Recall 25V163 affects 11,621 2025 Ford F-250 Sd, F-350 Sd, and F-450 Sd trucks for detached shifters. Repair is free at any franchised Ford dealer.
Ford is recalling 11,621 2025 F-350 Sd, F-450 Sd, and F-250 Sd trucks because the steering column shifter was improperly welded and can detach from the steering column. A detached shifter prevents the driver from shifting into park, which creates a rollaway risk and increases crash risk; Ford dealers will complete the recall repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The steering column shifter on the 2025 Ford F-350 Sd, F-450 Sd, and F-250 Sd is the gear selector mounted on the steering column. It lets the driver choose Park, Reverse, Neutral, or Drive, and it works with the truck's gear-position display. The shifter needs to stay firmly attached so the selected gear matches the driver's command.
On affected trucks, the welds that attach the shifter mechanism to the steering column were misaligned during supplier assembly. A weld is the metal joint that holds those parts together. When that joint is not built to specification, the shifter mechanism can detach from the steering column instead of staying fixed in place.
Before the problem becomes obvious, the truck gives warning signs. The driver will hear audible warnings and see a cluster message saying the vehicle is not in Park when the door opens or the ignition is shut off. On trucks with a physical key, the key stays trapped in the ignition.
Who's affected?
All listed Ford truck classes share the same automatic transmission gear position indication component.
| 2025 Ford F-350 Sd | automatic transmission |
|---|---|
| 2025 Ford F-450 Sd | automatic transmission |
| 2025 Ford F-250 Sd | automatic transmission |
| Units affected | 11,621 |
The year and model narrow the scope, but the VIN decides. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific pickup truck is included.
What's the safety risk?
A detached shifter can keep the driver from shifting into park, creating a rollaway risk and increasing the risk of a crash. Treat audible warnings, a cluster message that the vehicle is not in park, or a key that stays trapped in the ignition as signs to secure the vehicle and call the dealer. Repair is free at any franchised Ford dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2025 Ford F-350 Sd, F-450 Sd, or F-250 Sd is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Ford dealer to schedule the free steering-column inspection and replacement if needed, which fixes the shifter weld that can detach from the steering column.
- Bring the owner letter if Ford mailed one. If not, reference recall number 25V163 and Ford recall 25S20 when you call.
- Set the parking brake every time you park until the repair is complete, since a detached shifter can keep the truck from shifting into park.
- Call Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332 with questions about the recall or dealer scheduling.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Ford technician inspects the steering column serial numbers and replaces the steering column if it is covered by the recall. The recall repair is free at a Ford dealer now, with parts and labor covered. Ford's reimbursement plan covers eligible documented out-of-pocket repairs paid before the recall notice. Bring prior repair invoices or receipts to the service desk, or contact Ford customer service if the dealer needs the reimbursement process confirmed.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| March 14, 2025 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| March 19, 2025 | Dealer notification began |
| March 19, 2025 | Dealer notification ended |
| April 24, 2025 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
| April 28, 2025 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 25V163?
Recall 25V163 covers 11,621 2025 Ford F-350 Sd, F-450 Sd, and F-250 Sd vehicles with a steering column shifter that was improperly welded and can detach from the steering column. Ford dealers will inspect the steering column serial number and replace the steering column as needed for free.
What should I do if my 2025 Ford F-350 Sd, F-450 Sd, or F-250 Sd is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific truck is included in recall 25V163. If it is, contact a franchised Ford dealer to schedule the steering column inspection. Reference Ford recall number 25S20 when you call. The inspection and required steering column replacement are free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost, and Ford will inspect the steering column serial number and replace the steering column as needed free of charge at any franchised Ford dealer.
What is the safety risk?
A detached shifter prevents the driver from shifting into park. That creates rollaway risk and increases crash risk. Until Ford completes the inspection or repair, make sure the vehicle is secured before leaving the driver seat, and ask the dealer what to do if the shifter feels loose or detaches.
When were owners notified about recall 25V163?
Ford mailed owner notification letters on April 28, 2025. If you bought the truck used or did not receive the letter, check your VIN and contact a franchised Ford dealer with recall number 25S20.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/25V163000 |
|---|---|
| Ford customer service | 1-866-436-7332 |
| NHTSA recall # | 25V163 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 25V163000 |
Source documents
-
Download Quarterly Report (PDF) - Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Recall Report (PDF)
- Download Misc. Document (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on May 19, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →