Once more, customer deliveries of the Ford F-150 have hit a roadblock in Australia as the popular pickup was found to be non-compliant with local regulations. This setback marks the second time that the Ford F-150 has encountered a pause in deliveries, casting a shadow over its introduction to the Australian market.
Shipments of the F-150 to dealers from RMA Automotive, responsible for the conversion of left- to right-hand drive in Melbourne, were halted last week due to an undisclosed fault. While dealers were permitted to sell vehicles already in stock, a subsequent stop-sale today has suspended customer deliveries altogether. This decision was made as the pickup does not meet certain undisclosed Australian Design Rules (ADRs).
In response to the situation, a spokesperson from Ford Australia explained, “Ford Australia has placed a temporary hold on the sale and delivery of all re-manufactured F-150s, as we have identified that specifications of certain lighting features do not conform to Australian regulatory requirements. Affected vehicles cannot be delivered to customers until appropriate rectification work is complete.”
As a gesture of goodwill to affected F-150 owners in Australia, Ford is offering complimentary servicing for the first five years or 75,000km (whichever comes first) to those who had received or signed contracts for their pickups by May 6, 2024.
This replaces the existing four-year/60,000km service program, with each visit previously priced at $429. This isn’t the first time the F-150 has faced delivery disruptions since its local debut in December 2023.
Sales and customer deliveries were paused on January 1, 2024, due to a turbocharger fault discovered during the remanufacturing process, which could potentially trigger the pickup to enter limp mode.
Moreover, the F-150 has been subject to three recalls within the past six months. In January, a steering fault prompted a recall, with owners advised to cease driving immediately due to the risk of the steering rack separating from the intermediate shaft.
Subsequent recalls addressed a clock spring defect affecting the driver’s airbag and non-compliant side direction indicator lamps, both posing safety concerns. Unlike its North American counterparts, such as the Ram 1500 and Chevrolet Silverado, the F-150 is converted from left- to right-hand drive by Ford’s Thai-based partner RMA Automotive rather than Walkinshaw Automotive Group.
Australian-delivered Ram 1500s undergo conversion by Walkinshaw Automotive Group in collaboration with Ateco under the American Special Vehicles (ASV) brand. Walkinshaw’s involvement extends to Toyota’s Tundra conversions as well, with a limited number of pickups currently on lease to ensure compliance with Toyota’s rigorous standards.