‘It was only a matter of time.’
Before a vehicle ever reaches mass production, it goes through extensive testing. Even then, some issues only show up after thousands of trucks are already on the road. That’s where recalls come in.
When that happens, manufacturers supply replacement parts or repair guidelines to dealerships, and owners are asked to bring their vehicles in to local dealerships. The problem is, those parts don’t always arrive on time.
That appears to be the case with Ford recall 23S65, which affects certain F-150 models and has been a point of frustration for both owners and technicians.
A mechanic on TikTok recently shared what the process looks like from inside the shop.
In a video that has garnered more than 74,000 views, TikTok creator Hailey the Mechanic (@haileythemechanic) films herself replacing a rear axle component on a Ford F-150.
“This recall has been out for three years and this is the first time I’ve seen parts for it,” she wrote in the video’s text overlay. At the end of the clip, she shows the rusted axle she removed.
“The axle wasn’t broken yet, but it was only a matter of time,” she added on-screen. She then asked viewers a question in the caption: “How much do you think it pays?”
In the comments section, other mechanics and service workers shared similar frustrations.
“I’ve had customers bring their F-150s in back numerous times for other service and each time the advisor puts the axle recall on the ticket, but parts still no show,” one person wrote.
“I HATE THIS RECALLLLLLLL. Everyone is mad at me like Ford is the one to yell at. Sorry,” another added.
“Them things have been on back order forever. At one point there was over 100k on back order, 25k of those being VOR (vehicle off road),” a third said.
According to Ford’s official statement, recall 23S65 affects certain 2021–2024 F-150 trucks equipped with the Trailer Tow Max Duty Package.
The issue is a rear-axle hub bolt that can fracture over time. If that happens, it can lead to a loss of drive power and may also affect the truck’s ability to remain in park, increasing the risk of crashes and injury on the road.
For context, the axle is an important component of the drivetrain. It essentially transfers power from the engine to the wheels, making it possible for the car to move. Naturally, if something in that system fails, it immediately affects drivability.
Ford estimates the recall affects roughly 113,000 vehicles in the United States.
For vehicle owners, recall repairs are typically free. The manufacturer covers the cost of parts and labor.
For technicians, however, the situation works a bit differently.
When it comes to recalls, most dealership mechanics are paid on a flat-rate system, meaning they’re paid a set amount per hour, based on how long the job takes.
In this case, some commenters shared what the recall pays.
“Been doing this recall a ton and Ford pays 1.1,” one user wrote.
That means the job is billed at 1.1 labor hours. If a technician’s rate is $30 per hour, they’d earn about $33 for the repair.
Others noted that pay can vary depending on location.
“This recall ain’t bad, I’m in NY so I can claim state labor for 2.4 and it takes me about an hour to,” another commenter added.
Motor1 has reached out to Ford via email for comment and to Hailey via TikTok and Instagram direct messages. We will update this story if either party responds.
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– The Motor1.com Team