I've had plenty of Ford in the bay over the years, and the wheel-bearing and hub complaints on these don't surprise me. 1,031 on the NHTSA record across 109 model-year entries (2005–2024) is not a fluke. The complaints are spread across the lineup — no single model is doing all the work. That tells you it's an engineering or supplier pattern, not a one-off bad year. 2 fatality reports on file with NHTSA tied to this category on Ford vehicles. That elevates this from nuisance to safety-critical. Repair cost runs around $400 on average — relatively low for an aggregated category. Across the 238 complaints reporting odometer mileage, the median failure lands at about 56,372 miles. Drive it across the conditions it will actually see — heat, cold, highway, stop-and-go. Pattern complaints surface under load, not in the dealer parking lot.
Ford wheels problems
1,031 owner complaints filed with NHTSA against Ford vehicles for wheels issues. See wheels across all makes →
Worst-affected Ford model-years for wheels Top 25 by complaint volume
Active recalls — Ford wheels 4 on file
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain Wheel Hub Bearing assemblies, part number HB5Z-1104-C, incorrectly listed as being for installation on the rear axles of 2011-2017 Ford Explorer 4X2 vehicles
A loss of the wheel or wheel end can increase the risk of a crash.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2023 Bronco and Ranger vehicles
Loose lug nuts may result in wheel detachment while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2022 F-150 Raptor Series vehicles equipped with 37-inch tires
Incorrectly tightened wheel lug nuts can loosen and result in wheel separation from the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Ford is recalling certain model year 2010-2011 Ford fusion and mercury milan vehicles equipped with 17 inch steel wheels and built from april 1, 2009, through april 30, 2009, and from december 1, 2009, through november 13, 2010
While driving, multiple stud fractures could occur at the wheel location, and the operator may experience vehicle vibration and/or wheel separation, increasing the risk of a crash.
Common questions
How many Ford wheels complaints are on file with NHTSA?
1,031 complaints across 109 model-year entries from 2005 to 2024. No active recall campaigns currently cover this category for Ford.
Which Ford model has the most wheels complaints?
The 2016 Ford F-150 leads with 49 complaints in this category. Next: 2016 Fusion (42) and 2017 F-150 (38).
What does it cost to fix Ford wheels problems?
Independent shops average $400 for wheels repairs across the Ford lineup. Dealer pricing tends to run twenty to forty percent higher. Specific cost depends on the failure mode and parts availability.
Are there Ford wheels recalls?
Yes — 4 active recall campaigns cover wheels on Ford vehicles. Recall fixes are free regardless of mileage or warranty status. The list below shows current campaigns with their NHTSA numbers.