A faulty assembly tool led to missing axle hardware, prompting a recall of thousands vehicles.
Ford Motor Company is recalling its F-53 motorhome stripped chassis and F-59 commercial stripped chassis due to a potentially serious safety issue. Certain 2025 and 2026 models built between June 27, 2025, and December 18, 2025, may have left the factory without front axle hub spindle nuts and cotter pins on either side.
Final assembly is handled by Detroit Chassis, a subsidiary of Spectra, at its facility in Detroit, Michigan. The plant focuses on heavy-duty stripped chassis that are later sent to upfitters. Before 2000, Ford assembled these types of vehicles in Monterrey, Mexico.
The issue first came to light in November 2025 after two warranty reports indicated missing spindle nuts on the front axle. The case was escalated to Ford’s Critical Concern Review Group, which traced the problem back to a malfunctioning automated spindle nut installation tool. The faulty equipment was taken out of service on July 14, 2025, and replaced with a manual process that remained in use through December 18.
Owners of affected vehicles will be notified by mail no later than September 30, 2026. Ford is rolling this out as a phased recall, meaning interim notices will be sent first, followed by repair instructions between July 1 and September 30, 2026.
Dealers are required to inspect both front axle hubs to confirm the presence of spindle nuts and cotter pins. If any parts are missing, the vehicle must be repaired according to official service guidelines.
Owners can check if their vehicle is affected through Ford’s website or by using the lookup tool from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Built on a heavy-duty steel frame with single-channel rails, the F-59 is the more robust option of the two chassis. Ford says the 2026 F-59 offers best-in-class capability, with a maximum gross vehicle weight rating of up to 22,000 pounds. Buyers can choose from five wheelbase options, ranging from 158 to 208 inches.
The model also features multiple weight ratings and a 50-degree wheel cut, improving maneuverability in tight spaces. A propane-ready engine package is available as an option, and the F-59 is sold through more than 730 dealers across the U.S.
Standard features include traction control and electronic stability control, while options include automatic high beams and pre-collision assist with automatic emergency braking. Additional available features include Distance Alert, Lane Departure Warning, Forward Collision Warning, and Adaptive Cruise Control. Ford also offers a dedicated Parcel Delivery package.
Under the hood sits a slightly detuned 7.3-liter “Godzilla” V8 paired with a six-speed automatic transmission with tow/haul mode. In this setup, the engine produces 335 horsepower and 468 lb-ft of torque.
Despite the issue, Ford emphasizes that affected vehicles can be safely repaired once inspected, and the recall aims to address the problem quickly and efficiantly.