The Recall Desk
Our severity:SevereNHTSA·20V675000·Announced 2021-03-12

Ford Recalls 2013-2017 Explorers for Rear Suspension Toe Link Fracture Risk

Ford is recalling specific 2013-2017 Explorer vehicles in 24 states and D.C. because a rear suspension part may fracture, potentially causing loss of steering control.

What this means for you

Our assessment, not the agency’s: severity 4/5 (Severe).

The hazard poses a serious risk of illness, injury, or structural failure. Stop using the product immediately and contact the manufacturer for a refund or repair.

Our severity reasoning: The recall involves a structural vehicle defect (rear suspension toe link fracture) that can result in loss of steering control and increased crash risk, meeting the criteria for a Severe rating.

Plain-English summary

Ford Motor Company is recalling certain 2013-2017 Explorer vehicles that were originally sold or are currently registered in Connecticut, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, and Wisconsin. This recall applies specifically to vehicles that were previously repaired under prior recall numbers 16V-245 or 19V-435.

The defect involves the outboard section of a rear suspension toe link, which may fracture. A fracture in this component can result in a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.

Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the cross-axis ball joint (CABJ) knuckle attached to the rear suspension toe link and replace it as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on November 27, 2020. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332 or the NHTSA Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236.

The recalled product

Product
FORD EXPLORER
Brand
FORD
Manufacturer
Ford Motor Company
Category
Vehicle — SUV
Hazard
Affected units
454,941

Is your product affected?

Check your packaging against the codes below. If any of them match, the product is part of this recall.

Model numbers (1)

  • EXPLORER

Distribution

Distributed nationwide across the United States.

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