it if they told me that but they told me when I made the appointment 10 days prior that they had the parts. Then they told me when they took sticker pictures that they would have the parts in a couple of days. Telling the truth is always a good business model as far as I’m concerned.

Absolutely agree, expectations were missed! I’m still waiting too and hope they get installed before I drive over 8000kms in August.

 

[Rineland]

I could comprehend it if they told me that but they told me when I made the appointment 10 days prior that they had the parts. Then they told me when they took sticker pictures that they would have the parts in a couple of days. Telling the truth is always a good business model as far as I’m concerned.

Have your axles come in yet? I did the pictures song and dance with the dealership back on 6/3 (everything still intact). I decided to call today seeing as it’s been over two months and not a word from the dealer. I also now see the recall has expanded to include up to current model year trucks, so my thought is parts may become more constrained.

 

[OneMore]

I took my 2022 PB in last week for inspection and photos. Dealer was given the green light from Ford and parts on order.
Not holding my breath axles will arrive anytime soon.

 

[Blown F-150]

I’m still waiting as well.

 

[Ed21]

Have your axles come in yet? I did the pictures song and dance with the dealership back on 6/3 (everything still intact). I decided to call today seeing as it’s been over two months and not a word from the dealer. I also now see the recall has expanded to include up to current model year trucks, so my thought is parts may become more constrained.

Yes, it was about 2 weeks after they took the pictures.

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