2023 Ford F-150 Production Is Haulted Due to 1 Missing Part
We know these Ford F-150 delays are getting ridiculous. We’re ready for the automotive industry to get back on track, but supply chain shortages keep striking in surprising ways. Now 2023 Ford F-150 production is halted due to one important missing piece.
Why is 2023 Ford F-150 production struggling?
The 2023 Ford F-150 production is currently stopped because there is a door handle shortage! Did the ordering manager mishandle this situation? We aren’t sorry for that pun. Also, Ford is taking temporary steps to handle the problem.
The shortage is for the gas-powered models and the electric Ford F-150 Lightning. Production is impacted at the Dearborn Truck Plant, Rouge Electric Vehicle Center,
According to Ford Authority, Ford is struggling to source the correct door handles. Production was stopped for a few days because of this issue but has partially resumed. Workers have been using substitute truck door handles to keep things moving until the correct parts arrive.
In some cases, the door handles are the wrong color, which might not be a big issue for some drivers. The trucks with mismatching colors will be parked until matching colors come in, and the temporary handles can be replaced.
However, some of the substitute door handles might have the incorrect keyhole. Will this keep workers from entering the vehicle to perform quality checks? These models will also be parked until the correct handles arrive.
A Ford spokeswoman shared that while a supplier part shortage affects some North American plants, Ford expects to make up for all impacted production. Plus, most F-150 models have the correct door handles.
How long is the wait for the 2023 F-150?
With the best-case scenario, a new 2023 Ford F-150 model can be built in about 10 to 12 weeks. But you might find yourself waiting for about three to six months before your truck is delivered.
Some delays are pushing things out a little further with up to an 11-month wait time. But on a positive note, the 2023 F-150 has already entered production, and inventory levels have been improving.
Ford didn’t share how long it could take to receive the correct door handles, possibly pushing a few orders back. But you might be able to find brand-new F-150 models sitting at local dealerships.
New vehicle inventory in February 2023 was up by 7% compared to last year. This could make it easier to find F-150 models and lead to declining prices.
Can you order the 2023 F-150?
You can still place orders for the 2023 Ford F-150. However, some trim levels and packages are sold out. For example, the F-150 Rattler and SuperCab models with the STX Black Package are no longer available.
Production of the 2023 model should continue into the fall so Ford can catch up on existing orders before the 2024 model debuts. The 2024 Ford F-150 order banks will probably open around July.
Things have been hurt by the ongoing semiconductor shortage and supply chain constraints for badging, seat foam, port lid fenders, hard top materials, tires, and more. Now Ford has to deal with the incorrect handles! At least things are finally starting to get back on track.
