Recall 23V128 covers 240 2023 F-150, Expedition, and Navigator vehicles for a front axle pinion defect. Repair is free at any franchised Ford dealer.
Ford is recalling 240 2023 F-150, Expedition, and Lincoln Navigator vehicles under recall 23V128 because the front axle pinion was not heat-treated and can fracture. A fractured pinion can cause loss of 4-wheel drive and front wheel lockup, which increases the risk of a crash, and Ford dealers will complete the repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The front axle pinion gear set on the 2023 Ford F-150, Expedition, and Navigator is part of the front axle assembly on 4x4 vehicles. It transfers engine torque through the front axle so the front wheels receive power when 4x4 drive is engaged. The pinion has to handle load without cracking at its threaded stem.
On affected vehicles, certain front axle pinions bypassed the required heat treatment process at Ford's axle manufacturing plant. That heat treatment reduces hardness and brittleness. Without it, the pinion stem threads can be too brittle, and the pinion can fracture under load, especially with the 3.73:1 front axle gear set.
The filing does not describe a separate early warning sign before the pinion breaks. The driver can hear a loud noise when the pinion fractures or when the drive shaft and flange hit nearby frame and suspension parts after the fracture, with the failure expected mainly while backing up in 4x4 use.
Who's affected?
Covers the F-150, Expedition, and Navigator from the 2023 model year, all using the same front axle pinion gear set.
| 2023 Ford F-150 | drive axle |
|---|---|
| 2023 Ford Expedition | drive axle |
| 2023 Lincoln Navigator | drive axle |
| Units affected | 240 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged no field incidents to date. |
A matching 2023 model does not guarantee inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific vehicle is included.
What's the safety risk?
A fractured front axle pinion can take away 4-wheel drive and cause the front wheels to lock up, which raises crash risk. A loud noise when the pinion breaks or parts strike the frame cross member and stability bar is a warning sign. Drive cautiously and schedule the repair soon. Repair is free at any franchised Ford dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2023 Ford F-150, Ford Expedition, or Lincoln Navigator is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Ford dealer to schedule the free front axle pinion gear set replacement.
- Ask the dealer whether the full front axle assembly needs replacement if the pinion is broken.
- Bring the recall notice if Ford mailed one. If not, reference recall number 23V128 when you call.
- Drive cautiously until the repair is complete, since a fractured pinion can cause loss of 4-wheel drive or front wheel lockup.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Ford technician replaces the front axle pinion gear set. If the front axle pinion is already broken, the technician replaces the entire axle assembly instead. Parts and labor are free under recall 23V128. Ford has a general reimbursement plan for owners who paid for this repair before recall notification, with eligibility ending December 31, 2023. Bring repair invoices and payment documentation to the service desk or contact Ford customer service.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| February 24, 2023 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| March 1, 2023 | Dealer notification began |
| March 1, 2023 | Dealer notification ended |
| April 10, 2023 | VIN-searchable in NHTSA's database — Check your VIN to see whether this recall applies to your specific vehicle. |
| April 10, 2023 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
| April 21, 2023 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 23V128?
Recall 23V128 covers 240 2023 Ford F-150, Ford Expedition, and Lincoln Navigator vehicles with a front axle pinion gear that was not heat-treated. The pinion can fracture, leading to loss of 4-wheel drive or front wheel lockup. Ford dealers will replace the affected gear set for free.
What should I do if my 2023 Ford F-150, Ford Expedition, or Lincoln Navigator is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific vehicle is included in recall 23V128. If it is, contact a franchised Ford dealer to schedule the front axle pinion gear set replacement. Reference Ford recall number 23S07 when you call. The repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost, and Ford's remedy states that repairs will be performed free of charge. Dealers will replace the front axle pinion gear set, or replace the full axle assembly if the pinion is broken.
What is the safety risk in recall 23V128?
The safety risk is loss of 4-wheel drive or front wheel lockup if the front axle pinion fractures. That condition increases crash risk. If your VIN is included, schedule the free dealer repair and ask the service desk whether the vehicle is safe to drive until your appointment.
When were owners notified about recall 23V128?
Ford mailed owner notification letters on April 21, 2023. If you bought the vehicle used or never received a letter, the VIN still decides whether the recall applies. Check your VIN, then call a franchised Ford dealer with recall number 23S07.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/23V128000 |
|---|---|
| Ford customer service | 1-866-436-7332 |
| NHTSA recall # | 23V128 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 23V128000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Recall Report (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on May 20, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →