Labor Strike Leads to Ford Steering Wheel Shortages

Feb. 26, 2019—A labor strike in Mexico forced Ford Motor Co. to build Mustang cars and Explorer SUVs with temporary steering wheels and hold thousands of the vehicles in nearby parking lots awaiting parts, reported The Detroit Free Press.

While waiting, Ford sent approximately 3,200 factory workers home for two weeks of unplanned down time at the Flat Rock Assembly Plant south of Detroit, the company confirmed Monday. Workers at the Oakville Assembly Plant in Ontario were sent home for three days while waiting for parts to install in the Ford Flex and Lincoln Nautilus.

Mexico's new president has promised to dramatically increase pay, which prompted strikes from workers until the promise was fulfilled, according to the report.

As of Monday, Ford employees confirmed that the supply of steering wheels had resumed.