The Recall Desk
Our severity:SevereNHTSA·21V154000·Announced 2021-03-10

Ford Recalls 2020 Explorer and Lincoln Aviator for Rear Suspension Bolt Defect

Ford is recalling 2020 Explorer and Lincoln Aviator vehicles because rear suspension bolts may not be heat-treated, posing a risk of 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 (suspension bolts) that can cause loss of steering control and increase the risk of a crash, meeting the criteria for a Severe rating.

Plain-English summary

Ford Motor Company is recalling certain 2020 Ford Explorer and 2020 Lincoln Aviator vehicles. The recall addresses a defect in the rear lower control arm (RLCA) bolts that attach the rear lower control arms to the wheel knuckles. These bolts may not have been heat-treated during manufacturing, which could cause them to break.

If the RLCA bolts break, it can cause a loss of steering control and increase the risk of a crash. Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace both RLCA bolts free of charge. The recall began on April 2, 2021.

Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 21S11. Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

The recalled product

Product
FORD, LINCOLN EXPLORER, AVIATOR
Brand
FORD
Manufacturer
Ford Motor Company
Category
Vehicle — SUV
Hazard
Affected units
49

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 (2)

  • EXPLORER
  • AVIATOR

Distribution

Distributed nationwide across the United States.

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