Ford Blames The Machines For F-150 Windshields That Might Fall Off

Dealerships have been instructed to replace the windshield free of charge

                                        https://www.carscoops.com/author/bradcarscoops-com/                                    

The market for open-air thrills has grown in recent years, but some Ford F-150 models owners might be getting a bit more “fresh air” than they bargained for. A fault may cause windshields to detach unexpectedly, transforming these trucks into unintended convertibles. This unwelcome surprise has prompted Ford to recall over 4,300 F-150s.

Ford has revealed the windshield of select 2024 F-150 models may not have been properly bonded to the frame and could detach. If this happened in a crash, occupants would be at an increased risk of injury. The issue also means that impacted F-150s fall foul of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards and must be repaired.

Read: Ford Recalls Over Half A Million F-150 Trucks For Unexpected Downshifts

According to Ford, the poorly mounted windshield was caused by “improperly functioning” windshield position equipment used at the plant building the F-150 during the application of the urethane bead used to mount the glass.

A total of 4,361 F-150s need to be repaired. These vehicles were manufactured between April 28, 2024, and May 2, 2024. Owners may notice excess urethane sealer on the driver’s side exterior A-pillar trim and the passenger side A-pillar trim. They may also hear excessive wind noise or notice water leaks.

Ford’s Critical Concerns Review Group was alerted to the issue on May 9, 2024, after personnel at the Kansas City Assembly Plant noticed urethane sealer on the passenger side A-pillar that was out of position relative to the windshield. Ford then tested subject windshields and determined vehicles impacted by viewing photos from an overheard camera that uses AI in the F-150 factory.

The company is not aware of any warranty, field reports, or customer complaints related to the issue, nor does it know of any accidents or injuries caused by it.

Dealerships were alerted to the recall on July 1, while owners will be informed by July 8. Ford has instructed dealerships to remove the windshield and replace it, lining it up with cameras if needed.