It is well known that there is an issue with rear axle bolts on late-model F-150s with the MaxTow package. Ford has recalled all 2021s, all 2022s, and some (but probably not all) 2023s with the MaxTow package.

For 2023s, the recall only affects vehicles built on or before 12/25/2022. Most 2023s should have been built after that date. So there should be plenty of folks out there who have 2023s with the MaxTow package, but who have not been affected by the recall. This includes 2023s with the Heavy-Duty Payload Package (HDPP), because that had to be ordered in conjunction with MaxTow for 2023.

There is some reason to suspect that Ford changed the rear axle design after 12/25/2022, and that later 2023s do not have the axle bolt. If you happen to have a 2023 MaxTow or HDPP and no recall notice, would you mind checking? It's easy to do, you just take a small screwdriver and pop the little Ford-branded cap at the center of the rear wheel. On my 2023 HDPP (built in November 2022 and recalled), you can easily see the axle bolt after removing the cap (see pic below). Would love to compare with a 2023 MaxTow or HDPP built after 12/25/2022.

If there is in fact a bolt-less rear axle design for newer 2023 MaxTows, then presumably those of use with older 2023s (and 2021s and 2022s) will be getting it with the recall.

 

I was told the the bolts that failed were not heat treated correctly by the manufacturer

 

That was the original suspicion, but it probably isn't that simple. Over 100,000 trucks from three model years have been recalled. It's not just a bad batch of bolts.

The recall was announced in December 2023, and Ford still hasn't announced the remedy. All we know is that a fix is supposed to be available by Second Quarter 2024 (so by the end of June).

Given that the recall is taking months just to get started, the fix is probably going to be something more than simply replacing an easily-accessible bolt. However, at this time, nobody outside of Ford knows exactly what it will be. There are hints that Ford may have changed the axle design during the 2023 model year to eliminate the problematic bolt. Would be great if someone with a late-production 2023 MaxTow could prove or disprove this theory.

Somebody out there must have one.

 

Why not? I bet the manufacturer churned out all those bolts in a day or two. Its not impossible.

 

Not sure if this helps or not, but my truck is a 2023 with the MaxTow. Built 11/07/2023.
Took it a few minutes ago, so had to use the flash since it was so dark in the driveway. Don't mind all the salt, the high was low 20's today so they sprayed brine on all the major roads and salted the heck out of the others...

 

Thanks, that is what I was looking for. It's not what I was hoping to see, though. Seems like you have an axle bolt just like I do, even though yours was built after 12/25/2022.

You haven't been notified about a recall, right?

 

It just shouldn’t be a single bolt holding the wheel hub. Too much stress for that bolt. No way that’s going to hold up no matter what bolt was used.

 

Ford has been replacing broken bolts under warranty since January 2022. It doesn't solve the problem, the replacement bolts eventually break too. So the NHTSA has ordered Ford to develop a permanent solution.

Still trying to figure out what that solution might be. Was hoping that post-12/25/2022 MaxTows had a different bolt-less design, because they are exempt from the recall, but it doesn't seem like it based on the pic in post #5 above

 

I just bought the truck 02/02/2024 due to my 2014 being in an accident and totaled 01/22/24. There are no open recalls listed and I wasn't informed of any completed while on the lot before I purchased.

 

Actually the recall was announced earlier then 12/23. 12/23 was the amended recall after the initial recall. I had my half shafts swapped out in October '23 after the dealer inspected the axle in September '23 after the 1st notice. Bolts were still intact but were replaced anyway. The replacement half shafts still have the same bolt. I received a 2nd notice in 12/23 for the same half shafts. Now waiting for the final remedy like everyone else.
If what you state is correct then I am also curious if the newer Max Tow's have the same bolt. But those axles might be a completely different design inside which then the half shafts might not be compatible with the older Max Tow axles.
Post 1808 in the "2021 Powerboost Rear Rotor/Axle Bolt Sheared" Sticky Trend has a couple pics showing shaft with bolt and another shaft without bolt. But nothing definitive.