Recall 12V009 affects 36 2011 Ford F-650 Sd trucks for loose steering-arm bolts. Repair is free at any franchised Ford dealer.
Ford is recalling 36 2011 F-650 Sd trucks under recall 12V009 because bolts fastening the steering arm to the steering knuckle were not properly tightened. If the steering arm loosens or separates, the driver can lose steering control; the Ford dealer repair will be free once available.
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What's wrong?
The front steer axle on the 2011 Ford F-650 Sd carries the front wheels and lets them pivot when the driver turns the steering wheel. A steering arm bolts to the steering knuckle, the heavy joint at the wheel end of the axle. That arm transfers movement from the steering linkage into wheel direction.
On affected trucks equipped with the Meritor MFS08 front steer axle, the bolts holding the steering arm to the steering knuckle were not tightened properly during assembly. Loose bolts let the steering arm move against the knuckle instead of staying clamped in place. As that movement continues, the arm can loosen further or separate from the knuckle, leaving the steering linkage unable to control that front wheel as designed.
There is no warning sign before failure. If the steering arm loosens or separates, the change can happen without a dashboard light or an earlier symptom the driver can rely on.
Who's affected?
| 2011 Ford F-650 Sd | drive axle |
|---|---|
| Units affected | 36 |
Not every 2011 Ford F-650 Sd truck is on the list. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific truck is included.
What's the safety risk?
This recall addresses steering-arm and steering-knuckle problems tied to loss of steering control and crash risk. If your VIN is included, drive cautiously and schedule the dealer inspection before making unnecessary trips. The dealer will inspect the steering arm and knuckle, then repair the vehicle as needed. Repair will be free at any franchised Ford dealer once available.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2011 Ford F-650 Sd is included in this recall.
- Watch for Ford's owner notice, then contact a franchised Ford dealer to ask whether the free steering-arm and steering-knuckle inspection is open for your VIN.
- Ask the dealer to inspect the steering arm and steering knuckle, and repair the loose steering-arm condition from undertightened bolts for free.
- Bring the recall notice if Ford mailed one. If not, reference recall number 12V009 when you call.
- Drive only as needed until the dealer inspects it. Leave extra room and stop driving if the steering feels loose.
What happens at the repair
The record does not list a current remedy status. Ford's stated remedy is for a Ford technician to inspect the steering arm and steering knuckle, then repair the truck as needed. That means the dealer checks the steering arm connection at the knuckle and corrects any loose or improper attachment covered by the recall. The dealer repair will be free once available, with parts and labor covered under the recall.
Timeline
| January 12, 2012 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| January 20, 2012 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 12V009?
Recall 12V009 covers 36 2011 Ford F-650 Sd trucks equipped with a Meritor MFS08 front steer axle. The bolts attaching the steering arm to the steering knuckle were not properly tightened, which can let the steering arm loosen or separate. Ford dealers inspect and repair the affected parts for free.
What should I do if my 2011 Ford F-650 Sd is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific truck is included in recall 12V009. If it is, contact a franchised Ford dealer to schedule the steering arm and steering knuckle inspection. Reference recall number 12V009 when you call. The dealer repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires manufacturers to repair safety defects at no cost to owners. Ford dealers inspect the steering arm and steering knuckle, then repair the truck as needed, free of charge.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is loss of steering control. If the steering arm loosens or separates from the steering knuckle, the driver can lose control of the truck, increasing crash risk. Confirm the VIN, then arrange the free dealer inspection and repair if the truck is included.
What if I bought my Ford F-650 Sd used?
The free recall repair still applies. Recall coverage follows the VIN, not the original owner. If you never received Ford's owner notice, check your VIN to confirm whether your truck is included, then call a franchised Ford dealer with recall number 12V009.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/12V009000 |
|---|---|
| Ford customer service | 1-866-436-7332 |
| NHTSA recall # | 12V009 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 12V009000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Defect / Noncompliance Notice (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on June 2, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →