Ford F-150 production disrupted again by a new supply-chain problem

© A. Krivonosov

Ford has again lost several production days for its key F-150 pickup just as it was trying throughout 2026 to make up for earlier lost output. According to Reuters, all shifts at Dearborn Truck Plant were canceled from Thursday, September 24, through Tuesday, September 29 because of a supply issue.

A source cited by the agency said the same disruption also affected Kansas City Assembly Plant, where some shifts were canceled. Kentucky Truck Plant, which builds the heavy-duty F-Series Super Duty, meanwhile increased pickup production.

The cause of the latest supply disruption has not been disclosed. Reuters specifically noted that it is unrelated to the earlier aluminum shortage that followed fires at a Novelis facility. That distinction matters: Ford is effectively dealing with a second, independent supply-chain problem.

The scale of the disruption is especially notable against Ford's recovery plan. After the Novelis crisis, Ford said it wanted to build more than 50,000 additional F-Series trucks in 2026, including more than 45,000 extra gasoline and hybrid F-150s in Dearborn. The plant added a third crew of about 1,200 workers to support that goal.

Ford was also trying to accelerate output of its heavy-duty pickups. In April 2026, Ford Super Duty production rose by more than 11% compared with March. The latest shutdown therefore comes at a time when the company is trying to restore F-Series volumes quickly.

The market is adding pressure as well. Reuters reported that Ford's total U.S. sales in January-August were down about 10% year over year, while F-Series sales fell 11%. It is not yet clear whether Ford will fully recover the lost shifts after production resumes on September 29.